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Post by macneechay on Jun 10, 2005 13:46:23 GMT -5
I'm pretty sure that my travels will not include too many trips to bars etc. from a budget standpoint. So I'm wondering what the general opinion of open alcohol is in countries like Spain and Portugal? What if I feel like having a beer or two at the beach? Does anyone care? Will I get a ticket?
Some of my best memories of beaches in Vancouver are hanging out drinking with friends in the sun, playing frizbee, chilling.
Also, how accessable are liquor stores? Do they sell alcohol in the supermarkets like they do in the USA?
I'm hanging my head low in shame for the fact that I've actually posted this, but you know 2 months is a long time!!! I'm gunna need a beer here and there!!!
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Post by LHR02 on Jun 10, 2005 13:58:51 GMT -5
No shame at all....as a solo traveler who hates to go to 'bars' alone I wondered the same thing. Yep...in most areas you can buy beer and wine, sometimes even liquor in the groceries, just like at home. And it is considerably cheaper that way too. As for open containers, can't help you with that one though. I still cry over Ruffio Classico Chianti that I bought in the grocery for 5 euro more or less that is $25 bucks or more to buy here stateside!
In Portugal....get your hands on some Vino Verdi....green wine! The green refers to the very immature 'green' grapes used...it's the first wine of the season and fabulous!
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Post by MuvverRussia on Jun 10, 2005 17:50:30 GMT -5
The vast majority of supermarkets and even smaller shops have a full alcohol section (beer, wine, spirits). I think some Scandinavian countries (Norway especially) differ in this slightly though, as alcohol tends to be more regulated there (especially the harder stuff). If anything, it's a lot easier to buy alcohol than it is in the US - there is a far more liberal attitude towards it, especially the further south you go (obviously excluding Islamic countries such as Turkey). Expect shops/bars to remain open (and serving) until the very early hours (if they close at all). Also expect incredible varieties, beer (European beer is infinitely better than the swill that is American beer - e.g. proper budweiser) and wine especially and low prices. In terms of having open alcohol, this is more of an issue in bigger cities. However, if you were at the beach, or in a park then I'd expect the police to ignore you as long as you weren't causing any hassle. That said, I've walked through Rome in the early evening (8pm or so) with a couple of Nastro's on the go and nobody batted an eyelid. Even if the police are interested, the worst that'll probably happen is that they confiscate your drinks - no big deal. Overall, a couple of beers is fine as long as you respect the current environment. Drinking when walking around a big city (e.g. London) is asking for trouble, although the same thing in a park is ok (watch out for the crows though  ). Also, getting wasted isn't a good thing - this is pretty disrespectful, especially in Southern Europe (in Northern Europe it's more of a done thing). |
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Post by me on Jun 10, 2005 19:06:09 GMT -5
Sara,
one thing to watch out for; if you drink very much, you may become more vulnerable to crime - of all sorts.
bare that in mind.
- d
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Post by macneechay on Jun 11, 2005 11:17:06 GMT -5
Thanks for your tips. Note that I'm not planning on getting %&$#faced every day, I was just wondering if I'd be able to pick up a few cans of beer or some wine and hang out at the beach one day here and there.
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). Also, getting wasted isn't a good thing - this is pretty disrespectful, especially in Southern Europe (in Northern Europe it's more of a done thing).