Pics: City Center and My Piso

I was super touristy today and took pictures of the main city center area of where I live here in Puertollano.

I love the flowers you see all over the balconies here.  So simple, yet so beautiful.

This picture, and the following pictures, are all taken in a center paseo (walkway) that's called Paseo San Gregorio.  It is very close to where I live, and it is a very central area that is where a lot of people hangout.  The pictures don't really show how beautiful it looks!  At night, it is especially  beautiful with all the lights and decorations they have for Christmas and New Year's.

This doesn't look like much now, but it is a long line of fountains (that I imagine is pretty cool in the spring/summer time), and there is like a little stage with rows of seating.  Maybe they have shows or little performances? 

This is also a cool looking fountain that I'm sure is beautiful in the warmer weather when it's turned on.

The "zebra" crossings that everyone says here. haha

This is definitely the fanciest Burger King I have ever seen.  It is so big and looks like it would be more of an upscale restaurant because of its central location and classy building design.  They make fun of Americans eating fast food all the time, but I see this place and McDonald's being crowded everyday when I walk by!!!!  Don't act like you don't like Whoppers and Big Macs, Spain!!! You know you love them!!!!! ;)

The name of my street! Calle Ancha=  Wide Street

My piso (apartment) is down this street.  (A little further past that white van, on the right.)

Here, allow me to give you the grand tour!!

View of the pasillo (hallway) right when you first walk in the door.

La salita (little living room).  Almost like a spare room that we don't use much except to dry our clothes (I learned this the hard way after getting my clothes rained on a multiple times hanging outside to dry!!)

My habitacion  (room).  This picture is not deceiving, it really is THAT small haha.  I feel like a giant in here for sure.  But it works.

Please, please...note the Sesame Street border in my room.

La cocina (the kitchen) .  Everything is new and really nice.

Different angle of the kitchen.

This is a tiny, tiny room that is off of the kitchen that leads out to the patio.  Washing machine and fridge combos are extremely normal in Spain.  I've seen the washer actually in the kitchen of other apartments, like under the microwave haha.  Good use of space and convenient I guess.  Wash underwear AND cook dinner.  Score.

El patio.  Tiny little outdoor space that we share with the apartment next door. 

View looking up outside on the patio.  Don't let the small outlet to the sky deceive you----your drying clothes WILL get soaked. 

 La sala (living room/family room area)

And of course, your pretty standard bathroom....except.....

...the bidet.

So I just checked the spelling of this word online, and for those of you who are unsure of this very common Euro structure, I have ever-so graciously provided you with a definition, as well as some other interesting facts/picture:

A bidet is a low-mounted plumbing fixture or type of sink intended for washing the genitalia, inner buttocks, and anus. Originally a French word, in English bidet is pronounced /bɨˈdeɪ/ (US) or /ˈbiːdeɪ/ (UK).

Bidet is a French word for pony (and in Old French, bider meant to trot). This etymology comes from the notion that one rides a bidet much like a pony is ridden.

(An 18th century etching of ladies 'mounted' on bidets)

Bidets are primarily used to wash and clean the genitalia, perineum, inner buttocks, and anus. They may also be used to clean any other part of the body; they are very convenient for cleaning the feet, for example. Despite appearing similar to a toilet, it would be more accurate to compare it to the washbasin or bathtub. Bidets once served as a practical way for couples to prepare themselves before sex, as well as to rinse themselves afterwards.^[1]

Users who are unfamiliar with bidets often confuse a bidet with a urinal, toilet, or even a drinking fountain.

It is generally understood that the user should sit on a bidet facing the tap and nozzle for washing the genitalia, and should sit with back to the tap and wall when washing the anus and buttocks. For a thorough cleaning, the user should use a hand to scrub the area with soap after wetting, then rinse. A dedicated towel or wipe is often available for drying.

(Thank you Wikipedia for such a thorough, and verbally graphic, explanation.)


Ok so a bidet is NOT a drinking fountain.  Got it.      Really, people?

So I do not mean to seem close-minded, but I just can't get down with the idea of using a bidet.  I mean, I'll try new foods, participate in different traditions...but I think I'll pass on this one, Spain.  Thanks anyway!