Generally, the local people are easy-going, and very friendly people. You will get a ‘hola’ - their general greeting, from them, if there is eye contact. Even children do that. For those who know each other, especially for the ladies, their standard greeting is to peck each other on both sides of the cheek.
Children are taught to kiss, or hug their elders when saying goodbye. I think that is just so sweet.
The drivers are also, generally, very polite. They will usually give way to pedestrians, and they don’t horn unnecessarily. However, parking is not their strong point. There are many cars that have damaged corners. But at least they don’t run you over. Occasionally, you see some who park perfectly.
At pedestrian crossings, they will jammed on your brakes, to let you cross, when they see you approaching the crossing. However, it is better to play safe, and not to count on it. You might have the right of way, and the driver may be the one in the wrong, but all these do not make an iota of difference when you are lying in a hospital bed, or sitting in a wheel chair.
I see e-scooters have made an appearance here. I don’t remember seeing them last year. I hope that the authorities had the rules on using them better thought out than those back home because, they can be problematic, and have many negative effects.
The locals are dog loving people. There are many breeds of dogs – big ones,small ones. There were occasions when every time I look out of the window, I see someone walking their dog or dogs.
Talking about dogs, here’s an update on the dog urine situation. Apparently, dog owners are supposed to take along a bottle of chemical with them when they walk their dogs – apart from the bag to pick up the poo. When their dogs pee on the pavement, they are supposed to spray the area. However, the dog owners who do that are still few and far in between.
There are generally three groups of people in Benalmadena – the locals, the expats who retired here, and the tourists. You might get the occasional loud locals, or the occasional rowdy tourists, but on the whole, people keep to themselves and mind their own business.
I feel very safe here. I have never felt threatened. Anyhow, I guess dog loving people should be decent people right? However, it is always good to be careful, and alert to opportunists in a foreign land. I am sure we are the same at home too. No matter how safe a country is, low crime doesn’t mean no crime. Always good to stay alert.
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