Public transportation
Spain has one of the finest systems of public transportation.
Bus:
All the large Spanish cities have a modern urban bus system servicing routes that connect different parts of the city. There is a good information system that provides travelers with information about the different routes. Travelers are often provided with free bus schedules at certain destinations along the bus route. Many cities run a bus line at night, though more limited, which operates all night and which accesses main points of the city. These night busses pass less frequently and the routes serviced are more limited than those of the day busses. The night busses are dubbed búhos, "owls".
The Metro:
Some cities, especially Madrid, operate one of the most outstanding and modern metro systems in all of Europe. Travelers can also obtain free metro plans that provide information about the routes serviced. The metro is a popular and ideal alternative to the traffic on the streets above.
Cercanías Regional Train:
This is a high-quality train service that operates routes that connect bigger cities with smaller ones. Travelers may obtain free plans that provide schedule and line information. The train terminals usually directly coincide with a metro or bus stop.
Taxi:
Spanish citizens depend on a modern taxi service system. All taxis adhere to an official standard rate charged to passengers. These official rates also designate supplementary fares for passenger luggage, special destinations, etc. If so requested by the passenger, taxi drivers are obligated to provide a receipt that specifies the billed elements of the service, as well as noting the points of pick-up and destination. Some cities have a monthly transport pass and/or a travel pass (10 trips) which can be used for the metro, the bus, the Cercanías regional train, or any combination thereof. It is usually more economical to use these passes, which are sold only in specific locations, depending on the city.
Public transportation
Living a day in Spain or daily life
Living a day in Spain or daily life:
The Spanish food is very healthy and hearty too.
Normally for Breakfast : it consists of coffee filled cup with milk or hot chocolate, and a pastry or toast with butter and jam, or with olive oil. Freshly-squeezed orange juice is a staple of a Spanish breakfast. The rest of the afternoon people prefer to have coffee until lunch hour.
For them Lunch is the most important meal of the day ,during 1:30 and 4:00 in the afternoon. Lunch consisting of an appetizer, an entrée, and a dessert, with many options from which to choose. Bread and beverage are usually included in the price. The food is lighter or heavier depending on the season and on the region, but in any case, they provide adequate sustenance for the remaining hours ahead, which, contrary to popular belief, are not spent in a post-meal nap.
Dinner. Dinner is not as important in Spain as it is considered a minor meal. The dinner hour is between 9:30 and 11:00 at night and in many cases, especially during the summer and on the weekends, dinner usually consists of bite-sized portions of food, called tapas or raciones, which are small fare but supply enough energy.
Business Hours
Business Hours
In general, business hours for most stores throughout the country start at 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon, Monday to Saturday. The afternoon schedule is normally from 5:00 to 8:00. Department stores have an uninterrupted schedule, and most boutiques and department stores are typically open the first Sunday of every month. Restaurants are open from 1:00 until 4:00 for lunch, and from 8:00 to 11:00 for dinner. In smaller restaurants, as well as in bars and cafés, it is possible to get something at any hour.
Banks are open from 8:30 in the morning until 2:30 in the afternoon, Monday to Friday. From October to April, banks are also open on Saturdays from 9:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon.
The majority of public services, including civil centers and health clinics, are open from 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon from Monday to Friday.
Currency and Exchange Rate
Currency and Exchange Rate:
This is what is always on our mind ,would I be able to send money ,if yes how much I can send what would be the ideal time to send and many more questions that linger in our mind.
Spain is part of the European union which means that alongwith Spain , France, Germany, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Belgium, Luxemburg, Holland, Austria, and Finland also share a sigle currency which makes it easier for you to spend in the rest of the above given countries without any worries which is fondly called Free Movement.
Carrying Travellers cheques can be exchanged in banks easily but other than bank you need go through a lot of offices so be prepared if you dnt want to exchange them other than in banks.
It is not advisable to use credits cards during your trip to spain since they involve very high bank fees per transaction.Like in any other Visa, American Express, Master card , and Diner’s Club cards are accepted in most commercial establishments.
And also major cities have private exchange offices which change cash and, also some exchange traveller’s checks too though they charge commissions on them.
Living in Spain
Living in Spain
The climate of spain is sunny through out the year , but has four seasons which are distinct depending on the geographical locations of spain. The climate differences vary mostly or change wioth out notice.
Summer. The temperatures vary between 25 and 35 C or 77 and 95 F.but is always advisable to have some thick dressing during the night time
Autumn. the temperature is rather irregular. some days may be cloudy and a little chillier, but typically sunny. raincoats become part of the dressing along with a sweater Temperatures vary between 15 and 19 C or 59 and 66 F but in coastal areas, the temperatures are more stable.
Winter. Although Spain is far away from extremely cold regions, the winters are cold and it snows in some areas including the mountains,, perfect for those winter sports enthusiast.Temperatures range between 2 and 15 degrees C and 35 or 59 degrees F.
Spring. The temperature fluctuates during this season. Sometimes it rains and it can be cold, but if the sun comes out, it is time to enjoy more pleasant temperatures. During this season you will need both winter and summer clothing. Temperatures vary between 10 and 21 C or 50 and 70 F.
Languages
Officially there are four main languages depending on their regional area other than English.
Spainish is one of the most official languages in 21 countries in the world and close four hundred million people around the world speak Spanish i.e., 100 times than the actual population of spain.
Many international organisations who use languages to their business purposes use Spanish too.
Spanish Fact Sheet
Spanish Fact Sheet:
Spain happened to the powerful empire of the seasduring the 16th and 17th centuries .Due to the industrial revolutions France, german and english went ahead became more powerful in economic and political power.
Though it had remained neutral during the world wars ,the civil war during 1936-1939 the country suffered a lot .the death of spainish dictator Francisco Franco in 1975,and spain joining EU in 1986 gave spain a chance to be more dynamic in Economy and a global champion of freedom.
The Iberian peninsula was ruled by independent kingdoms until the Muslim occupation during the 8th Century AD for nearly 700years.
The country full name is Kingdom of Spain and its surface are is about 504,784 square Kms. Madrid is the capital of spain .
There are about 17 religious communities in spain, but 94% are catholic .Spain is governed by the parliament.
· Spain has an estimated population of 4 million plus according to a report till july 2007.
