Jen's Blog

Of course being in a different country there are bound to be some things that really stand out to you. Some of my observations were silly, ridiculous, or serious. I started keeping track throughout the trip so I would remember some of them. I’ll share them with you by country or if I noticed it in both countries I’ll list it under both.

Spain

• English was not spoken as much as you’d expect in Madrid
• The girls in Barcelona in general were SO skinny
• Having a TV in your bathroom is amazing and absolutely necessary (even if I’ve gone my whole life without it).
• On an International flight (or at least Iberia) the alcohol is FREE so drink much and drink often.
• The wait service at restaurants is TERRIBLE. I never thought service could be so bad (read: rude, slow, unhelpful). I was never so happy to see a Chili’s Too in the Miami airport.

Germany

• All of the places we stayed (besides the hostel) gave you a real key for the hotel. Not even like the key to your apartment but one of those old-timey keys. So quaint.
• There were SO many pugs in Munich!
• After a meal, it was common to take a shot (I’m guessing like a digestif) which is already a little strange. But we witnessed the parents of 3 children doing it too. My parents wouldn’t even have a glass of wine with dinner out at a restaurant! 

Both

• (Some) Alcohol is cheaper than water (amazing)
  
• Dogs were allowed to walk off their leashes throughout the cities. If a dog started sniffing or got behind, the owner wouldn’t even look back and it would be up to the dog to catch up.
• You know how in America in general people immediately put their napkins in their lap? Yeah they NEVER do it there. Throughout the meal, the napkin remains on the table. 
• All the lion statues (and there were a ton) had balls. Someone took the time to separately sculpt the lion’s testicles.
• Oh and all the dogs had balls too. That is to say they apparently don’t believe in neutering. Bob Barker needs to take a trip over there.