1. When you go to talk to your bank
about using money overseas, ask if they can give you a chip card (a credit card
with a computer chip in it). Most places in Europe won’t take cards that don’t
have the chips, and it’s much easier than trying to count out cash in a long
line. Also ask if they can order euros for you, and get a decent amount. I did
this before leaving and it made the first week a much smoother transition since
I didn’t have to run around trying to find a place to exchange money. When you place
your order, ask that the denominations be mixed up so you’re not weighed down
with too many little bills or at risk with too many big ones.
2. The tables and chairs on the
streets are not public; they belong to the restaurants in front of them. This
isn’t obvious because the umbrellas will sometimes have different logos, but if
you sit down it means you’re going to buy something. I had no idea that was the
case and almost annoyed a server by eating another restaurant’s food at one of
her tables! To save face, I quickly ordered water (which, by the way, is not
free in Spain). The way cafés work in Valencia and in other parts of Europe is
the customer sits down and the server walks over and takes the order. Unlike in
America, the servers aren’t going to keep checking on you to see if you need
anything. They don’t rush you at all and won’t give you the bill until you ask
for it. When you want to pay, remember the magic words: La cuenta, por favor.
3. Another difference from America
is that in Valencia, cafés are treated more like actual restaurants and less
like makeshift office spaces. People don’t sit and stay; nobody breaks out a
laptop and studies for finals like they do in Tallahassee. The one place that
might be an exception is Starbucks, but even then you should expect to buy some
food and drink in exchange for your stay.
4. Buy a reusable tote bag at the
Bazar Feliz (the convenience store near the study center) or bring one with
you. This is a huge help when it comes to grocery shopping, because you have to
carry everything you buy and the stores here will charge you for plastic
bags. Bring a tote or buy one at the
grocery store, and take a backpack too for extra space. Publix has spoiled us
by always bagging our groceries, providing the bags free of charge, and loading
up our cars for us. In Valencia, not only do you have to pay for the bags, you
have to fill them yourself! That was a bit of a surprise to me when the cashier
rang me up and immediately pushed my stuff to the side and helped the next
customer.
5. Don’t disregard the coins. In
America, quarters are the only coins with any real value most of the time, so
we tend to just throw them aside. But with the euro that’s not the case. There
are coins that are worth one or two euros, and you can actually buy things with
them.
6. Restaurants in Valencia don’t
provide free refills. But what they do provide is a bottle for your drink in
addition to a glass, so you can take it with you if you don’t finish. The
portions they give tend to be reasonable, so if you pace yourself well you
shouldn’t even need a refill.
7. Don’t expect a lot from
breakfast time. At FSU we’re used to having big breakfasts at Dennys, Einsteins
and Dunkin Donuts, but in Spain breakfast isn’t as much of a thing. It’s usually
a piece of bread, some coffee, and maybe a piece of fruit. The main meal of the
day is lunch, so you’re not likely to find a lot in terms of pancakes or
omelets. But Pan de Queso, which is right across the street from the Gold
building, has some delicious bread for good prices, and they accept cheques
too.
8. When you go on the excursions,
pay attention to the directions used to get where you’re going. The way they
usually work is that you’ll be escorted to the site, but once you get there
you’re on your own, so it’s important to know how to get back. Take notes if
you have to, and be sure to use landmarks that are unique. I made the mistake
of using a pharmacy as my landmark, not realizing that there are two of them on
every corner! Try something more specific, like a graffiti drawing or a
historical site.
9. If you start to feel homesick,
the best medicine is to distract yourself. I always found that it hit me the
hardest when I was just lying around my room doing nothing; as soon as I left I
felt much better. Get out and do something to take your mind off it, even if
all you do is go for a walk. The beauty of Valencia and all that goes on will
give you something else to think about, and when classes and excursions start,
you’ll be so busy you won’t have time to be homesick!
