2008 Woodie Awards
Smith goes JYA
Tips on Getting around the Lovely City of Cordoba
Ginny Slaughter
Issue date: 4/20/06 Section: Features
If you've read my previous columns, you've learned quite a bit about the pros and cons of the PRESHCO program, and, most importantly, how I feel about living here in Spain (yes, that's right… "You might be a Smithie if you begin every sentence with 'I feel…'"). But it's Spring Break here, and there's only a month and a half left until the end of the semester, so it's time to get down to the nitty-gritty. Here are some tips on living in Córdoba.
Shopping
Accuse me of being sexist if you like, but I imagine that this is what at least a few of you want to know about. Well, I have good news and bad news. The good news is that there are lots of options, especially when it comes to fashion. Not being a fashion maven myself, I was unaware of the value of having both a Zara and a Sfera store, locally, with much more affordable prices than in the United States. But my fashion-conscious friends assure me that this is quite a find. If you're plus-sized like me, you're much better off bringing all the clothes you'll possibly need - plus-size fashion is all but non-existent in Córdoba. Even women not considered plus-sized in the United States might fall into that category here - so be prepared.
As for other sorts of things, you'll learn very quickly that many things you need can be found in the 60-cent stores (Spain's answer to Dollar Tree). You'll learn just as quickly not to count on getting products that actually work from those stores.
I'm sure my popularity among the PC-elite at Smith is about to hit the fan, but I really miss Wal-Mart. Here, there's a different store for every category of item that you need; there's no one store with everything centrally located. I've had things on my shopping list from day three of my stay here that I've never, ever found anywhere in Córdoba. I've learned something valuable, however: I can live without having the cords to my appliances organized by 3M Command hooks. And I bet you can, too.
In short, if they don't sell it here, you can live without it. No, really. You can. And if you think you can't, make sure you bring it with you.
Shopping
Accuse me of being sexist if you like, but I imagine that this is what at least a few of you want to know about. Well, I have good news and bad news. The good news is that there are lots of options, especially when it comes to fashion. Not being a fashion maven myself, I was unaware of the value of having both a Zara and a Sfera store, locally, with much more affordable prices than in the United States. But my fashion-conscious friends assure me that this is quite a find. If you're plus-sized like me, you're much better off bringing all the clothes you'll possibly need - plus-size fashion is all but non-existent in Córdoba. Even women not considered plus-sized in the United States might fall into that category here - so be prepared.
As for other sorts of things, you'll learn very quickly that many things you need can be found in the 60-cent stores (Spain's answer to Dollar Tree). You'll learn just as quickly not to count on getting products that actually work from those stores.
I'm sure my popularity among the PC-elite at Smith is about to hit the fan, but I really miss Wal-Mart. Here, there's a different store for every category of item that you need; there's no one store with everything centrally located. I've had things on my shopping list from day three of my stay here that I've never, ever found anywhere in Córdoba. I've learned something valuable, however: I can live without having the cords to my appliances organized by 3M Command hooks. And I bet you can, too.
In short, if they don't sell it here, you can live without it. No, really. You can. And if you think you can't, make sure you bring it with you.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Anonymous
posted 4/25/06 @ 11:02 AM EST
I enjoyed this, and hope to add some of it to the next addition of the Smith Student-to-Student Pre-departure Handbook for Study Abroad.
Anonymous
posted 4/25/06 @ 11:02 AM EST
I enjoyed this, and hope to add some of it to the next addition of the Smith Student-to-Student Pre-departure Handbook for Study Abroad.
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