Gecko Towers
I feel it’s important to impart a few key, though intentionally light hearted, tips that will make your transition to your new life in Marbella all the more enjoyable. The aim is to reduce any potential culture shock.
Today our topic is Queuing in Spain.
Popular mythology suggests that “Europeans”, which by usage, if not precise definition, excludes the British, are not fond of queuing. This implies a lack of respect for the basic notion of being first in a relevant queue and being the holder of that position delivers some form of priority. In Marbella, this is simply not the case when it comes to, for example, the Bank, the Utility Company offices or the Post Office.
In the absence of a formal ticket issuing machine, that the unfamiliar will simply not know exists and sit confused while a steady stream of people advancing toward the desk ahead of them, there is a very strict form to queuing.
“¿Que es el último?” (“Who’s the last?”) will be the cry heard from the most recent person to join the queue. In turn, those who believe they are ahead of the recent joiner will explain their priority, as they asked the same question when they joined. In this way order is brought to a potentially chaotic group.
An alternative to this system will be seen in operation in a Medical Waiting Room. The doctor will give the name of the next patient to the patient leaving the surgery – on their way out of the consulting room – thus ensuring patients are seen in their appointed turn. The only confusion arises where the patient who’s allotted time arrives after the person who’s apparently the last in the queue. Order is usually quickly resolved albeit a little grumpily.
Whilst on the issue of queuing there is a particular convention that is always greeted by amusement by those who recently relocated to Marbella.
If you are in a supermarket, and I will use the name “Mercadona” which will be unfamiliar to those who have not yet visited but rest assured when you relocate, at some point this will become one of your supermarkets of choice. The custom I am referring to is the queue that forms at the check out.
The family with the overfull trolly will glance at those who are arriving to join the queue who hold in their hands just a few items. The family will realise that they are likely to be some minutes whist their basket is emptied, scanned and re-packed. They will often invite the later joiner with few items to pass ahead of them and break free of the supermarket earlier than they thought.
It is likely that the queue joiner with few items will be asked ¿Quires pasar? (“Do you want to pass?) It‘s a kind and honest gesture and don’t be surprised in such circumstances if you are offered the chance to queue jump in this way.
This is a charming and polite custom and one that is greeted with a great deal of thanks – “Muchisimas gracias” (“Big thanks”) is a good reply to keep available for such events. After all, it avoids the necessity for the ‘ten items or less’ queues that are usual in British supermarkets.
Should you be interested in discussing the Legal process involved in buying a property in Marbella, we would be delighted to assist you. Our team of bi-lingual, highly experienced and wholly independent team of Abogados are ready to help you.
Please call me, Mark FR Wilkins, during usual business hours on +34 600 343 917.
Please note that our posts are for general interest. They are no substitute for proper legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances as provided by a qualified Abogado who is experienced in the application of the Spanish Law.
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