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As ex-pats move ever further into inland Spain shopping can be a real nightmare. Explaining your needs can expand your Spanish through conversation with local Spaniards.
Asking for lard is fine, but asking for something to roast potatoes in pushes basic Spanish language skills closer to real conversation. Supermarkets may be easier to use but in large outlets you can buy a whole week´s groceries without exchanging a single word. On the other hand local shops thrive on gossip and a limited vocabulary goes a surprisingly long way. Shopping Rituals in SpainIt is important to remember that shopping is basically the same anywhere. It is essentially a formalized system of exchange with readily recognized rituals. With more than one customer waiting to be served someeone is bound to ask "¿Que es ultimo?" Who is last? A nice gesture and a wonderful conversation opener. After swapping pleasantries you will be asked something along the lines of "how can I help you?" A shopping list helps at this point. It is easy to forget the exact Spanish word you need but you know you are being listened to and the other customers will feel free, if not obliged, to offer their help. Unfamiliar SpanishSee what is available first and you won't be confused by a stream of unfamiliar Spanish. With several varieties of apples on display your preference will be asked for. "Aquellas," (those over there) with a pointed finger isn't crude sign language. It is a legitimate means of communication and soon you will be asking for the green ones, or even, the green ones on the top shelf next to the pears. You can forecast the next question. How many? Remember that a kilo is about 2.2 pounds, although you can always buy by number. Solo tres, just the three. Anything else, "?algo mas¿" can be followed by "no, nada mas," and however the next sentence is phrased you can be reasonably certain you are about to be told the price. Many English speakers fall down at this point, but, by following normal procedures it needn't mean disaster. Listen carefully to the number of Euros then you can ask how many centimos. For example four euros what? "?Cuatro con que¿" If you still don't hear the exact amount at least you won't have to use the foreigners´ ploy of waving large denomination notes under the assistant's nose and hoping for the best. There are two questions to ask now. Did you get everything you wanted, and did you use any English? If the answers are yes and no then go into the nearest bar (it won't be far away) and reward yourself with a suitable restorative. You deserve it, and you know you can ask for it.
The copyright of the article Shopping in Inland Spain in Spain Travel is owned by Michael Carroll. Permission to republish Shopping in Inland Spain in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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