(no subject)
Shopping
So today I went shopping. Now the difference between shopping in the States and in Spain is that here they aren't as into customer service. Usually you say hola to the salesperson when you walk into a store. They usually go about their business. You say hasta luego when you leave. They usually go about whatever they're doing while you're there. Sometimes they will finish a conversation with their coworker BEFORE answering your question. I actually prefer this most of the time, because while sometimes they won't be helpful about checking for another size in the back (it's almost unheard of...), they don't bother you.
So I went into this small clothes store in my neighborhood on my way back from the train station. It had some cute (and cheap) sundresses in the window. I walk in and walk toward the rack with dresses. I touch one dress. A salesgirl asked if she could help. I politely decline and say I'm just looking. Another girl comes out of the mystery backroom and immediately asks me if I need help. I decline politely again. Then about 30 seconds later (seriously, not exaggerating) another woman asks me if she can help. At that point I was thinking about trying some on, so she ushers me to a changing room. Or stall with a curtain. Same thing. I'm a little freaked out by this service, but I go about trying on my dresses.
After a few minutes, the lady asks how the "vestiditos" are AND proceeds to pop her head into my space. I almost had a panic attack* in this store from so much attention from a saleslady. (*This time I was exaggerating.)
It was the most interesting shopping experience in Spain thus far. (Which, if you notice, completely excludes my Morroccan(sp) adventure.
Internet Woes
So our internet (read:the internet we've been "borrowing" from our neighbors) in our apartment has completely shut down. Edith speculates that it belonged to the girl next door who moved out a few days ago. Good theory. Sad for me. Sadder for Edith who actually does productive things. Saddest for Elena who is trying to write a thesis in biochemistry. I also assume it's something telling me to stop spending time online and go outside/enjoy Madrid. Deal.
So today I went shopping. Now the difference between shopping in the States and in Spain is that here they aren't as into customer service. Usually you say hola to the salesperson when you walk into a store. They usually go about their business. You say hasta luego when you leave. They usually go about whatever they're doing while you're there. Sometimes they will finish a conversation with their coworker BEFORE answering your question. I actually prefer this most of the time, because while sometimes they won't be helpful about checking for another size in the back (it's almost unheard of...), they don't bother you.
So I went into this small clothes store in my neighborhood on my way back from the train station. It had some cute (and cheap) sundresses in the window. I walk in and walk toward the rack with dresses. I touch one dress. A salesgirl asked if she could help. I politely decline and say I'm just looking. Another girl comes out of the mystery backroom and immediately asks me if I need help. I decline politely again. Then about 30 seconds later (seriously, not exaggerating) another woman asks me if she can help. At that point I was thinking about trying some on, so she ushers me to a changing room. Or stall with a curtain. Same thing. I'm a little freaked out by this service, but I go about trying on my dresses.
After a few minutes, the lady asks how the "vestiditos" are AND proceeds to pop her head into my space. I almost had a panic attack* in this store from so much attention from a saleslady. (*This time I was exaggerating.)
It was the most interesting shopping experience in Spain thus far. (Which, if you notice, completely excludes my Morroccan(sp) adventure.
Internet Woes
So our internet (read:the internet we've been "borrowing" from our neighbors) in our apartment has completely shut down. Edith speculates that it belonged to the girl next door who moved out a few days ago. Good theory. Sad for me. Sadder for Edith who actually does productive things. Saddest for Elena who is trying to write a thesis in biochemistry. I also assume it's something telling me to stop spending time online and go outside/enjoy Madrid. Deal.