There's not going to be much structure to this other than some reflections I've had while away.

This was a holiday I needed.

It was time to switch off properly.

Minimum Effort Gets Minimal Experience

Being a native English speaker is a blessing and a curse.

Loads of non-natives make the effort to learn the language you take for granted. Yet it becomes an expectation when you're abroad for everyone to speak English. You neglect the possibility that they don't all do.

When I was in shops, and restaurants I noticed subtle differences between the service Spanish-speaking customers received and those who weren't. I'm not saying we didn't get good service because everyone we met was so friendly.

It's only natural. There's a connection through their language. This emphasised to me why I want to be able to speak Spanish. Being able to connect with people through their own language makes it easier to appreciate one another and their culture.  

I'd started learning bits before we went so this was a chance to practice.

My goal was to learn something new every day. I asked the waiters, bar staff and reception staff how to say various words and phrases.

One waiter didn't speak English so I ordered completely in Spanish. Another one helped me with pronunciation. I just wanted to learn.  

At the airport, before we came home, I experienced 2 situations worth mentioning.

Standing in the queue for water and the person in front of me getting served had her full conversation in English. Even "hello" and "thank you". When I went up to the same person I began with "Hello, how are you?" in Spanish. Immediately the person's attitude changed.

She perked up and made eye contact with me. This was more meaningful than the previous interaction she had.

The second was at passport control.

Most experiences I've had here have been mundane. Check your passport. Stamp. Bye.

Not this one.

Again, I began with "Hello, how are you?" in Spanish. The guy excitedly asked me if I spoke Spanish. I replied by saying I was learning (Spanish).

He gave me some encouragement to keep doing so. Even the other guy in the booth liked the sound of it and asked me how I was.

We exchanged a few words and laughs before saying goodbye.

It shows what a little effort can do.

Coffee In Europe >> Anywhere Else

I can't quite put my finger on it but an espresso with an almond croissant abroad hits different.

The coffee culture abroad feels more about enjoying the taste of coffee and the company you have rather than ordering a drink with more milk and sugar than actual coffee.

Coffees are also half the price compared to here.

We found a nice cafe where we got 2 coffees, 1 glass of orange juice and 2 pastries for €8.

The same thing here would've cost at least £10.

The Trick To Finding The Best Restaurants

The obvious place to start is TripAdvisor.

The reviews there are often very accurate.

We went to the top-rated place and it didn't disappoint.

You might've thought it was a Spanish restaurant but it was actually Indian. Unreal scran. The best spiced onions I've ever had.

We also found that going a few streets back from the beachfront was where the best food was. It might not have had the view of the sea and the sunset but sitting outside in a narrow street was way more enjoyable.

There was an atmosphere that you don't get elsewhere.

All our favourite paces were small and tucked away from the main sea front walkway.

The prices were also more reasonable.  

The Best Way To Quickly See A New Place

I love training when I'm travelling.

You get to experience new gyms, see new people and try out new bits of kit (reverse hyperextension machines are the one).

I also love running in a new place.

The new environment gives you a sense of excitement. The novelty of seeing new sights makes you want to do it.

Going out with only a pair of shorts on to run along the seafront does wonders for the mind.  

I found my pace to be exactly where I wanted it to be despite being near the end of the holiday.

I had been eating and drinking more than usual but still on target for my Hyrox running pace.  

I'll be back with 1-2-3 Sundays this weekend.