And here comes second installment in Naranjas tourist information:

Ok, so let’s say that you are here on holiday. You have probably hired a car or you are just strolling around. You might find yourself lost or just looking for a specific place and will then have to ask for directions. A common occurrence for tourist and natives alike.

But you might have to use a bit of tact if you are asking for directions, especially if you are out in the more rural areas of Spain. Because even if Spain is part of Europe and we are in the year 2007 there is still a fair amount of illiteracy present. Mostly amongst the old of course, but some of them are not that old.

And for them it will be a bit embarrassing if you stick them a piece of paper with an address on it and ask where it is, as they will of course not understand it. Which might just lead them to give you directions made out of the blue in order to save face and not have to admit that they cannot read the note.

So if possible ask rather than giving a piece of paper with an address if you encounter an elderly person.

This of course mean that they have to understand your dodgy Spanish though…:)