Tips for Volunteers
Be ready for trip
Take warm clothes and an umbrella
A little about the weather⛅
Contrary to common misconception, winter and late autumn in Spain are quite cool. Since we live in the Arenas de San Pedro in the mountains, there is practically no snow here, but it does get quite rainy. So bring a warm jacket, raincoat or umbrella.
Siesta and consequences
Ready, Set, Go!
Siesta, an old Spanish tradition still followed by the Spaniards. Shops usually open from 9 am to 2 pm, followed by a long siesta from 2 pm to 6 pm, and the end of the working day comes at 9-10 pm. You should also keep in mind that people close before business hours, so if you want to go to the store before a siesta, it's best to do so 15-20 minutes before it closes.
Parallel universe
About organizing meetings⏳
Time flows differently here, if you have an appointment after lunch, then you should take into account that they have lunch here from 14 to 16, so most likely the meeting will be after 16. The Spaniards are also terribly optional people, so being late here is not considered a sign of bad taste.
Learn Spanish
Or practice pantomime
Seriously, very few people here speak English. It is likely that if you stay in Madrid or Valencia you will meet a lot of English speaking staff, but if you go to a bank or government office be prepared to speak Spanish. There is nothing to say about continental Spain ... In general, nowhere without Spanish.
About meetings and acquaintances
Communication instruction👐
When you introduce yourself to the other person, shake hands with them. After the relationship is consolidated, the handshake between men may be by hugging or patting on the shoulder. Female friends when shaking hands kiss each other on both cheeks, starting from the left. People in Spain as a general rule are often referred to as Don or Dona and their first name when they are on an occasion.
Local hospitality
A bit about traditions
If you are invited to a Spanish home, you can bring chocolates, sweets, or cakes, wine, liqueur, or flowers to the host. If you have children, it is possible for the hosts to know this, to prepare a dinner and prepare a small gift for them. Traditional dishes in Spain are Tortilla and Paella, and locals can also treat you to popular drinks such as horchata (made from nuts and rice) and tinto de verano (a cold alcoholic drink similar to sangria)
