Page:A Handbook for Travellers in Spain - Vol 1.djvu/52

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The best method of acquiring the Spanish language is to establish oneself in a good casa de huespedes, to avoid English society and conversation, to read Don Quijote through and aloud before a master of a morning, and to be schooled by female tongues of an evening. The ladies of Spain prove better mistresses, and their lessons are more attended to by their pupils, than the inflections and irregular verbs of a language master.

The observance of a few rules in a country where “manners maketh man,” will render the traveller’s path one of peace and pleasantness. A word of advice may therefore be offered to English tourists about to visit Spain for the first time. The Spaniard is kind and courteous in his demeanour towards his fellow-passengers, both in railway carriage, diligence, and hotel. No formal introduction is required before he offers you his cigar-case, his brandy bottle, and a share in whatever other creature comforts he may have brought with him for his and your use. If you wish to do the right thing, you will refuse once in the most affable manner; but if the offer is again repeated you will frankly accept the proffered kindness, and return the compliment on the first fitting occasion.

Never eat, or smoke a cigar, in the presence of fellow-voyagers, without first offering to share with them: it is, however, not necessary to repeat the offer more than once, and will be almost invariably declined.

It is polite to lift your hat upon leaving or entering a railway carriage or diligence, and to wish your fellow-passengers a “good day,” or “an adieu,” as the occasion may require. Never grudge wearing out a hat or two by touching it or taking it off. In the Madrid tramcars this is not usual. Never lose your patience with a Spanish official: always endeavour to maintain a quiet and unruffled demeanour, and try to imitate the Spaniard himself in his habit of “Resignation,” taking his motto for your own, “Paciencia y barajar,” and above all things else remember, when nothing pleasant can be said, that “whilst speech is silver, silence is often golden!”

Always remember that every Spaniard (be his class what it may)