Basque, Spain: Did You Know...

Did you know that sangria isn't really popular in Northern Spain?

Did you know that thoritos are.. they are mini beers, so you can hop from bar to bar and have different pintxos.. or tapas.. no cover charges!! yippee.

Did you know that the area I live in is known as Pais Vascoor the Basque Country?

Did you know that the people here are actually quite closed. To my actual dismay, men are not calling after you on the streets, in fact they rarely approach unless they can barely walk, let alone complete a sentence after a night of drinking?

Did you know that the Basque language is the oldest and one of the most difficult languages to learn in the world?

Did you know that many people in this region want to be a separate country?

Did you know that they were persecuted during the rule of Franco? They weren't allowed to speak their language or practice any of the customs or there would be serious consequences.

Did you know that Catalunia (a region near Barcelona) also wants their independence from Spain?

Did you know that many people from England immigrate to Spain for a better lifestyle. They are tired of the crime, weather, and high stress jobs.

Did you know that on the reverse side, unemployment is extremely high in Spain and many move to London for job opportunities. London is Europe's NYC - people who live there absolutely love it.

Did you know that the Basque have their Three Kings and a countryman character Olent Cero, but not Santa Claus?

Did you know that the government is requiring their employees to speak Basque and if they don't they have to leave their jobs (universities, hospitals, schools)?

Did you know it is hardest for our generation because Franco was in rule and Basque wasn't taught in schools while they were growing up so they are at a real disadvantage when applying for jobs?

Did you know that May 1st is a big deal here.. but Cinco de Mayo is from Mexico, not here?

Did you know there was a peace treaty by the terrorists here just a couple of months ago.. fingers crossed!

Did you know that I will be walking down the street and a mob of people will come out of nowhere holding up signs of their loved ones who are in jail. They feel it is inhumane to have them in jails across the country and not close to their families. The government does this so (this is what im told) so the terrorists cant conspire.

Did you know that sometimes these protests get violent and the streets clear? Cops come wearing full gear.. it's pretty scary.

Did you know that it just seems so out of place in an otherwise beautiful, rich, calm city?

Did you know that one day I went to buy bread and all of the stores were closed. I thought it was siesta, and then realized all the stores closed because a terrorist in jail died.. well his funeral was that day. Other terrorists threatened the store owners so they would close their shops out of respect. There is still a lot of fear.

Did you know that there were things like extortion, bombings and murders. Some of my friend's family members (and friends) have left to live in other areas to avoid trouble.

Did you know that NO-ONE talks about this... It's like it's not happening.

Did you know that people wouldn't wear the colors of the Spanish flag here because of the terrorists. They really do consider themselves another country. Some are also afraid that they will be harassed...

Did you know that the children start getting on busses and go to school by age 2?

Did you know that every family buys fresh new bread every day and has it with every meal?

Did you know that wine here is so cheap, cheaper than a cup of coffee.. and it is top wine.. You would probably pay $10 a glass in Boston.

Did you know that they have private schools that teach classes in ONLY German, or English or Basque.. Languages are a requirement here to go far in your career... especially English.

Did you khow that it is light outside here until 10 pm and I can be on the beach until 8 pm, and it feels like it's 3 in the afternoon?

Did you know that mullets are huge here.. even on women.. it's really not attractive. My fellow american friends and I get a chuckle everytime we see them. I really don't get it..

Did you know that my friends feel they can relate to the difficulties I have travelling while Bush is in office, bc people stereotype them as terrorists, even if they have absolutely nothing to do with it (which most don't).

Did you know that they don't have typical Spanish names? Examples are Alaitz, Iker, Inaki, Inara..

Did you know that San Sebastian is known world wide for the best surfing?

Did you know that when we learned Spanish in school with the c as an s sound.. doesn't work here? it's th...for example... Gracias is GRATHIAS. It feels wrong when you first try to speak that way.

Did you know that chefs are celebrities here, and if you go to Blue Ginger in Wellesley they will know everything about Basque cuisine.

Did you know that I met a girl from Sweden and she told me that men and women are quite equal 50/50...they are known for their progressive culture.

Did you also know that if you didn't take off your shoes in someones house in Sweden...it's considered unsanitary and rude.

Did you know that big celebrites like Ben Affleck and others are in really cheesy commercials here... for colonge and things. They would never do that in the States.

Did you know that if you mention NYC to anyone in Europe their eyes light up, whether they have been there or not.

Did you know that most people go to meet their friends for a cup of coffee everyday and that the restaurants stay open ONLY for drinks, coffees etc. If you try to order food before 9 pm, they think you're crazy.

Did you know they have similar TV shows... Lost, Desperate Housewives, House, and others... often a bit behind...

Did you know in a small village outside San Sebastian there is a famous bridge that was built by the same architect who designed the Eiffel Tower.. Can't remember his name right now... sorry...

Did you know that if someone calls you here on your cell phone that it only uses their money or minutes.. it's often a cat and mouse game of who will call who :)

Did you know that even though Spain has a democracy now, for years religion was forced on them by Franco, birth control was not allowed, and it was very much a dictatorship. People were scared..

Did you know that they all get the month of August off for vacation.. in fact it's mandatory... so hotels, flights... everything go way up in price b-c everyone is trying to leave...

Did you know that there were so many fiestas and holidays here, I got bored and used to everyone (men and women, all ages) dressed up in intricate costumes beating drums. They do know how to celebrate life for sure..

Did you know that whore houses (yes, whorehouses) are legal and many bachelor parties go there instead of strip clubs.. this horrified me. Many claim to just have drinks with them... Every man I knew here admitted to going to one and thought it was weird I would get so upset. So it's a bars full of hookers and you pay to go upstairs. blech.

Did you know that even though there is siesta, business people do not go home. They stay at work and are starting to work long hours like Americans.

Did you know that nudity in movies and in general is really not that uncommon on beaches, even here in San Sebastian.

Did you know that my first week here there was a race where everyone ran on the beach naked and they showed it on the news... EVERYTHING and one of Tims friends was on TV,... I found this bizarre...

Did you know that people ride motorbikes here... EVERYONE. You will see women in high heels and suits b-c traffic problems are so bad...

Did you know that wages for even prestigious jobs are miserably low. ON the other hand, once you are in with a government job, you are IN.

Did you know that health insurance is not a worry here... Socialized medicine. Has its pros and cons...

Did you know that everyone except zillionaires live in aparments. I live in an aparment and it's a $500,000 home.

Did you know that you should have a separate plate for each course in Spain.. learned that the hard way..

Did you know that if you try to make English words like excited and embarrassed into Spanish words by adding an o.. you can get yourself into a lot of trouble...

Did you know that I probably could write about a million more statements.. maybe I'll email more later.

Did you know that Im coming home in a week... crazy...

besos, Colleen