Is Spain Really the Worst Country in Western Europe?

[@kublaifr]

No, it’s not, Spain is currently one of the best countries in the West. A French.

[@joestrummerr]

.......it is all about opinion.......no more

[@jorgeo4483]

I am Spanish. Yes, it is horrible, unbearable, the worst in Europe, no, in the world, don't come.

[@Achineche]

​@@jorgeo4483Totalmente de acuerdo 😂 yo estoy harto de la perdida de identidad que tenemos en este país... Mis Islas Canarias están arrasadas entre los que vienen superiormente de Europa y lo que vienen de LATAM y África

[@simonsena1378]

Totally agree, the economy is doing well, with low inflation in relation to the rest of Europe. A possible solar and wind power powerhouse. Great free and universal health system.

[@angelmoreno6577]

​@@Achinecheque lo que ellos quieren es hablar mal de España en general, no de la política actual, no te enteras?

[@stevetilk4926]

Haters gonna hate. I’m visiting La Coruna next year and I can’t wait. I love Spain.

[@mikemonroy1]

Life lesson at age 65. People who tend to complain. Will always have something to complain about. My observation by listening to this article by Stu. When this writer from the Spectator leaves the room. The lights will turn on. Just saying in simple terms. "Painting the kettle black". Legal resident of Spain for 30 years. US Navy retired. Have a nice day.

[@amarco.m]

Spain is one the best countries in the world. We couldn’t ask for better neighbors and brothers. From a Portuguese guy

[@marcusmaher-triskellionfil5158]

Com certeza cara.😅😅😅

[@Sandra-r1l]

Gracias , vecino un abrazo desde Coruña .

[@steveath]

Legal resident, 22 years in the Canary Islands. It is paradise compared with England for us! We feel safe, have fantastic weather, cheap supermarkets, cheap to eat out - not much to complain about!

[@37Raffaella]

@@steveath I live there too…..Paradise🌴🌋

[@37Raffaella]

@@steveath I have lived here for 30 years….

[@kasnilistopadski]

Nice to take a break, to swimm like in a pool cause the ground under it is, of course, dead white sand - if you're into that kinda "beauty" A day or two enough and leaving

[@steveath]

@@kasnilistopadski No pool, off the beaten track with lots of trees & greenery. Peace & quiet!

[@kasnilistopadski]

​@@steveathI meant the soulless lifeless sea bottom as a comparesment, understand me ?

[@James-ni1ws]

No this guy is wrong being from the UK , right now it's got to be the UK the worst place in Europe definitely not Spain 😂viva espana xx

[@rogerdavies2796]

Very childish. How old are you ?

[@loveulez]

Imagine actually thing the UK worst when there's Ukraine

[@marshac1479]

Zoe is a woman's name and no, like Spain the UK is not one of the worst countries

[@juantorres-dj3fn]

Looks like somebody is HURT by Spain's resurgence hahaha. If we compare Spain and England today the contrast is striking. From infraestructure to their cities and cleanliness, safety etc. So..this is clearly a british who cannot accept the decline of her own country. Just ask 100 people who have visited Spain and Britain and asked them which one was nicee and you'd be shocked by the percentages. I am not spaniard by the way, but I have been to both countries six months ago

[@kdannothere]

Agree. Bth, the article is free so it means somebody has paid for that already😉

[@philippe_grosvenor_le_normand]

Il est jaloux de l’espagne, j’aime beaucoup votre pays ,bonjour de France

[@MikaelSegerstrom]

Is Zoe Strimpel the worst writer in the west ?

[@teddybaker7231]

The Tory press at its best, the uk with overflowing prisons, ferry terminal car parks, nhs wards and crumbling schools is picking on the Spanish, thanks for giving me a laugh Stuart. Great work from you again.

[@edl7454]

that is priceless, there is not enough money in this world for me to even think about visiting that chitthole. That's why they are moving in droves to Spain.

[@elingrome5853]

Unfortunately Spain is now also welcoming in the surgeons and doctors- with similar results

[@CaptainTodger69]

UK has got to be the worst country in western Europe atm... by a long shot

[@teddydavis2339]

The worst? What an exaggeration. This person should just say they don't like Spain, but to say it's the worst country in the West is just pure exaggeration. Spain isn't perfect, but looney left and right are so much worse in the US. This person is so wrong about the gastronomy. Spanish food is absolutely delicious. I know it's a matter of taste, but Spain has so much variety. Bullfighting is outdated. Killing animals for sport is no longer amusing to must of us. I lived in 5 Europeans countries, and Spain was my favorite, by far.

[@MufasaRizz]

Very well said Sir.

[@joestrummerr]

if you read ......she said the most aweful place to vacation.....no more. again, all this is one person´s opinion.......Spanish food is not the worst but it certainly is not the best. They consume to much pork and grey foods. People boast about their mediterranean diet....Yes, if you live on the coast. Once a food product is frozen and shipped, the product looses 50% of it´s nutritional value (depending on said product)

[@MufasaRizz]

​@@joestrummerr Im here in Spain and the food is the absolute best in the world. Also, no stomache aches, no felling bogged down. Food is crazy safe to eat unlike America full of bad chemicals. I havent needed to take my prevacid for 12 days today.

[@eurostar0711]

Sanchez is good friends with Biden and Kamala and he gets advice from them.

[@MufasaRizz]

​@@eurostar0711 Well, it aint working, Spain runs very well and the elders are taken care of unlike America.

[@theSSHITT]

Well good Zoe, we won´t miss you. Spanish food and literature is awesome! She forgot to mention tortilla, croquetas, albondigas, Lorca, Lope de Vega, Benito Perez Galdos, Clarín etc.

[@margaritabrett6904]

So sad to hear all the negatives to do with Spain these days. There is no utopia, but I love Spain & am so grateful God led me to retire here 21 yrs ago. Spain is the BEST ❤❤❤ and I have NO regrets.🙏

[@ericksonjudkins3953]

You are absolutely right

[@ericksonjudkins3953]

Hello margarita

[@ericksonjudkins3953]

Do you reside in Spain 🇪🇸?

[@QB2ERS]

Take no notice of the drivel spouted by the UK hrub street gutter press.

[@QB2ERS]

That's grub street!

[@Kerbeygrip]

The writer has not been to Zaragoza or Toledo, Santander or Bilbao. I have travelled annually to a different European destination. I am 79. I LIVE in Spain by choice after all my wanderings. The author trots out clichéd nonsense.

[@JuanAmeritano-yj5xt]

@@Kerbeygrip I'm 78 and would not even try or want to visit England. I just took a trip on Feve through the beautiful green heart of Galicia. Wow! It is so beautiful. Sat today in a restaurant harborside on a perfect fall day in a northern coastal city in Galicia. It was wonderful. I won't say where because I don't want it overrun with tourists. It's the kind of off the beaten track place that real travelers find.

[@marcanthonyfranz]

I love Spain. Not the bull fighting, but I love the people, language, culture and food. I hope to visit again someday. From South Africa.

[@Animalistic9]

Though there are truths in the article, it's just a hit piece focusing on the negatives, or perceived negatives of Spain! Spain is a beautiful country rich with beautiful & inspiring people!

[@Lallahoda]

She's obviously a zio and hates Spain's stance for what is right. Her words although very poisonous cant touch Spain since people know the truth. Spain is awesome !

[@actionjackson9385]

Absolutely, you've seen straight through her.

[@moonmist9]

Agreed

[@happyslappy5203]

Dunno, Brits are rushing to Spain on Ryanair, the cheapest and most festive airline: « Brawl erupts on Ryanair flight from Bristol to Tenerife leaving female passenger with a bloody nose » 29 Nov 2023 « Ryanair in emergency landing after mass brawl breaks out onboard flight from UK to Canary » 19 jan 2024 « Chaos on Ryanair flight from Edinburgh to Tenerife as men and woman brawl » 21 feb 2024 « Mass brawl forces Ryanair 'flight from hell' to make emergency landing » 7 July 2024 « Brawl breaks out on Ryanair flight as passengers have punch-up in middle of aisle » 20 Aug 2024 « Chaos on Ryanair flight from Manchester to Ibiza as 'several passengers join fight' in front of families » 9 sep 2024

[@verttijineu2776]

😳😂😂😂😂😂

[@QB2ERS]

Brits abroad, what's new?

[@anglosaxonbreed]

I on holiday in fungerola and I love spain. I been coming to spain for 50yrs. I have lived and worked in spain.

[@juantorres-dj3fn]

Hahaha. Spain is BY FAR one of the Best countries of the West. Just traveling and then seeing the infraestructure, cleanliness, safety and overall social cohesion. Not to mention the sheer Beauty of its cities and natural landscapes from the Basque Country to the Canary Islands.

[@Invisiblehand123]

This article is not to be taken as actual criticism, neither is she representing any kind of popular opinion, in any European country. This is a hit piece, from someone with a political agenda. I struggle to see how being this blatant about it serves her goals. It's a ridiculous rant..

[@Garcwyn]

It’s The Spectator mate. The same people that thought Brexit was a wonderful idea

[@James-ni1ws]

Sorry that woman is wrong she should stay in the uk try that fir a laugh 😢

[@greenbelly2008]

I´m Argentine, not of Spanish heritage. Anyways, long live Spain!! Viva España!!!

[@37Raffaella]

Spain is the second most visited country, next to France……

[@michelmorin5467]

Totally disagree with this article. I'm a Canadian who has visited all the Western Europe countries (except Ireland), and the best country for me is definitely Spain. That is why I've adopted Spain for the last 3 years as my favorite destination and Valencia my favourite city. If I had to choose the worst country in Western Europe, it would be England. Cheers

[@harriettt9857]

Wait till u get to Ireland ! 😊

[@elingrome5853]

Yes, lots of people have discovered Valencia..that’s why my rent has tripled and my neighbours have been replaced with fat sunburnt tourists on bicycles

[@AntonioRuiz-bi3jv]

Oh dear, we lost another jewish tourist, what are we gonna do now😢😢

[@duncan-xg9sh]

That was my first thought when I read the article, and a quick check of Wikipedia confirmed this suspicion. Maybe Ms Strimpel should deploy her gender studies degree and write a similar article about a certain Middle Eastern entity.

[@moonmist9]

@AntonioRuiz-bi3jv: More like a zio. Many Jews have also been protesting against netanyahu's atrocities.

[@barbaraneville5036]

I wouldn't believe a word of that opinion She is a bit dim in my opinion

[@twonotesdown4032]

The author's biography explains absolutely everything..

[@bradcobb3418]

Zoe Strimpel not coming to Spain again?...every cloud eh!.

[@kennielsen3896]

For every negative article about Spain, you can find 100 that are positive. That one negative article will be read by a ratio of 100 to 1.

[@joseluisespejoperez5774]

If with this article nasty visitors avoid coming to Barcelona, I will be really grateful, and pleased.

[@smahier]

The Spectator is a garbage rag; only use it to wipe your arse with.

[@iemeve]

I suppose under the inflamatory rethoric there are some valid criticisms, which you have mentioned, but calling Gaudi ugly??? That really shows the level and sensitivity of the author. She has taken the worst case senario possible and blown it up in the faces of her readers. I have worked in touristic consultation for years and have never met anyone, or read anyone, so critical.

[@alvaromartinezfernandez8072]

When articles like these are being written, and in a Spanish-black-legend style, it means that Spain is doing good.

[@Moliere1000]

One gets tired of Anglos’ criticism. Nothing changes.

[@marshac1479]

Unbelievable article. It's actually embarrassing. Spain is definitely my favourite country in Europe. I've been 7 times and I absolutely love it. How she could criticise the food, I don't know. I have eaten some of the best food ever in Spain. I can't wait to return next year.

[@mariadopico6540]

Thank you for the video, Stuart. Spanish living in UK and love it here. Life is what you make of it. No country in the world is perfect. I think the writer is a very angry Brexiteer who doesn't really understand Spain. 😅

[@MariaFernandez-iv3gi]

Está rabiosa ,un chico español la dejó plantada y no lo soportó.

[@thepanamahat]

For someone that thinks Spain is the worst country in Western Europe, she sure has visited Spain a lot!!

[@moonmist9]

I'm surprised that The Spectator published this crap.

[@Eldermonkey25]

It's hard to compare Spain as an entire country. It's a union of different languages, cultures and traditions and your view depends on where you visit. I live in Reus (Catalunya) and the traditions, language, culture, architecture, even the way you order coffee is all different to where I lived in Andalucía. I work sometimes in the Aragonese Pyrenees and it's completely different to anywhere else I've been in Spain. I've spent a week in a small town in the Sierra Nevada and again, so different. You can't simply talk about Spain as a whole.

[@celestinoramavarela6512]

No trouble as she stays in UK enjoying British gastronomy and recent security issues.🤔

[@celestinoramavarela6512]

Regarding cities,as we say, there are colours for each taste, but I'm assuming that UK is a western european country. They had never considered themselves europeans...unless it's convenient.

[@stuwhite2337]

I read the article - that lady has some issues!

[@Pazymaspaz]

Well hopefully Zoe won't ever come back. She's not welcome.

[@mikethomas4669]

"Right Wing British Author Writing in Right Wing British Magazine Launches Attack on Left Wing Spain Shocker".

[@derektowers7708]

The spectator is a very very right wing magazine, which has published some very misleading articles and frequently slides over to open xenophobia.

[@Simon-jj2pu]

boris used to be the editor as well

[@youngspiritsinging]

This woman is very limited in her vision . I am not impressed with her article about Spain.

[@carlosaradas5926]

Did someone prompt her to write that article, a member of the Mossad perhaps, a Protestant fundamentalist or was it the product of her own "karenness"? It does not deserve further comment. Good riddance if she stays away.

[@mariaparker7545]

I think that the millions of tourists that pass through here every year and the people that return every year would most certainly not agree with this person! No where is perfect on this planet . And I do believe that any one who is going to take a romantic break with her would be greatly advised not to do so! She sounds like a typical KAREN! Nothing against nice Karens of course!

[@kellyphx]

Let's have some articles about Brits Abroad and see how much anyone in Europe will miss them if they stay home in the UK.

[@AntonioTorcoli]

Spain is lovely. Spaniards are awsome. But it is true that, during the summer, there are too many drunk Britons messing around. Spain deserves better than that.

[@MONICAANICA]

All I can conclude that this guy, presumably sane, didn't travel much during his sad life....

[@hughsimpson2261]

Que mujer más desagradable. Y por qué es necesario tener una actitud tan hostil hacia España? El artículo es injusto, y escrito por una periodista capaz, con una sola intención: provocar a los Españoles. Para que sirve? Algo de lo que dice es, de hecho, verdad, pero, se ha tomado totalmente fuera del contexto. O sea, se podría escribir un artículo así sobre cualquier país europeo, incluyendo los que me imagino que le gusten al escritor: Francia y Italia. Ningun pais es perfecto. Este tiene que ser un ataque político - no se habría permitido sin la aprobación de los dueños del Spectator. Para mí entonces la pregunta obvia es: porqué?

[@guayames]

British food compared to Spanish, no contest!

[@walterramirez3287]

I understand his points about government and tourists complains but tourists have no say how the country is run. I would start by stoping trouble makers / drunks to enter the country. Have their names on a database that is connected to immigration and not allowed in for a period of 5 years. Maybe when they “mature” they will behave better. Is not a good idea to throw all tourist in the same bucket. But I hate when people visit a country and don’t respect their traditions and laws and also disrespect the locals. Unfortunately government tend to be more for themselves than for the people and that shouldn’t be. I would visit Spain as much as I can so I don’t care other people experiences but my own. I love what Spain have to offer.

[@gloxton]

I think her heritage and position on the Israeli invasion of Palestine probably coloured her thoughts here don't you? For someone who apparently hates Spain so much she seems to have visited an awful lot.

[@MCJLPG5363]

La envidia es muy mala. Y seguramente, las consecuencias del Brexit han trastornado a muchas personas y vuelcan su ira contra países de la Europa comunitaria. Y esta vez nos ha tocado a los españoles. Pero no importa. Somos el segundo país del mundo con más turistas. No nos afecta que no gustemos a todos.

[@mariadopico6540]

Exactamente. Soy española y resido en Reino Unido se nota que ese artículo está influenciado por las consecuencias del Brexit. 😅 Y también por la toxica prensa tabloide de derechas. Que ya estoy aburrida de ver los titulares. A pesar de todo, si me gusta vivir en Reino Unido y me siento orgullosa de ser española. Desgraciadamente ignorantes y envidiosos hay en todos los países.

[@dominiclavu193]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I'm sure millions of people, including me, disagree with Zoe. Sad thing is how stuff like this is published. Maybe someone ought to write an opposing article.

[@alibelula9269]

I don't understand, Stuart, how you can give publicity to this nonsense. It would be best to ignore it so that her EGO as a frustrated writer would be offended. What a waist of time!

[@Yocambio]

Criticizing Spain for supporting Palestine is game over for me. Genocide support isn’t a winning look, Zoe.

[@josesoria1167]

Somos el peor en verano cuando se llena de ingleses

[@RichD2024]

I vehemently disagree with that author. I can't comment on his opinion on Barcelona, as I haven't been there, but I've been all over the rest of Spain and it's just a wonderful place. The history, the people, the public transportation, all great. Perfect, no, but far from the worst country in Western Europe.

[@joannewcomb]

Methinks the author majored in creative writing but not journalism.

[@joeterra.t]

That article is what the young kids call "rage-baiting". And judging from the comment section, it worked. 🤣

[@JuanAmeritano-yj5xt]

She's venting because she bought a pineapple, put it upside down in her cart and no one was interested. Looking forward to some great meals in Spain on my upcoming trip to Spain. Spain is so ugly! That's why it's one if the top destinations in the world.

[@Sandra-r1l]

You have really made me laugh . Un abrazo desde Coruña.

[@JuanAmeritano-yj5xt]

@@Sandra-r1l Just finished a three day stay in your beautiful Galician city. Traveled by Feve from Ferrol. I always thought Ireland was the greenest place I've seen until I traveled through the green and lush heart of amazing Galicia. England eat your heart out. The world has voted and the people have chosen Spain in a landslide over England.

[@Sandra-r1l]

@@JuanAmeritano-yj5xt It Is very pretty , I LOVE Ireland and all the beautiful stories Finnigans Leyend i hope i don't make mistakes please forgive my ignorance . Enjoy It estás en tu casa , un abrazo .

[@salozinp]

I am Spanish. I think that my country is not perfect (which one is??) but in general, Spain is a tolerant country (homosexual couples are fully accepted and normalized, there is little racism, etc.) quite safe (there are hardly any murders, nor are there criminals who assault you with violence or firearms), although there are robberies in very crowded areas (and in Paris, Rome, London, right???) The Spanish, always full of stereotypes by foreigners, are not taking a siesta and dancing flamenco. They are hard-working people, they do their jobs and do them well, perhaps they tend to relax a little sometimes, but in general, they are hard-working. Although it does not have the level of wealth of Germany or Sweden, it is a rich country, there is no poverty in the streets, nor begging (there are areas where there is), the services work acceptably (people respect traffic lights, the streets are cleaned, garbage is collected, there is order, etc.) there is capacity for consumption, there is movement. of money, etc. Spain is not a southern Mediterranean country like Italy or Greece, it is a semi-Mediterranean country, but with a significant Atlantic influence. The Spanish are generally indifferent to Jews, there has not been a significant Jewish presence in the country for centuries, and they have no special interest in Israel. Politicians are another thing, but seeing Trump, Johnson, Meloni or Macron, I think we are on the right track. Without a doubt there will be those who tell me that unemployment is high (11%), yes, but it tends to progressively decrease and is manageable, or that it is not Scandinavia, without a doubt, but it can be said that it is one of the best countries to live in on this complicated planet.

Macarron has changed his mind a bit of late. He has called for an arms sales ban on the Zionist Regime.

[@roberttewnion1690]

I looked her up someone born in England and who grew up in the USA has no business critiquing food from anywhere.

[@michaeltravers6109]

Spain is a lovely country with lovely people, food and weather. Spain could be the best country in Europe if it would streamline its bureaucracy, and scrapped the 17 autonomous regions, which is democracy gone mad. ❤ 🇪🇸

[@terryk8853]

Bang on! I love your shorter faster delivery and sharper punchy wit.

[@marcusmaher-triskellionfil5158]

A female "Gammonaeta"...who'd thunked it. As many have commented on here, for every hater there are 100 positives....I live in Barcelona, love the city sure it has its problems but give me it every day over rainy, extortionate, grim and dreary Dublin (although I love my country) and her point on literature, Miguel de Unamuno, Federico Garcia Lorca, Juan Ruflo, Cervantes....for every Shakespeare and Dickens Spain has a plethora of cultural titans ..only highlighting her ignorance.

[@actionjackson9385]

The reason Strimpel castigates Spain is nothing to do with its culture or traditions, but wholly to do with Spain's noble stand against the genocide and ethnic cleansing being committed by apartheid Israel in Gaza, East Jerusalem, the Occupied West Bank and now Lebanon. Spain, in line with any decent, humane people, abhors what is being done to the Palestinians by Israel and protests conducted throughout the country are not shut down by the Zionists that exist in other countries like the US and the UK. This article is Strimpel's way of currying favour with her Zionist gang by criticising those who vilify Israel for its daily war crimes. Could there be a country behaving more disgracefully than Israel in the twenty first century? The new (Sept 2024) owner of the Spectator is the extreme right wing, Sir Paul Marshall, whose well documented islamophobic views demonstrate he's more than happy to sign off on the sort of garbage Strimpel puts in front of him. The sole redeeming feature of the article is the writer's promised absence from Spain. Hurrah! Viva España, warts 'n all.

[@marcgp6927]

Yes, Hamas' Palestina is a far worse country than Israel. Or have you already forgotten how and why this war started ?.

[@marcind4644]

⁠​⁠@@marcgp6927Please, that’s cherry-picking since that thing goes on for decades, and genocide should be never the answer. Those hit pieces against catholic countries by “editors” with names like Strimpel shows a bigger problematic agenda. It is more than noteworthy.

@@marcgp6927, ignorance is idiocy: _“If I were a Palestinian of the right age, I would join, at some point, one of the terrorist groups.”_ - Ehud Barak, in a 1998 TV interview.

[@LanaCarter-z9c]

Spain is lovely. Not sure if the author of that article is a Brit, but if they are, they have absolutely no grounds to trash another country’s gastronomy. We had no issues finding good meals in Spain. Not sure how anyone who’s seen brilliant color wash across the interior of Sagrada Familia can trash the architect. All major cities are grappling with rising housing costs due to airbnb - I certainly don’t take the protests against tourism personally. As for the political situation, I am from the US, and at least a large portion of the citizens in Spain aren’t courting fascism. I’m wondering what motivates someone to waste valuable time trashing another country.

Funny enough, the fascist ones are the very same who support Zionism, perhaps because Mossad funded their party.

[@marcusjenkins]

The Spectator - somewhat to the right of the Daily Mail. Don't expect balanced editorial. All countries have their ups and downs and I've visited most countries in Europe. There are some which I won't choose to go back to, ever, and some that I'd prefer to avoid. Spain doesn't come into either of those categories - just my opinion. I'm not going to list those other countries because I can't be doing with the troll replies.

[@walterramirez3287]

Hi Stu, no country is perfect but this guy is far out there with the craziests. I bet he complains about everything.

[@philippe_grosvenor_le_normand]

C’est plutôt l’angleterre qui est le pire pays qui soit,l’espagne est formidable

[@paulm5000]

I've just come back from a holiday in Torremolinos and it was fantastic. The streets were clean, as was the train. There was no sign of the anti tourism protests. The shop, bar and cafe workers were all friendly and of course the weather was the cherry on top.

[@123seanaway]

Any rag that has Michael Gove in the team can't be regarded as either objective or of quality..

[@243380]

los españoles somos 48 millones, sumando en verano 84 millones mas, si tan desagradable es españa por que viene el doble de los que somos en verano, y porque tenemos suficientes recursos para alimentar a 130 millones de personas, que pasa que son masoquistas y les gusta venir a sufrir, comer mal, vivir mal, etc... la envidia es muy mala para tontos.

[@rafa008eh]

It´s True, don´t come specially english.

[@JoelGimenez-tl5dg]

Si mejor que no vengan

[@Donolo63]

Being the second world's country most visited in the world, Spain's the "worst country" in Western Europe. Interesting.

[@frgv4060]

Nothing new to have Spain roasted in some British publications. The British people seem to not care as, no matter those efforts, they keep coming instead of staying home. But this article is in another league, one can’t even feel offended 😂 due its exaggerated ridiculousness and the making of every possible bad experience that can happen a tourist everywhere the norm in Spain. It’s comical. Even with the infamous inquisition, one can argue that seems the institution branch in Spain got the fame for all the, even more brutal and not so regulated and meticulously recorded, practices of the time in England and the other European countries. 🤷🏻‍♂️ Imagine a similarly toned article about the UK… it will be way longer hehe.

[@duncan-xg9sh]

The author is not in any way representative of the British people, who are mostly very fond of Spain. If you look her up on Wikipedia, you will immediately understand the origin of her criticisms - from her comments about Spanish ham, to support for Palestine. This is a targeted political attack disguised as a travel article.

The Inquisition was really bad. It's silly to try to downplay its evilness.

[@catherinemori4496]

A major reason we keep coming back to Spain is the food! In Girona, we had snails three times, in three different ways! Yummers!

[@johnsaxelby]

Utter bollocks

[@thepanamahat]

I suspect Zoe hasn't been to Malta. :-)

[@diegodejuan4825]

I can also depict any country badly, it is easy if you cherry-pick and caricature the bad things. Nevertheless, Zoe adds some blatant ignorance about our literature and the Spanish Inquisition (who expected this?). Maybe Catholicism is one of her phobias. Too long to explain here but put into historical perspective the Inquisition, which was not a good thing, indeed. Just know that in one process in Germany they burned more witches than the Inquisition burned people in 300 years. A good video about it is one of the youtube channel "Into the Shadows" or "Why The Inquisition Was Awesome, Actually" (not so much but shows some facts). Black legend we call it, typical when you are the main power in the world, as happens against the US today.

[@carlosaradas5926]

@@diegodejuan4825 The difference being the US has fully earned it and is at it now.

That is inaccurate. Only during Torquemada’s tenue as grand inquisitor, an estimated 2000 people were burned at the stake by the Spanish Inquisition.

[@diegodejuan4825]

That's right, although it is estimated the Spanish Inquisition killed between 3,000-5,000 people in total: 2.7% of the trials. Overall, between 40,000-60,000 witches were burned in Europe. Surprisingly, the Spanish Inquisition killed just 50-100 witches, they had other targets, as the falsely converted. I got wrong the process of Würzburg (900 killed) and Bamberg (1,000), which took place in parallel in Germany.

[@stevenhombrados1530]

The upside down pineapple is or was an old call sign for swingers on cruise ships. They would put on the door an upside pineapple, that they where open to swap wives, or go 4 way. I know, cuz I have a lady friend who has been working for 30 years on ship cruises. Many many many juicy stories. From love to murder.

[@vjpublisher]

The article is as serious as it is funny 😂😂😂

[@jesusalconero8447]

Pobre, se nota que está amargado, desde luego que España no es perfecta, ningún pais lo es, pero la crítica que hace este chico destila mala baba

[@MariaIsabelMolina-c5b]

wooo!! After I heard the piece about the politics in Spain, I can see whete the bias of the article comes from. We live in a free world, let the people that love Spain keep on coming and the ones that don't like it, go somewhere else. We're used to bad press, still tourists can't have enough of Spain...

[@idalehmann4874]

Wow. What a negative critical article. I personally don't think just because one thing isn't ideal, that the whole lot is spoiled. That person is over the top

[@az_spain]

love the article commenting style here... I think the author should elevate her travel planning, knowledge and menu budget, as well as learn to enjoy the land in spite of it's dowsides judging people for who they are and generalising about polarities. In about 40 years of growing up and living in Spain, of course I am aware of it's down sides, but it is simple, avoid them, like anywhere. I would be happy if people with this kind of attitude do stop coming if they are posessed by arrogant and imperialist/colonialist mind-sets like this person does.

Western chauvinism at its best.

[@Merc-Rover]

An upside-down pineapple 🍍 is a signal to show that you are a swinger.

[@loloflores123]

Indeed it is. Do not come.

[@liahurst8575]

Zoe who?

[@Javier-id4lq]

Conclusion: everything in Spain is horrible. 😂😂😂

[@JoelGimenez-tl5dg]

Pakistán uk and afric france can not say nothing of us😂

[@goldgeologist5320]

Honestly all countries have positives and negatives. I do not disagree with what was stated given my limited experience, but I thought it was a bit harsh. But honestly Peruvian Arroz con marsicos is much better than paella! After eating it a few times last year, I was disappointed! I love Spain, climate was not what I expected, but then I had no experience before my various visits the last two years. Looking forward to my return this Oct and Nov. People are very friendly!

[@57ffjjimenez]

More than 85 million people visit Spain every year, the second most visited country in the world, for something,it will be,or they are stupid about it 😄😄😄

[@lee10330]

10 minutes and 8 seconds of time wasted Stu. What a ridiculous article, bet she is fun at parties.

[@eurostar0711]

The pineapple thing has been a thing for a long time. Its a swingers thing. In cruise ships or hotels they would have a pineapple picture on their door or next to the door to let others know in a discreet way that they are active swingers. I guess a lot of people in Spain are out of touch with whats going on in the world. lol

[@johnmoran7434]

Sobre gustos no hay nada escrito. A mi me gusto mucho España. ¿Es perfecto no?, pero mucho es fantástico! (para mi).