Recent observations of the women here in Spain, specifically; Costa Del Sol

      No expectations were had by me (Janice) before we departed the US on what I'd find in the female gender as I came to a new country then where I've been before.  No preconceived ideas. You know me, I just accept women with what ever they bring unless it is meanness and then I have no use for it.  I am really enjoying the women from the different cultures, especially the younger women. The younger gals are more approachable and seem to really enjoy an ol' lady like me. This was one of the first things I noticed. I walk many times on the paseo and most always greet people with a hola, buen dia, or a good morning and 1 out of 5 respond in kind. Most won't even look at me and walk right on by.  It's the younger gals that will say hi first or at least respond with a hi. The women from the northern countries are the most noticeable with their silence. Women from Spain, usually the older ladies do their morning and nightly stroll and this is the time the older gents sit around tables talking about whatever. 
      My guess is 1/2 of the women smoke here, young and old alike. They do have smoking policies for no smoking in restaurants, so they women smoke while they walk and smoke while sit outside the sidewalk cafes. Cigarettes are still sold in either smoke shops or cigarette machines, which I think are outdated in the states.
      I was surprised to first see women on the beach or by pools topless. No one pays any attention and are not gawked at by the men or passers by. Except for maybe me as I'm usually so modest that it took me by surprise. Breasts are not considered sexual organs here in this part of the world and so to lay topless to tan is a normal activity. There are still plenty of women that do not tan topless but just an observation and the more I thought of it, was envious of their freedom to do so mentally. I am one of many that are very prudish when it comes to this.  I've had a friend that has challenged me to come home with tanned breasts. I don't think I'll post on here should I take her up on that challenge.
      Fashion is a complete surprise. I thought I would see women dressed to the ninths. We have a mix from very very casual to casual. Shoes are no more then 2 inches high maybe, most are flats. Jewelry is very little and not very much bling. Once and awhile I see someone that has a little more fashion, but that might be in the evenings if they are going out to dinner. And then it is still fairly casual.  The older Spanish women are always in skirts and blouses with a shawl. Many women and a few men are wearing scarves of various colors. This seems to be the fashion here. I fit in as I'm very casual and don't feel out of place. I've seen a couple ladies from Senegal (I think) that wear their national costuming and carry baskets on their heads.
      I see mostly German and British women along with the women from Spain. I haven't met anyone else from the states. There may be a smattering of French and Eastern Europe, as I have met someone from Romania.   I think this would be a difficult town to fit in. The Germans seem to stick to themselves as does the Brits and Spaniards. It's a good thing I have my best friend here with me; however it'd be nice to have a female friend to walk around with. Joel is not into shopping or window shopping so this I would do by myself, however he did take me to an open air market yesterday and let me enjoy myself "window" shopping.
      Until next time, I will keep my eyes open and continue to be a people watcher and see what other noticeable difference there are.