SPAIN
Capital: Madrid
Population: app. 47 190 000
Language: Spanish
Currency: Euro
Religion: Roman-Catholicism dominates
Useful information:
Country code: +34
Emergency phone: 112
Police: 091
Ambulance: 061
Directory assistance: 118
Electricity:
Spain’s standard electricity supply is 220 Volts, 50 Hz. Standard European style outlets are in use.
Payment cards:
Master Card and Visa are widely accepted.
Spanish cuisine:
Spanish cuisine is based on fish, seafood, tomatoes, potatoes, olive oil and wine. Most popular appetizer is the tapas, which may be cold or warm. Spain’s most famous dish is paella, a rice dish with three widely known types. Paella consists of rice, saffron, olive oil, seafood, chorizo, green vegetables, tomatoes and other ingredients.
Typical prices:
Coffee in a bar – 1,20-2,00 euro
A meal in a restaurant – from 7 euro
A bottle of mineral water (1.5 l) – from 0,40 Bread roll – from 0,30 euro Wine – from 1,5 euro
Weather conditions:
The climate in Spain varies widely, with its northern provinces much cooler than the south. Winters are cold in the center, with occasional snowall. Andalusia, which lies in the south, has Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Along the Atlantic coast in the north, Novembers are very wet and rainy.
Places to see:
Barcelona – the capital of Catalonia. This city has something special for every visitor. From fabulous works of architect Antoni Gaudi (Park Guell, Sagrada Familia), through the labyrinth of narrow streets in the Gothic Quarter (with the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, Placa Sant Jaume, Torre Telefonica and the port), ending with La Rambla street, with its public market La Boqueria, full of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Burgos – with its 13th century cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The cathedral was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984.
El Camino – or the Way of Saint James, a popular pilgrimage route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, northwestern Spain.
Madrid – a cosmopolitan heart of Spain, where history merges with modern times. Among its must-see attractions are Museo del Prado (the main Spanish national art museum, with paintings of Goya and Velazquez), and the Puerta del Sol – one of the best known and busiest places in Madrid.
Manresa – with its houses arranged around the basilica of Santa María de la Seo. The town is a place of pilgrimage for Catholics, due to its association with Saint Ignatius of Loyola
Montserrat – a mountain top monastery in Catalonia. Situated atop a rock mountain, it is popular among Catholic pilgrims. Here, the statue of the Virgin of Montserrat can be found.
San Sebastián – a popular resort and a coastal city, picturesquely located on the coast of the Bay of Biscay.
Santiago de Compostela – a World Heritage City, and a destination of the Way of St. James. well-preserved city. According to a legend, the remains of the apostle James were brought here for burial.
Mini phrase book:
Good morning – Buenos días
Good bye – Adios
Hi – Hola
How are you? – ¿Como estas?
Yes – Si
No – No
Please – Por favor
Thank you – Gracias
Excuse me – Lo siento / Perdon
You are welcome – De nada
Help! – ¡Socorro!
Where is the restroom? – ¿Dónde está el baño?
How much does it cost? – ¿Cuanto cuesta?
Do you speak English? – ¿Habla usted inglés?
I don’t understand – No entiendo
