Things that would never happen in NYC but happen in Spain: Part 2

Since our arrival in Malaga 3 weeks ago I have added to my list of things that would never happen in NYC but happen daily here in Malaga

5. Siesta! It's definitely a Southern thing because I've heard from other Spaniards that in the North and Central Spain they don't take siesta that seriously.
Basically it's "nap time" for three hours in the middle of every day from 2pm (sometimes earlier depending on how the owners are feeling that day) until 5pm everything closes, then they are generally open from 5-9 or 10. But that means that supermarkets, clothing stores, electronic stores, furniture stores, shoe stores, hair salons, phone stores, banks (actually, banks don't even reopen at 5-they just close for the rest of the day!)...basically EVERYTHING closes! And on Sunday's things don't open at all! So definitely plan ahead on Saturday!

6. On the topic of Siesta - the only things that are left open during that time and on Sundays are the Chino stores. Basically a chino store is like a big juicy bodega (NYC ppl kno what I mean!). Some of them are a 24 hour store (other close at 11pm) anbd they sell everything and anything: from water & sodas, to mp3 players, they can unlock your phone, liquor, rice, dish detergent, sponges, haircare products, fruits&veggies, snacks, helado, bras and underwear, and just about any other daily necessity you wouldn't imagine finding in a corner store!

One of the 6 chino stores down the block from our piso

7. McDonalds gives you the option of a beer with your meal as a refreshment

The States should take their cue from Spain on this!

8. There is soooo much construction here in the city center.  And unlike in NY where the sites of construction are blocked off with restricted access to anywhere near big deadly machinery to only people working with hardhats here in Malaga they are a bit less cautious and we actually ended up walking right through a construction site with jackhammers and live tablesaws cutting through tiles as pedestrains go about their day walking through the streets!

No one even bat an eye when we hesitantly walked through!
In fact, I'm convinced that was a makeshift pedestrain walkway!

 

No hard hats necessary!

9. As a native New Yorker I've always accepted that the farther you go into the center of the city the more expensive things get - even if it's a chain like McDonalds.  At home in the Bronx I could order a number 6 for around 5 or 6 bucks; but then go to a MickeyD's by times square and easily pay $8 for a number 6.  That's just the way it is with everything - clothing stores, movie tickets, etc.  But here in Spain everywhere you go - city to city, pueblo to centre, if you go to the  same chain stores everything will always cost the same! And it's awesome!