01 February 08

The File

The File

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Local knowledge

SPAIN
If you’re a woman and visiting Spain, try not to be too offended if a man winks or whistles at you. It’s not considered an insult here and there’s even a word for it: “piropo”. There will probably be a compliment added too, like “diosa” or “qué piernas!”, translating as “goddess” or “what legs!”. Accepting the compliment with a smile or a nod is fine – as is ignoring it if you so wish. Neither response implies a follow-up, but get used to it because it happens all the time from Madrid to Malaga!

Travel tips…

from those who know

What a success this little section of The File has been! We asked you for your travel tips and respond you did — the Ryanair Magazine inbox has been flooded! Here are this month’s tips, sent in from Ryanair passengers. If you have one for us, what are you doing hanging around? Send it in an email to ryanair.ed@ink-publishing.com. If it’s good enough we’ll print it and send you a random prize from the treasure trove of goodies that is the Ryanair Magazine editorial desk book stash (so include your address and contact details). Remember if it’s obvious advice that’s all good — it’s the obvious stuff you’re most likely to forget!

1. When you’re hung ry af ter a late night out don’t b uy f rom the lonely vendor who has no customers. He ad to the hot dog seller or food cart with the longest line, as loc als know which one s ser ve the bes t and safe s t food. Cecil ia Borazzo, Rome
2. Baby wipes are what it’s all abo u t, and th ey are no t jus t f o r babie s. Make sure to take a pack of th e se in yo u r hand luggage as they k ill all germs fast – be i t in public t oile ts or when there’s nowhere to wash your hands near by. Justin Stephenson, Manchester