While you are travelling through Spain, it would be nice if you can walk carefree and enjoy the views of the fascinating architecture. But alas, there are so many things to be careful of while strolling through the streets of Spain.
Watch your feet
There is so much dog poo. On the footpath. Either in its original form or already made a victim and smushed into the ground. If there’s liquid, high chance that it is dog urine. They don’t even do it by the trees on the side of the street. It’s in the middle of the footpath where people walk. In Australia, there are very strict laws surrounding having a dog and the fines are so high, many people will abide by them. I have had people around me who have actually been fined as well (although for a different reason). There are similar laws in Japan too, and also the fact that it is a culture where you worry about how others see you, I can’t recall a time where I encountered dog poo whilst I lived in Japan.
Spain also has national laws and regional laws pertaining this, however it seems that there are many people do not follow the rules even with the fines. During my 2 months in Spain, I have only seen owners who have picked up after their dog or washed away the urine with water, but there must be so many more that don’t… Or perhaps not many people are fined?
Walking while texting or playing on your phone is dangerous on its own, but please keep an eye on where you are walking so that you don’t accidentally step on something you don’t want to.
Watch your head
Many apartment buildings in Spain are built with balconies which protrude out over the footpath, so when you walk under them, you may find yourself getting a shower. There are many people who have plants on their balconies and there is water dripping down regardless of the time of day. It’s not usually pouring down, but there will be consistent droplets or sometimes like a spray of water. I don’t even want to consider if it could be from other water issues in the apartments. I just avoid walking under the balconies where I can.
On a side note, it must just be my luck that within 2 weeks of moving to San Sebastián, I got pooed on by 2 birds. Many cultures say it’s a sign of good luck but not so sure about that at the moment.
Watch the air
While strolling the streets, or out on the terrace seats at a restaurant, cafe or bar, there is always someone smoking. I’ve had to hold my breath or change seats countless times. People not only smoke cigarettes but also marijuana too. It’s not common to come across this much smoke (of any kind) in Australia or Japan so it was a bit of a cultural shock for me. I always somehow find myself downwind from a smoker. As a non-smoker, it is something I struggle to deal with on a daily basis.
When you breathe in a whiff of smoke while walking through a street where all the buildings are very close to each other and there is bad airflow, you have to speed-walk to the next intersection until you can breathe fresh air in. But, with regards to the marijuana smokers, I’ve never felt at risk, just hate the smell of it.
Although you may need the assistance of your phone while trying to figure out where you are going when in Spain, please take care of your surroundings, including those infamous pickpockets.