More differences...

I've made a few more observations about life here and the society in general.

It seems that the general (unsaid) rule is to cross the street when there are no cars approaching. So even if the signal is red people will cross if theyre confident thy can make it across without being squashed to a pulp. I can always tell the difference between the Spanish and the tourists: the tourists.. are always standing next to me waiting for the signal to change

More bars, cafes and restaurants than there are Tim Horton's in Toronto. Every block has at least one bar and a cafe. And I'm not exaggerating...(. I took the time to note this in about three different districts of the city so I'm pretty sure I can conclude that it is so.) That means that there's a bar every few hundred metres and sometimes some are right next to each other. Naturally, I would assume there'd be considerable amount of competition between them considering their proximity. BUT there is hardly ever an empty seat! Going out to have a drink and relax in the cool of the evening with friends or family, at the local bar.. its like second nature here. Or rather.... it is their nature. Bars are a necessity... can never have too many. On the subject of bars.. although Tapas bars are celebrated as a distinct part of Spanish culture, here in Barcelona very few bars actually give tapas for free. Most bars charge! Apparantly only in the South of Spain does this free tapas ''phenomenon'' actually happen. Luckily for me... there's a ''free'' tapas bar right by the flat.

Bikes:) Whether you're on a Vespa or toning those legs on a bicycle, bikes seem to be a popular form of transportation. For a small fee you can even rent a bike for a day. Its convenient and a practical way to be environmentally friendly.

I don't like to be around smokers (when they smoke.) I hate cigarette smoke. My flatmates are smokers!! The first couple of weeks, I used to hold my breath and scurry to my room frantically just so I could avoid the smoke and breathe some fresh air in my room: my haven, my safe spot, until, the day I realised that if there are people smoking in the living room, the smoke seeps in through the air ventilators in my door into my room. GREAT!!! Just what I needed. The majority of people I have met or have seen, smoke. People here smoke on the streets, in bars, at the beach, in the mall.... basically in public places. That's something Im finding hard to adjust to. As a future medical professional (hopefully) I am extremely paranoid about second hand smoke. At this rate though.. I have since given up holding my breath... I might as well be a smoker.

Signs of affection in public. I have no problem with couples showing signs of affection or whatever they need to do in public. Here though... I find that that perhaps its a little too open.(This is largely due to my upbringing I'm sure) The Spanish are ''passionate'' people. Outward signs of affection are very common and very ''outward''. I must say I have been subjected to some rather graphic scenes of passionate couples who cant seem to get enough of each other(butt grasping included) on the metro or in the street. I won't go into the dramatic details but this is definitely different to the conservative Canadian society or the even more conservative Zimbabwean culture.