What you may not know about SPAIN! ❤️💛

Please NOTE: These tips or observations are not meant to be facts or represent the entire country. They are simply interesting topics that we have experienced and noticed as foreigners in Spain.
While visting and now living in Spain, we learned some interesting things and thought they would be fun and helpful to know before you came to visit or live here.
We hope they help!
Please share some of your tips so others have a wonderful time here in Spain.
Hasta Luego!!
#spaintravel #spainlife #visitingspain #howtolooklikealocalinspain #leavingusa #livinginspain #movingtospain #tipsformovingtospain #spaintips #Ilovespain

[@joej5081]

this video makes me wana go spain so bad :) nice video

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

🥰 Thank you so much!

[@theexpatteacher8255]

Hi Greg and Lisa. I am at 330 hours on DS. I had the opportunity to visit Segovia, Spain last week and it was simply beautiful. Everything you mentioned in your video is true. I had a chance to hear lots of Spanish as many people there do not speak English. I was able to understand some of what was being said when someone spoke to me and that gave me great motivation to continue with my comprehensible input on DS. I will be going back to visit there again and I see that starting next year, US citizens will need something called an ETIAS to enter Spain.

[@indyschlumpf728]

ETIAS seems to be delayed every year. Here’s a link to a reliable channel regarding it. BTW, they also have great advice on where to see and eat while exploring Spain. kzbin.infogRTF85AfUmY?si=FxxR1E4Fa3d7TJMK

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

That's so awesome! I'm sure those 330 hours made a huge difference! Yes, the ETIAS keeps getting pushed back so we'll see when they actually start it. I don't think it's a big hassle but it's an extra step people are going to have to remember. Happy Dreaming Spanish!

[@CWARrated]

These were really cool to hear! Thanks for sharing.

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

Thank you for watching!!!

[@rolflin]

Those boys are going to have tons of friends soon!!

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

They hope so! 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

[@oskarobit]

Hello and WARNING. Take these recommendations with caution. Malaga is just a city in Spain (and the capital of the province of the same name). So not all cities have marble floors on the sidewalks and people do not “happily” double park their cars. The latter can be very hairy because you can get a good reminder if you are spotted by a policeman or parking enforcement officer: it is considered a serious infraction and carries a penalty of 100 to 500 euros. Yeah baby, you'll make your day. Double parking is absolutely forbidden and the only exception is if you find yourself in an emergency. No, grabbing a pack of cigarettes or picking up the kids after school are not emergencies. Be careful. The Highway Code makes it clear: “It is forbidden to double park”. I have never in my life seen vinegar poured over dog pee, but it's ok. But it is common for dog owners to collect the poop in small bags and throw them closed in a trash can or in a garbage container. Many municipalities fine the owners if they are caught leaving these poops for “the enjoyment of the neighbors...” and many others give those bags for free. In some cities we have even "Pipi Cans" (pee spot for dogs, can from latin for dog) in some gardens and parks. It is recommended that only liquids go down the drain because it is much more environmentally friendly, cheaper to maintain the system and it is easier to treat the water before returning it to the rivers. It is also not advisable to flush toilet wipes, tampons or baby wipes down the toilet because it can cause a major blockage problem. I have read several times that this is because the sewage systems in Europe are older and narrower than in the U.S. and it made me laugh. This is the 21st century, we're in 2024, and Mesopotamia already had sewers? sewer networks have been renovated a thousand times! We are, maybe, more civic-minded, sorry. I learnt a new word today: fatberg. LOL! I love your positive energy and you are a beautiful family. I wish you all the best here in Spain.

[@GregLewis-fl3lr]

Thank you for adding those pieces of information. We are just going by what we've seen in the 7-8 months we've been here. Admittedly we haven't been to every part of Spain. We definitely don't encourage people to break the law. Thank you for the well wishes! And feel free to comment on our next video. We love hearing from people who live here in Spain.

[@manuelpro1516]

Those oranges actually have a good use. These ones and Seville's are sent to UK and they use them to make jam and marmalade

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

aaah, yes. I saw a video where they were harvesting them for something. Now I know what they were going to use them for...Thank you for sharing!

[@GregLewis-fl3lr]

Oh wow! I had no idea. Thanks for the information and thanks for stopping by!

[@TomasJerez-ow4ob]

Yep, I've made marmalade with those oranges, it's a little bit bitter but good enough. Anyway, try walking on that street when orange trees are blooming. It is like living in the 1001 nights world

[@mask154]

Hi Greg and Lisa, first of all, I'm sorry about my bad english, I've just discovered your videos, and they look really nice. I hope that all of you have a good life here in spain.

[@GregLewis-fl3lr]

Woohoo!!! Glad you found us and your english is great! So far we are embracing this beautiful country. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. We'll see you on the next video!

[@Tombombadillo999]

Wholesome vids! Keep up the good work!!! Im partialy spanish, and you make great points in ur vids, and thank u for the beautifull words! 🙏

[@GregLewis-fl3lr]

Gracias! Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for commenting and contributing to the conversation. We'll see you in the next video!

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

Muchisimas Gracias!!!

[@catobie1948]

You guys are just getting better and better. So much fun. Gracias.

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

Thank you so much! The creativity comes from our youngest son. If you didn't see it, he makes fun of us sometimes. Greg said "stationary" and he put, "that's old people talk for office supplies" HAHA!

[@ivangarreg]

About pedestrians...it is not an unspoken rule. It is very much writer down in the driving code you have to learn to get the driving license 😂

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

I'm pretty sure it's in the USA's driving code too but drivers don't always follow it 🥴😩🫣😅😅

[@DrCrystalHarris]

New subscriber. I’m a slow traveler who’s coming to Spain next week for about 2 months and I’ll be visiting 4 or 5 cities. So glad the algorithm sent me to you! ❤

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

Oh yay! I hope this helps! Happy travels and be safe!

[@pacoagullesestrada2497]

Greg and Lisa y posibles amigos estadounidenses. No somos el país perfecto. No existe. Pero tenemos una relación calidad precio, incomparable. Tenemos paisajes excelentes, gastronomá sin igual, el mejor servicio de trasplantes des mundo, seguridad social universal, relación trabajo vida familiar incomparable, vacaciones, bajas por enfermedad, etc, etc, etc. Simplemente cambiar la forma de vida. Quieres vivir bien, o quieres montones de dinero y malvivir? Un cordial saludo

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

Hola Paco, very kind of you to comment. True, there is no perfect country. It's important to think about what is most important in your life and choose how you will feel about the country you call home. We choose to see your country as a beautiful and wonderful place with the things we care about most. You are very fortunate to call it your home. Take care!

[@GregLewis-fl3lr]

❤We love your country! Nowhere is perfect. But some of the big things that matter to us are here in Spain.

[@pacoagullesestrada2497]

​@@GregLewis-fl3lrcreo que tenemos una relación, trabajo/familia, sin igual. No somos el país más rico, ni el mejor según los estándares mundiales. Somos sociables, comunitarios y muy seguros de nuestro sistema medicinal, educativo y seguridad general😊❤❤

[@alb91878]

Look at you guys! So exciting to see you guys living your best life and learning so much! I'm so happy for all of you!

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

Thank you so much!!! Como se llamas?

[@alb91878]

De nada! Me llamo es Abril! / You're welcome! My name is April.

[@JohnRPike]

Hey Guys, great bold move you made in the move. I love Spanish and learning Flamenco as well. It's a place I'd love to visit, with all the culture and the language. I've seen that community trash pick up in Italy as well, amongst the apartment complexes.

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

Hi John, you gotta come down here. I heard Granada is a great place for Flamenco.

[@JohnRPike]

@@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut Absolutely! Granada has its own flavour of Flamenco, called "Granaína". Of course Granada has the Alhambra, which is mind blowing.

[@indyschlumpf728]

Nobody judges seems to be the rule for everything in the Axarquia region where we hang out. It’s one of the reasons we love Spain. Thanks for another great video. Keep posting.❤

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

Yes! We love it! Thank you so much!!

[@henrymoraveciii9445]

Nice info. Keep it coming guys. :)

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

Thank you so much!!!

[@oscarsantas6528]

En España es muy fácil adaptarse....lo único que tienen que hacer es aprender español, saludar a la gente ( buenos días, hola, adiós, hasta mañana) y comportarse como personas normales...si tienen mascota hay una ley animal que hay que cumplir y lo del vestir, depende, hay provincias que se viste mejor que otras pero en general se viste bien...si ven personas por la calle sin camiseta o bebiendo (está prohibido) esos no son españoles son ingleses, por favor no copien a los ingleses no son muy queridos en España ...no somos perfectos pero creo que es un país con buena relación calidad-precio-calidad de vida-sanidad...si tienes una enfermedad no tienes que dejarte un dineral....Espero que le vaya bien¡¡¡

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

Si! Muchisimas Gracias! Vale...wear a shirt and do not drink in the streets! Understood! That behavior es bastante molesto! Gracias for the well wishes! (Sorry, I am writing in "Spanglish" LOL- Todavia nosotros Espanol es mal . 🥴

[@lapantera2022]

Good points!

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

Gracias por ver!

[@victormanteca7395]

1) No obligatory tips in Spain. I mean, waiters are supposed to earn full salaries (not always good salaries, but that's another thing), and their employers are supposed to pay them for their work; customers are not responsible for their servers to make ends meet through tips, so they are not compulsory at all, they're completely complimentary, and you can leave without tipping at all, and nobody will frown upon that. Said that, if you want to be grateful for a nice dinner and good service, you can add a few bucks to the note, or just round up the bill a bit; they'll thank you for that, but it is not expected. 2) You can live without a car. I mean, having and using a car will give you more autonomy and allow you to visit places that are not targeted by mass transportation, but public transport works quite well (despite some shortcomings), and inside towns and cities, you can often just walk to your destiny, for shopping, groceries, ATMs, etc. or simply going out to dinner or anything. In Europe, life is not excluded for pedestrians. 3) Prices at stores are final prices. All taxes, etc. are already included in the tag. No need for calculations, nor surprises at checkout.

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

Yes, yes yes!! Those are great tips and so true!! Thank you for sharing these too! We love #3!

[@marazul1660]

Acabo de suscribirme, sois una pareja muy agradable y simpática, me alegra mucho que estéis felices en España, yo soy de vigo (Galicia ) del norte de España, espero que algún día la visitéis, o encantaría, es por si echáis de menos la lluvia, aqui todo es más verde, aunque cuando es verano, también hace calor ,y también tenemos playas maravillosas,.Un saludo 😊😊

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

Thank you! I have been watching videos of Galicia! It's gorgeous! You are so lucky to live in that region. We can't wait to visit!

[@alaznegonzalez]

What? They picked up your rubbish once a week? Heresy!!! Can't imagine that!!! In my county (Basque Highlands, - Basque Country), recycling is very important: cardboard and paper/ plastic and cans/ nespresso capsules/ toners and printer ink/ cooking oil/ batteries/ clothes/ organic waste (in the end of the year, we have the option to take a bag of compost for our flower pots) /non-recyclable waste / glass. For organic and non-recyclable waste, we have a card to open the containers. The organic waste bags are given to us free of charge from a machine in the town hall, with the card I mentioned before.

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

WOW!!! You guys know what you are doing up there in Basque country! That is amazing!

[@alaznegonzalez]

​@@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut the recycling of organic waste started as a trial for Gipuzkoa (one of the provinces of the Basque Country, my country was selected...) with Basque & EU money many years ago... And we endend with a bunch of containers. The last one, coffee caps. Oh, even the bins (I think taht in US English is trash bin) are divided in 4 parts: pape/cardboard - plastics and bins + organic waste + non recyclable rubbish. Well, at work, same (Ok, I'm a prof in the Basque University). In the EU recycling, food additives and quality, matters (another thing that you guys mentionedcolourings, additives, antibiotics in meat products...). And all the people from the States to LatAm said the same about crosswalks. You are amazed because the cars actually stop. That'd blew my mind. I remember with 18, in Rome... well, that was the lawless city for cars. Anyway, if you visit Rome (IT), be aware, because crossing a zebra crossing could be a risky sport, so, rewind to the States mode. Travel around Europe, UK, Norway... included. As you said in this video or in another one, flying tickets and train tickects are very affordable. In my humble opinion, we are very well conected in UE (+ NW, Iceland + SW + UK), you can go almost everywhere in publc transportation (If you want to visit a remote place mountains... rent a car)

[@100ll_REPUBLIC]

Hola, muy curioso todo visto como Español.. 😂😂 Bien venidos y a disfrutar del país más rico del mundo, al menos en gastronomía 😉.

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

LOL! Thank you so much!!

[@100ll_REPUBLIC]

@@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut gracias, si te escriben en español intenta contestar en el mismo idioma, es una mejor forma de empezar y te lo digo con todo mi respeto 😉

[@vanesag.9863]

Stoping for pedestrian isn't a unspoken rule, it's a sure fine (around 300 € if I remember correctly) if you don't stop and the police would take points off your driving license. The fines enforced the national driving code and now everybody stops. We got conditionated to follow the rules. The thing about double parking depends more of the city and if the city hall police enforces correctly the driving code and the city code. For example in my town is frown upon parking like that (I think is forbiden by the driving code but for sure my city hall has forbiden the double parking) and you can get fined. And nobody parks their moppets or motorbikes on the sidewalks because it's a fine for obstructing the pedestrian flow and the police would take off points for a light infraction or if the police is having a good day you can get reprimanded. In a town 7 km away from where I live, you can park your motorbike on the sidewalk if it is wider than 2 m because the city hall rules tells it's possible but they would fine you if the sidewalk is narrow. If you lose 12 points the police retires your driving license and you have to pay a driving course to obtain a new license. If someone from USA comes here he/she has to be aware (or study) the basic speeds and signs because he/she is going to suffer while driving and has to have in mind some speeds are different in different countries and the signs, while having the same meaning can be sightly different in different countries. The rest of your explanations seems ok.

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

Oh wow! this is good to know! All really great info, thank you for sharing it!

[@ikergilsebastian9297]

Make a visit in basque Country. You will enjoy.

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

So many people have recommended this part of Spain! We are excited to check it out!

[@paulwalther5237]

I hate my job and I hate talking about work. I am already half sold on moving to Spain.

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

hahaha Paul! Quit that job! haha...jk. That's why my brother would always tell me when I talked about work.

[@franciscolozano7318]

Amigos aquí vais a encajar perfectamente, ya habéis captado la esencia de como vivir bien. Yo cuando he ido a USA y me han interrogado en la aduana con esas preguntas tan extrañas de cuanto tiempo voy a quedarme y donde estaré, siempre pienso : Igual se piensan que me quiero quedar a vivir aquí. El tema es que ellos no saben cómo se vive aquí, y USA está muy bien pero aquí estamos mejor . Es mi punto de vista.

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

You are not wrong my friend! You are very fortunate to call Spain home! 🥰

[@cobsueloroco7003]

Hola pareja... Los naranjos de jardinería es una especie que se denomina en jardinería "borde" quiere decir que es una especie amarga (hay más plantas de jardinería que se llaman bordes) y es el "citrus aurantium". La dulce comestible "citrus sinensis".. Aunque también es verdad que la borde sirve para hacer mermelada... Además que también es más aromática por eso se usa mucho en jardines en España... Un saludo

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

Oh wow! Muchisimas Gracias por la informacion! Excelente!

[@lindagm9332]

Gwaw! Nearly everthing they're doing in Spain is similar in South America with the exception of dog walking.

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

Oh really! We didn't know that.

[@MsAdrianovski]

You can ask about work, but it's something should flow. You cannot ask at the beginning: only if conversation goes naturally to there. Like, for example, if the other person is complaining about his/her work, you can ask: "where do you work?". An then, when he/she answer the question, you'll understand better the difficulties of his job, or you may ask better questions to understand his/her complains. For example, if they works in public, you can emphatize with them about the difficulties of attending people, and the stress that this means. Asking about work it's never about the value of the person, it's more about solidarity: "oh, you're working on that, I understand there are points of your job that are so hard, you may be so tired of them". But again, when you first meet somebody, you don't start talking about the shitty things of your job. Asking for work, in our culture, is something you do after know the person, when you just want to know even more about him/her. I know where all my friends works, and I wouldn't know it if I didn't ask them. But I asked to people I really know. When I meet somebody after a long time (more than two, three, five... years), I use to ask: "What are you doing now?", and they normally answer me about their job, their family, etc: "I changed my job, I moved and I get married", and that's a moment you can ask about what are they doing for winning their live. For us, work it's not the most important, it doesn't definy you, so you ask about that after you know the person. I offended some friend just because I said what they do for winning they lives once I introduced them to another friends, that was a mystake, and I am spaniard. I explain this just to show that it's true, we don't focus on work on the beggining of a relation. Don't ask about it unless the conversation flew to it. It is not only on casual conversation: when I make an interview to recruit somebody to our team, I start explaining to them that what I am looking in this first contact is to know a bit about them, how they are, and react, and if they can fit in our team. And if I have that good feeling, then, in the second interview, we'll check more about their skills. Of course, during a job interview we talk about work and experience, but is as important, for a team, to have good skills than to be able to fit with your teammates. And sorry for my English. If you see any mistake, I am trying to learn. Thanks to this videos, I can improve my understanding, and commenting on them, I can improve my writting and vocabulary.

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

This makes total sense! Thank you for sharing what the Spanish think. We are learning so we love getting input from locals. Your writing is amazing! I can't wait until I can write like this in Spanish!

[@kinnie6104]

Cuando los naranjos están en flor, llamada azahar, el magnífico olor es impresionante. Para mi uno de los mejores perfumes que hay junto al del nardo. When the orange trees are in bloom, called orange blossom, the magnificent smell is impressive. For me one of the best perfumes there is next to tuberose.

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

Oh! I don't think we've been here when they blossom! I can't wait to smell it!

[@Joseph_Hovsep]

Spain sounds awesome

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

We think so 🥰

[@ellieramseyer]

Do you guys miss American breakfasts?

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

We actually stopped eating the typical American breaksfast a while back. I (Lisa) have a sensitivity to eggs and dairy, so you can imagaine how difficult it is to eat an American breakfast with those two allergies! 😩😩 Poor Greg just had to give up eating pancakes, scrambled eggs and biscuits! We used to have to go to vegan places if we wanted any of kind of breakfast haha!

[@ewen1140]

You guys are ahead of me hoping to move in a couple years. And hoping our daughter can come as well. She is studying biochemistry in America but we are Canadian. I don’t see a bright future in Canada anymore. So checking on places similar to what you do. Looking at Spain, Portugal, Panama, Costa Rica or Uruguay. But I guess Spain and Portugal should be tops due to being able to access Europe. Hopefully we can use your experience as a guide and learn and avoid pitfalls! Great video!

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

OMG...I love it! Please, feel free to ask questions along the way. We want to help people if we can. No plans to make a business out of that knowledge. No desire to do that...we just want to help because moving abroad has its challenges. We think our next video is going to be about that...the challenges.

[@ewen1140]

@@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut ❤️ thanks looking forward to videos. You have helped me a lot in my Spanish journey already, with all the tips and resources you recommended.

[@lapantera2022]

Be comfortable does not have to mean look like you just got out of bed

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

Es Verdad!

[@rolflin]

Mmmm double parking is only a good idea if you can get out quickly and left somebody on the car People can get angry. And Police Will fine you or give a warning to leave faster than a cannonball

[@GregLewis-fl3lr]

Oh no! We haven’t noticed that yet. Thanks for stopping by!

[@johnveerkamp1501]

FOR GET SPAIN !!!

[@merizt]

Y si estabas en España que esperabas que te habláramos en inglés??

[@GregandLisaLewis-vz6ut]

Por supuesto que no. No creo que hayamos hablado de hablar ingles en este video ?? We are learning the language and never speak to anyone in English even if they speak to us in English.

[@viquiben4919]

De verdad piensas que ellos esperaban que en España se hablara inglés? Qué bobada por Dios, ya podrías ser un poco más amable. Suenas borde y amarga.

[@GregLewis-fl3lr]

Of course not! We’re trying hard to learn the language.

[@pedrolardies9597]

@@GregLewis-fl3lr Su comentario, supongo que es debido a que hay turistas británicos que cuando vienen a España (no todos) de vacaciones, se quejan de que los locales no hablen inglés, incluso que el problema es que hay muchos españoles. 🤣🤣😂

[@anafh2213]

​@@pedrolardies9597yes, it is some obnoxious British that have that attitude and we Spaniards find it most annoying