I have had a Spanish address before, but this time I actually pay for it myself. I work hard during the week so that I can pay my bills at the end of each month, including electric and water. I believe this makes me an official resident of the small but charming neighborhood called Fort Pienc in Barcelona, Spain.
2. You have a Spanish bank account
As you may recall, I used to worry about how I was going to maintain all of my earnings. At first it seemed like a silly and ironic problem to have since only a few months before I never would have imagined making enough money to where it would become a concern to simply keep it in a shoebox in my room. But indeed I started doing well and obtaining more work, which left me with a regular money flow coming in. Luckily, my fellow teacher friend, Mark from Liverpool, came across a friendly and helpful woman at a local bank who spoke English and gave him all the details. Turns out, pretty much anyone can open a bank account. You don't need to be a Spaniard or a member of the European Union. All I needed was my passport. So, Mark gave me her information, and I made an appointment. She turned out to be more helpful than I could have imagined, and set me up with a student checking account. Actually, it was one of the best banking experiences I've ever had, the United States included. And it's a Spanish account! Cool! So now I can deposit my earnings and use my debit card to spend them as well, just like a real Spaniard (and with no international fees!).
3. You are the only foreigner in a club
My roommates and I regularly go to a small club down the street called Merlin (like the wizard). It's less than a 10 minute walk from our apartment, and we know how to get in for free. They play all of our jams, including many Spanish tunes, and my roommate knows the bartender. It is a real Spanish club, filled with local students, and in all my Saturday nights, I've never encountered another foreigner. In fact, I've even met a few Spaniards who didn't believe that I'm an American. Don't worry, I set 'em straight. "Yeah, you're right. I was kidding. I'm a Spaniard."
4. You know where everything is in the grocery store
When I walk down the street to my local Mercadona, I know my exact routine. First the CocaCola, then the pasta, then the cheese, eggs, milk, and yogurt with bits of chocolate, then the cereal. Then a stop at the fresh market for fruit, veggies, and meat.
5. You recognize people on the metro
Seriously. I see the same girl with glasses and her plaid skirt school uniform every morning at 8:00 AM on the red line. I see the same two women, chatting over their lunch break, every Tuesday and Thursday on the green line. And I see the same middle-aged man with white-rimmed glasses every evening on my way home. I may not know their names, but we do share the same routine during our daily grind.
6. You recognize your neighborhood dogs
I see the friendly rottweiler from down the street on his afternoon walk on my way to my afternoon class. On my way home, I see the giant, furry white dog running in the doggy park with his friends behind our building. (Would it be creepy if I hung out in the doggy park without a dog of my own? I just want to get to know my neighbors!)
7. You know the street performers' songs of choice
The guy in the tunnel connecting the red and the green line likes to sing "Don't worry. Be happy." as people head home from work.
8. You know which booth in the market has the better vegetables
In the Fort Pienc Market, you have to go to the vegetable booth across from the bakery, not the one across from the cafe. Their fruits are tastier and vegetables fresher, and the guy calls you beautiful when he bids you farewell.
9. You have a monthly metro pass
I am a regular metro rider, and that requires a personalized monthly metro pass.
10. You have a Spanish library card
This is my favorite one. I figured if I was going to frequent my local library, I should become an official member. I now have full access to all of its amenities. Including a sweet card!
So what do ya think? Do I sound like a local Barcelonian or what?
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