Regarding cars and pedestrians

Hmm, cultural differences. They can be interesting to observe and get accustomed to. Even semi-small things like how traffic operates. 

So another thing that has taken me a while to get used to here is the small matter of crossing a street. :) 

Apparently the unspoken rules (well, they may be spoken and even written somewhere...) is that when a pedestrian crosses at a crosswalk, any oncoming cars have to wait until the pedestrian has crossed, or at least is out of the car's way. On the other hand, if the pedestrian crosses as if what we call "jaywalking", then the pedestrian has to wait and the driver has the "right-of-way". 

As a result, this American has had to face her fear that the-car-won't-stop-for-me when crossing in a crosswalk, though she has partially paused her crossing more than once when a car approached. But then the car stops and I feel safe to continue walking across. :) 

Random Observations & First Impressions...of Spain and Spaniards

* Everything is later here, both beginning and ending. 

- e.g. The first class at the centro (where I take classes here) does not even start until 9:30 am. 

- e.g. It is not uncommon for people to be out in the town (in a bar, etc.) until the wee hours of the morning. 

* Spaniards are very direct people: while they don't [necessarily] intend to be rude, they speak what they think and don't bother with what Americans consider 'common courtesy'. 

- e.g. When my señora (hostess) wants me to do something or needs help, she doesn't ask "Can you come and help me with this?" - she tells me, "Ven, hija (Come, daughter - what she usually calls me). Do this for me." 

* One is not easily admitted into their affections, but once you are, you're treated like a family friend. 

- e.g. My señora sent my roommate and me to a tienda to meet a friend of hers. When we first entered, the woman's expression read (to me) "Who are you and why do you ask for me?" But upon hearing who we were, her entire face changed and her behavior was then, "Ah, you are friends! If I can help you with anything, let me know!" 

- e.g. If the person passing you on the street does not know you, he/she will walk past without even looking in your direction, acting like you're not even there. 

* If two people who do know each other meet on the street, they will 1) stop to chat, or 2) wave as they walk past and call out "¡Luego!" (This means "later". Why they say this, I don't know.) Maybe it depends on the level of acquaintance. 

* Spaniards are very touchy people, much more so than Americans are (or permit others to be).  They will not usually refrain (depending on, again, the level of acquaintance) from standing very close to you and even taking your arm while talking to you. It can be both awkward and amusing to experience. It is very common to see friends (especially/mostly women) walking arm in arm. 

* Fashion is the way to dress! For younger women, for example, this means short skirts over leggings and knee-high boots. For older women, it means long [fur] coats. ...Facial piercings at times. ...All types of hairstyles. 

* It does rain and snow a lot during the winter. :) 

* Spain is a country of walkers, not drivers, whether in a town like Segovia or in a major city like Madrid. The streets are always filled with people - except between 2:00 and 5:00 (the siesta/closed-business hours. 

* They are very free with romantic physical affection, as well as that between friends. It is very common to see couples embracing and/or kissing in the street. 

* Smoking is also popular and it is permitted in many places, including bus stations. 

Well, that's enough for now. But I'm sure I will have more later. :)