Four Months Later

After spending about four months here in Andalucia, I've begun to get a sense of how some things function here. If you're not already familiar with the term, Andalucia, allow me to enlighten you:
Andalucia is the second largest and most southern (actually located on theIberian Peninsula) of Spain's comunidades (communities). While I have traveled to other countries in Europe and other parts of Spain, Andalucia but more specifically Seville, has been my home since late August 2010. While I can't possibly delve into every aspect which sets it apart from the other communities, in this blog I hope to illuminate my perspective not only of Andalucia and Seville, but my experience in Spain as a whole.

Thus, I shall discuss my first point of interest: Tobacco.

As of January 2nd, 2011 the use of tobacco products such as cigars and cigarettes is prohibited in any enclosed spaces "that may be shared with others", reads an article from El Pais.com; I've also been informed that one cannot smoke in childrens' parks. When I first arrived, I was told to expect the massive (though decreasing) amounts of smokes in Spain and in Europe in generall. Needless to say, It came as no surprise when I smelt smoke while changing planes in the Madrid airport. In every bar my friends and I entered during the Fall '10 there were smokers. Smoking was a part of life whether you did it or not. My host mom doesn't smoke but when her family is over visiting, if a person happens to light up, no big deal. However, things have begun to change. Scouts have been dispersed around the country to enforce the new law. If one is caught smoking in the prohibited area and caught, the offender and the bar are fined for the offense.

I'm not sure what this will mean for future generations of smokers, but for now, people keep lighting up.