One Year in Spain

[ESDavey]

I wrote this for the TVR car club magazine : http://goo.gl/jnQHiC

[miniyouvidu]

Really nice write up! I am from Madrid, but currently living in Coventry. I liked your car, very nice.

[ESDavey]

Well its been a very interesting 2 years living in Madrid but the packers arrive on Monday & we will finally say goodbye to Spain.

I've had some real highlights and some bad experiences but on the whole, its been great. Driving a TVR across Spain is one of the best driving experiences of my life. Space, roads, weather, Paradores, terrain & people make it idyllic.

If you live in Spain, drive as much as you can, whenever you can. If you dont live in Spain, give it a go !!

[CorrendousHunt]

Spain is a driver's dream compared to the UK, eh?

My wife is Spanish so I'm over there a lot. Their roads are sublime and the scenery is often breathtaking. A few years back (before we were married) she drove herself there in just over 24 hours in a Renaultsport Twingo!

[el romeral]

CorrendousHunt said:

Spain is a driver's dream compared to the UK, eh?

Whilst I agree about some of the roads and scenery being great, the trouble with driving in Spain is the way the locals drive. One seems to be constantly dealing with tailgating, aggressive driving, selfish manoeuvers, unbelievable roundabout practices, parking anywhere (as long as the hazards are on) etc etc.
I have been dealing with it 15 years and the (relatively) few times I return to the UK and drive I find it so orderly and polite with courteous thoughtful driving on the whole. It is a real joy.

[P924]

Have to agree with this.

When i first got here, I was forever shouting at someone who had just cut me up, or decided to go all the way around the outside of a roundabout etc.

Now I just expect it.

[ESDavey]

In Spain, if you leave a gap big enough for a car, then its probable someone will fill it ! Its fair play as far as the Spanish are concerned. Roundabouts are amazing but when EVERYONE drives the same way, you realise its the Brits who are odd.

How often do you see a car in the UK double parked with hazards on ?? (I kind of miss it !)

Big difference in the UK is the aggression.

[mickrick]

Driving standards in Mallorca are appalling! My daily commute into Palma is like wacky races.
Last week I had a Guy actually pass me on the inside, then as he came up fast behind the car I was overtaking, he tried to push me over onto the gravel between the dual carriageways.
I see stuff like this every day.
oh, and they don't know how to use a roundabout, even the driving school cars stay in the outside lane to turn left.