One of the pleasures of traveling is noticing how the way people get around reflects the culture around them.
In the United States, the car is king. It makes sense. This is a vast country, with long distances between home, work, shopping and restaurants. Even in smaller cities, getting through the day often means driving. There’s also something very American about the independence of having your own car and heading wherever you want, whenever you want.
Holland is a different world where the bicycle rules. Cities are compact and easily navigated by bikes, so it makes sense to zoom around the ubiquitous bike lanes. In fact, pedestrians better watch out because biking is so dominant that you could easily get run over! On a recent visit, we saw a giant group of hundreds of bicycles parked near the train station with one perplexed soul scratching his head as he wondered how he would ever find his own bike!
For Spain, walking is more than a way to get around, it is a central part of daily life and social connection. It helps that most cities and towns in Spain are compact and easily walkable. This makes it easy to make the rounds every day. The Spanish often visit local shops and the municipal market to grab a quick cortado and buy the necessities for the day like freshly baked bread, vegetables and dinner ingredients. Along the way, people connect by chatting with their favorite vendors and friends visiting the market.
The most beloved walk of the day is called El Paseo. In the early evening, families, neighbors and friends stroll the town, often down a pedestrian friendly street lined with restaurants and shops. Whole towns come together to enjoy each other’s company. Old couples stroll slowly together, stopping frequently to chat with lifelong friends. Younger folks gather outside bars to share a beer and a tapa. And children are welcomed, with the little ones chasing pigeons in the town square with glee.
All this walking is a healthy habit. On average, adults in Spain walk nearly 10,000 steps a day. But exercise is rarely the goal, it’s just a natural part of the day in Spain.
El Paseo is even more healthful in how it fosters community and connection. You don’t need to set a date with friends and family to see each other, you can just meet up in the center of town. And compared to the United States, a lot of people in Spain live near their hometowns, so you can easily have a stroll with your cousins or old friends as often as you like.
Spanish towns and cities are designed for the walking lifestyle, with stores, schools, plazas and workplaces located in walking distance. The custom of living in small apartments also supports a walking culture. Why stay home when the plaza is full of life?
That may be what we love most about El Paseo. It isn’t really about walking at all. It’s about slowing down, stepping outside and being part of your community. In Spain, the journey through town is often just as important as the destination, especially when you have friends and family walking alongside you.
¡Hola! I'm Jonathan Harris, one of the owners of La Tienda. I love sharing insights about Spain's amazing food culture. Learn more >
