How to spot Spaniards in northern Europe
Pablo//1 min
It's quite funny noticing the things that set Spaniards — and Latinos in general — apart the moment they go abroad, making them instantly distinguishable from the locals.
Walk into a McDonald's and look for whoever has their laptop and phone out on the table, making full use of the free Wi-Fi without having ordered a single thing. Latinos, nine times out of ten.
You're walking down the street and the noise level suddenly spikes. Safe bet: there are several Spaniards nearby. Italians occasionally, but less often.
Someone crosses on a red light, or just cuts straight across the road, weaving between cars. Most likely me — I mean... some Spaniard.
You get on the bus and notice a few people who haven't validated their ticket, standing strategically close to the machine so they can tap in if an inspector appears. Spaniards or Russians — easily told apart by skin tone.
Spanish restaurants in the old town (or with a little Spanish flag out front): assume they will be packed with Spanish tourists. Despite the obvious irony of travelling to another country to eat the same food you could get walking out your own front door.
Someone in the supermarket weighing out pears, apples or pastries — then keeping the bag open to add more before tying it off. Another Latino.
A group of young people shouting and drinking in the street at some ungodly hour, sitting down with no intention of going anywhere: classic Spanish botellón. Almost certainly Erasmus students.
Any other classic Spanish tourist habits abroad? Do you recognise yourself?
