If there's one thing that throws newcomers to Andalusia off balance, it's neither the sweltering heat nor the joyful sounds of village festivals… but the relationship with time. Here, punctuality isn't a priority. And that's what makes this beautiful region of southern Spain so charming – and sometimes so bewildering.
Ask an Andalusian how long it will take him. His answer will be simple: “Ahora vengo”
Literal translation: “I’ll be right there.” Real translation: “I’ll come… when I come.” That could be five minutes, thirty minutes, or an hour. Sometimes even the next day, with a big smile as an apology.
Another classic: “un minuto”. In theory, this should mean sixty short seconds. In practice, it's closer to fifteen minutes. And that's if the person hasn't decided to stop and chat with their neighbor, cousin, or the bartender along the way.
In Andalusia, arriving 20 minutes late doesn't raise any eyebrows. Here, it's not considered lateness, but rather an adaptation to the rhythm of life. People take the time to finish their conversation, drink their coffee, or gaze at the sea.
For a foreigner, it can sometimes be difficult to understand. You schedule a meeting for 6 p.m.? Expect the first people to arrive around 6:20 p.m. And that's okay: everyone does the same.
This relaxed attitude towards time probably stems from several factors:
In Andalusia, time adapts to life, not the other way around.
What if, ultimately, this approach was a form of wisdom?
In Andalusia, you learn that waiting isn't a waste of time, but a moment to be savored. You chat with your neighbors, enjoy a coffee, observe the street. Here, time is a companion, not an enemy.
So yes, sometimes you'll have to learn to be patient. But that's perhaps one of the most beautiful lessons Andalusia offers us:
👉 Know how to slow down and remember that life is not a race.
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