I would have thought touristy places would be full of wait staff that can speak English. I guess we're so English-centric that we think the whole world should be like that. Not being able to communicate properly might throw up some surprises and you might accidentally order something you would never order and like it. Who knows. That's what holidays are for, trying new things.

The other problem about menus in English is that if you order from them, the Spanish waiter then needs to work out what you want! I ended up with a rather strange dessert once which had nothing to do with what I'd ordered (at least not in English!) because there was no Spanish on the menu. An unusual surprise, but not altogether unpleasant

Actually, I quite enjoyed not being able to speak English. It's nice to be reminded that not everyone can (nor should they)!

The wine you mention is usually referred to as 'fino'. Many bars have barrels of fino, some pouring a free glass to start a meal.

Hey Jack… yep i saw a lot of food-perving as tourists tried to order. And I remembered your comment about large spirit serves… watched the barmen just pour and pour!

I'm glad your hunger made you braver and you gave it a go, some of the best meals I have had while travelling were the ones were you felt a bit foolish - and assumed they were giggling about yu behind your back - and really couldn't communicate. I found the bars easier because at leastr you could just point at other peoples food to order (in a crass way) and not have to get out the dictionary!

As I was finishing the spanish leg of my trip last year i discovered the crazy spirit pours, triples or more for the set standard price, and for a small treat at the end of the night a sickly sweet Liqueur 43 on ice, only because I was on holidays!

Enjoying the stories
Jack