Let's have lunch!

Be prepared for hearing these three dangerous words!

Hi! I've been living in Spain for almost twenty years. My wife is Spanish, my colleagues are Spanish, my customers are Spanish and by businesses are Spanish. Over these years I think I've learned quite a bit about "being Spanish".

If you want to get into the under-exploited fast-growing Spanish market, you need to know more than just how to speak Spanish. You need to understand Spanish customs, Spanish etiquette and Spanish business culture. Otherwise, you'll just be another American trying to "sell Spanish".

Often the most profitable place to do business in Spain is over a table at a nice expensive restaurant. Spaniards love to eat, and it's no wonder. The Spanish food and cuisine is world famous. They have spectacular ingredients and the "mediterranean diet" is known and recognized all over the world. But if you're not careful, a Spanish business lunch may leave you wobbling back to your hotel room!

First of all, it's good to know the way Spaniards organize their days. Breakfasts are typically very light, and lunches can go on for as long as four or five hours! The "hora de comer" or lunch hour generally falls about two o'clock in the afternoon, and most companies go back to work at half past four. In the summer this leaves plenty of time for a "siesta".

Although Spaniards don't have big lunches every day, (otherwise they wouldn't fit into all those designer clothes!) you must understand that if they're receiving a guest they will probably go all out to impress you. If it's your turn to pick up the check they'll be discreet and let you choose, but they'll be watching closely. If you scrimp, you'll pay for it later on.

So be prepared. A typical business lunch will start with "tapas" or appetizers over a beer. Then two main courses with a bottle of wine (or two), desert, coffee and usually a digestive liquor. Then it's back to work!

Americans often associate drinking with getting drunk, but in Spain alcohol is a vital part of any social occasion. Remember they didn't meet Calvin, and would probably laugh there heads off listening to a southern-baptist sermon. So if you don't drink, although strange, they'll understand. Even still, if you're picking up the check, be sure and insist that they order whatever the want to drink.

On the other hand, If you do drink be careful. Spaniards are always very generous and your cup will never be empty! Go slowly and remember that after lunch you've probably got at least three more hours of work ahead of you. If you go overboard, they'll only laugh and share a wink or two. But when you're gone you'll be the subject of chit-chatting for days to come!

Eating in Spain is a wonderful experience. Almost everything they offer you is worth tasting, even if it sounds a bit wierd. Be brave and enjoy.