If there's one modernized country that knows how to pinch a penny, or a one cent euro, it's Spain. After spending 6 weeks in Salamanca, I've noticed that most people don't drive cars (and those that do, do so sparingly), don't talk or text on their cellphones constantly, and are very conscious of how much electricity/water they use.
Because Salamanca is a reasonably sized city there's always something to do, and the best part is that it's all within walking distance; whether you want to go to the park, see a movie, attend a concert, or pass the time with friends at a cafe. Going back and forth between my señora's apartment and all of these places by foot, however, did take some getting used to. What has also been rather impressive is that even older people (age 75 and up) are frequently out walking around/exercising once the sun starts to go down. Spaniards in general probably see it as more economical to wear out a pair of walking shoes over the course of a year than to go through a tank of gas in a month.
But driving is not the only luxury Spaniards gladly go without on a daily basis. Because of the monopoly on cellphones in Spain, calls/texts are more expensive. It is very uncommon to see someone walking down the street with their fingers glued to the phone of their keyboard or talking to themselves with a blue-tooth headset stuck in their ear. Also, unlike on campus at U of M, it's very rare to see someone (from Spain) listening to an mp3 player as they walk from place to place. Instead of wracking up their phone bills and technologically isolating themselves, Spaniards arrange times to meet together at cafés and socialize.
Finally, like in any major city in America, electricity and water do not come cheap. So, turning off the lights whenever you leave a room and taking record-speed showers is common practice. It also makes more sense to keep the lights off in the house throughout the day because it's already hot enough without any heat slightly added by lamps.
Such a conscientious way of life, while in stark contrast to my life in the US, is actually very easy to do. I wouldn't mind not driving 20 minutes one way to the movie theatre, having a conversation with someone without them checking their phone for a text message, or saving money on electricity. Perhaps, just as the US has been a model for modernity, Spain can be a model for modesty.
Nathan, I agree wholeheartedly with you on the social dynamics created by not using a car, plugging in to an iPod, and taking time to pasear at 6 p.m. I think it lends itself to a more sociable, inviting place to be. Perfect to meet people and spend a summer (or longer) learning a language and about a culture. For you, I hope this is the first of many trips to the country.
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