Bay of Biscay Pomplono NAVARRA W* lurgot# O^ ^°*omo1 VV ♦ Mon,„J,5'*1°r0 • ^orc.lono »T aTorrogona • Valladolid Avila* Co»t»ll6n d« f la Plana G«// of Valencia 'agtu /fiver |g •Vol«ncio CAHIUAj SIERRA Alicanf*. roHMENTERA "««* Gconodo M4lo»o sierra NEv; Gibraltar (trilnh) si KUOMITMJ viTHDRAWN j niversity of * ~ _____ ' < I > * V I I » » » « inois Library — - —---- * na*Clmr oaigi •to Coruna *sTom*s ^ Santiago d. Cowptiftlo DEPOSITORY ;0 CL_ ~ ao%.£>/(; «. 1 h/* % BOOK STACKS- DOCUMENTS ROTA, SPAIN «s L* • SEP 2 3 1982 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN JExtending positive United States diplomacy overseas is a central part of the professional role of every Navy man and woman. This port guide was produced by Human Resource Management Center, Norfolk, Virginia to provide much of the information needed to enjoy a satisfying liberty and enhance Navy/ host country relations during your visit abroad. You can help improve and update the content of this guide by using the stamped mailer in the back. Enjoy your liberty! P. J. MULLOY Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy Director, Human Resource Management Division Office of the Chief of Naval Operations NAVPERS 15293 S/N 0500-LP-275-4800 JUNE 1982 NAVY DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT DIVISION WASHINGTON, DC 2 0370TABLE OF CONTENTS SPAIN boc Page A CAPSULE HISTORY OF SPAIN . 1 TERRAIN 2 CLIMATE v j T* 3 customs 3 DO NOT ^ - 9 COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY 11 COMMUNICATING 13 AMERICAN PRESENCE 19 ROTA PORT FACILITIES AND FLEET LANDING 20 MONETARY EXCHANGE 22 TRANSPORTATION 25 EATING OUT 29 HOTELS 37 SHOPPING 40 CLUBS, DRINKS, DISCOTHEQUES, FLAMENCO SHOWS AND WINE TASTING 42 ON BASE ATHLETIC, RECREATION, AND SERVICE FACILITIES 43 SPANISH SPECTATOR ATTRACTIONS/ SPORTS/LOTTERY 43 OTHER SPORTS 47 BEACHES 47 ON BASE THEATER/MOVIES/ENTERTAINMENT 47 RELIGION 48 TOURS 48 HOLIDAYS 52 CLOSING REMARKS 53 MAILER MAP OF ROTA AND PUERTO SANTA MONICAAccording to an old Spanish parable, which the Spaniards themselves love to tell, when God created the Iberian peninsula he granted the people three wishes. They chose to have the world's most varied climate, the most beautiful men and women, and the most delicious foods and wines! The Spaniards feel that all three wishes were granted in full-and many foreigners agree with them! Your trip to Spain will give you an excellent chance to form your own opinion. The country of Spain, including the Balearic and Canary Islands, is about the size of Arizona and Utah combined, with a population of approximately 35 million Spanish speaking, Roman Catholic people. Spain is one of the most ancient countries of Europe and after centuries of resistance to invasion and occupation by the Iberians, Celts, Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, and lastly, Moors (711-1492), it became a unified nation in 1492 during the reign of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. The eight centuries of Moor influence, together with prolonged Roman colonization, left a permanent impact on the spanish people. El Cid, one of Spain's best known national heroes, captured Valencia from the Moors in 1094. Following unification, Spain rose rapidly to preeminence as a world power. During the Spanish years of glory (roughly 1492-1588) her soldiers of fortune (conquistadores) acquired a vast empire through the discovery of America by Columbus and the explorations of Cortez, Balboa, De Soto, Magellan and Pizarro. Her galleons, laden with gold and silver, brought immense riches to the treasure chest of Spain. Her possessions included the Netherlands, Sicily, Sardinia, Naples, most of South America, Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, the southern shores of North America, and the Philippines. Except for Brazil, Latin America today owes its language and basic culture to Spain. The arts flourished in the works of El Greco, Goya, Valazques, and Murillo - and one of her most noted authors, Cervantes, wrote the classic ’’Don Quixote" that is read and enjoyed to this day.The fortunes of Spain began to decline after defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 by the British. Spain's subsequent loss of glory is a classic example of the decline of a nation in relation to its decline in seapower! During the 17th century Spain lost most of her European possessions and Portugal broke away and became an independent nation. During the 19th century, a sad one for the Crown, Spain came under French domination during the Napoleonic Wars (1808-1814), lost her vast empire in the Americas, and finally, as a result of the Spanish-American War of 1898 lost the West Indies and the Philippines. Spain remained neutral during World War I. A civil war disrupted the country from 1936-39, and during World War II she again remained neutral. Today there is a bilateral treaty in effect between Spain and the United States for the use of bases, ports, and the furnishing of arms. Most goods, services, and entertainment are reasonable by our standards, but the cost of living is increasing rapidly. TERRAIN Spain, resembling a square, measures about 400 miles on each of its four sides; and from North to South, from East to West, scenery, landscape, and climate varies almost unbelievably. The country's most striking topographical feature is its internal compartmentalization by mountain and river barriers. There are few bays, few coastal islands, and a scarcity of natural habors.CLIMATE Spain is both Southern European and North African in climate, vegetation and culture. About 2/3 of the country is drenched in sunshine most of the time. Rain seems to favor the north, whereas in the southern half the climate is hot and dry in summer (85 - 90 degrees) and mild (40 - 70 degrees) in winter. CUSTOMS It is rarely easy to adjust to a new life or culture and yet all of us have unconsciously done so in high school, college, on new jobs, or in new neighborhoods. Adjusting to the Spanish culture will require only a little more effort. Spain is not the United States and Spanish people are most definitely not Americans. Remember that just as American customs and culture make sense to Americans, so do Spanish customs and culture make sense to the Spanish. Neither culture is better or worse than the other. The difference in Spanish gestures, speech, values, attitudes will probably initially cause confusion and anxiety for an American. This is quite normal and is usually referred to as culture shock. With a little effort you will be able to learn and understand these customs and soon find yourself quite at home. You have one great advantage when trying to cope with culture shock in Spain. The Spanish are extremely open and warm people. They are most pleased when they see you make an effort to understand their country and their life. A mispronounced Spanish word, or just a word that sounds Spanish, will bring you all the assistance and courtesy you could hope for. To give you an idea of what to expect, let's examine briefly a few notable Spanish customs:- Handshaking is customary in introductions, greetings, and when leaving a person's company. Though they use it rather less than the French or the Italians, Spaniards nevertheless show devotion by the handshake. The embraces and mighty thwacks on the back that you may see some Spaniards awarding others should be reserved for great friends you haven't seen for years. The gesture of greeting consists of shaking hands, and saying "Hola! que tal?" with reply "Muy bien y usted?" to which is answered "Bien, gracias". (Hello, how are you doing?) (Very well and you?) (Fine, thanks). - When a Spaniard is introduced to a married woman he may kiss her hand. Visitors are not expected to conform to this custom. - When speaking to a Spanish man, use his last name preceded by "Senor" (Mister). Women are addressed by the word "Senorita" (Miss) or "Senora" (Mrs.). - The average Spaniard is reserved and has a deep sense of honor, pride and dignity. They call it "pundonor." They take very much to heart anything that might tarnish their personal dignity. Indeed, every Spaniard feels himself some sort of a "Caballero", even the beggar. So it is best to treat all Spaniards as equals, man to man, because that is how they are going to treat you. - No doubt you will hear it said that Spaniards, as well as being more open and welcoming than other inhabitants of the planet, are tremendously proud. In fact the Germans have a saying "Proud as a Spaniard". They are proud of everything in their country. And while they may be the first to criticize themselves or Spain, it would not be polite to follow suit. After all, you certainly wouldn't be pleased to hear a foreigner criticizing your own land.- The most popular Spanish spectator sport is soccer, with bullfighting running a close second. - Bullfighting is a time-honored drama requiring courage, skill and grace, like the work of a trapeze artist at great heights without nets. Death or serious injury is the penalty for clumsiness or cowardice. It is, when considered in this light, unthinkable to ever refer to bullfighting as a sport or to cheer the bull when the matador is gored, the same as it would be unthinkable of anyone to cheer when the trapeze artist falls to his death or is seriously injured. Bullfighting events take place on Sunday and holidays. Spaniards understand every detail of the ritual involved and shout "Ole" when it is performed well. - The siesta (La Siesta) is a time-honored Spanish custom which seems to be falling into disuse. Ten years ago about all you could buy in the afternoon anywhere in Spain was lunch, a newspaper, and a lottery ticket from one of the street vendors. Today, hardly any large cities observe siesta, but in any case, the custom is more widespread in the countryside and southern part of the country (where the midday sun hits hardest). Here, after a long, heavy, mid-day meal, people tend to go home to rest and stay indoors out of the mid-day heat. It is not advisable to pay visits in summer during siesta time. Stores are generally closed between 1330 and 1630. During siesta hours, loud noises such as blowing the horn of an automobile, or loud playing of a radio or record player, are prohibited. Every effort is made to respect this established way of life. After siesta, stores reopen at 1630 and remain open until 2000.- The Spanish attitude towards time is much more relaxed than what you may be used to. As in many other Mediterranean countries, Spaniards can be as much as an hour late for an appointment without either party becoming concerned. Then too, if you call to have some work done, you may be told "manana" (tomorrow), which could really mean sometime this week or next week. This does not mean the Spaniard is lazy and does not like work. It is simply that he is convinced that the world is not going to end if the work is not done today. This attitude, and the siesta, are a cultural adaptation to the region's hot climate. Even so, some Spaniards are as punctual as a Navy clock, and you should plan on arriving promptly if you are invited into their homes. And there is one occasion when punctuality here is essential -The bullfight, even if it means stopping the clock in the "Plaza de Toros". - More than 95% of the Spanish people are Catholic and the influence of the church is visible in Spanish art, sculpture, and cathedrals. Most of the country's festivals and holidays have religious foundations. Each city and village has its own patron saint. On the saint's day, the townspeople celebrate with a fiesta. - Spanish men of cities and towns may spend several hours each day at a sidewalk cafe in summer and at a coffeehouse in winter often sipping black coffee or wine. The cafe fills business as well as social needs. It is a place to keep business appointments, read the paper, or just chat with friends. People of the same profession like to congregate at the same cafe. - A Spanish custom that unfortunately is disappearing except in small cities is the sereno, the neighborhood watchman. Before high-rise apartments started springing up, you would meet this hardy individual throughout the country. Armed with a stout stick and a ring of keys, he would be summoned by a clap of the hands to open your outside door. Should you now come across a sereno in your travels about Spain, you will be seeing one of the last of a disappearing group. *- Olive oil is the base of Spanish cooking. It is not fiery and peppery like the Mexican cuisine, although there are some highly seasoned dishes. - Young Spanish women are no longer chaperoned when they go out in public. You will see them working in stores, shops, and in all of the professions. They even stop off for a drink and tapas - appetizers - after work with their colleagues. - Family ties are strong and the man of the family is the undisputed head of the household. When married, it is the women's role to do the shopping, the household chores, and to raise the children. Large families are the rule rather than the exception, and special status is given by the state to parents who have many children. - If you are invited to a Spanish house for dinner, a bouquet of flowers for the lady (not chrysanthemums-considered flowers of the dead in Spain) is very appropriate and will create a favorable impression. Arrive in good time. At the conclusion of the meal, praise the food without overdoing it. - Flamenco means Flemish in the Spanish language. The word was applied to the Spanish dance popularized in Flanders by Andalusian soldiers stationed there in the 16th century. - There are three police forces: Policia Municipal who usually wear a blue uniform; Guardia Civil easily recognized by their old-fashioned patent leather hats; and Policia Armada, who wear a red band around their hats. If you have a problem, approach any one of the three forces. - It is not in good taste for foreigners, especially military personnel, to question or comment about the political system.- Traditionally, Spaniards have been greatly concerned about the way they dress. Well-polished shoes, pressed suit, and a clean shirt were the sign of a gentleman no matter what the social status of the individual might be. This has changed greatly in the past few years, especially among the young. They are more causal in their dress now, with women and men wearing jeans. Nevertheless, sloppiness in dress is seldom seen. Shorts are almost never worn except in the resort areas and they expect their guests to do likewise. - Spaniards enjoy drinking, but with moderation. Spanish custom is that of Tltomar un chatoTI or "Copa". This consists of touring a series of bars before meals for what is known as the "apertif". The normal thing is to have a few "Chatos" of wine, or "Canas" of beer, while trying the infinite variety of "Tapas" (small snacks). Sometimes you will be invited, at others you will do the paying; each takes a turn. - If you want to smoke and take out a pack of cigarettes, be sure to offer them first to your Spanish companions. They will always do this with you, and they think that anyone who fails to do so is unpleasantly stingy. When someone starts smoking without having offered cigarettes around, the normal thing in Spain is for the people to think, "Hey, do you bring 'em out of your pocket alight?" - Spaniards are very fond of children, whatever their nationality, so do not be surprised when people stop on the sidewalks to pat children on the head, or pinch their cheeks. They are only being friendly.- Spaniards love to stare at people and will show special interest in you. They think nothing of asking what might seem like extremely personal questions regarding your life, your family, or how much you paid for the shoes you wear, or for your house rent. They are not being rude. These are normal conversational topics for them. - There is another custom in Spain, which some Spanish males handle with a truly natural flair and talent at the sight of ladies or young ladies with fine figures and outstanding charms. This word is known as TTpiropoTI(compliment). A "piropo" is a verbal act of homage from pedestrians to passing beauty. While some say it is best to simply stare back, this might be interpreted as an invitation for conversation. The best thing you can do is to proceed in an unconcerned manner without even noticing. No answer is required, for, except in rare cases, the admiration is disinterested, platonic, and pure. DO NOT: - Insult in any manner the king, members of the royal family, or any other state, church, or political leader or party. Conviction could result in a maximum jail sentence of 12 years. - Ever use the "hook-em horn" sign (two outer fingers extended with the middle fingers folded into the palm) seen . at Texas football games. In Spain this means that the wife of the other person is a prostitute. It could result in great personal danger, if not a court case. - Use any type of illicit drug in Spain. Spanish law does not distinguish between marijuana and the "hard" drugs. Possession of any type of illicit drug, or trafficking in drugs, can result in a jail sentence of up to 12 years, and a fine up to 1,000,000 pesetas. - Commit any type of assault and battery, from name calling to fistfighting. Thirty days in jail is the minimum sentence upon conviction.- Commit statutory rape - sexual intercourse with a female under 18 years of age - since the sentence is at least 3 years in jail and a fine, or - Get involved in any type of vehicle accident, even a "fender bender." The largest percent of U.S. military cases in Spain involves auto accidents/incidents. The average processing time for such incidents by the judicial authorities is from 9 to 12 months. If the injured person dies, the average sentence is 3 years in jail. - Donft insult, question, disobey or assault a member of La Guardia Civil (member of the Spanish national police force), recognizable by their olive green uniform and a black, patent-leather three-cornered hat. They are assigned to and have absolute jurisdiction over every person, province, and town, and they are to be given complete respect and cooperation at all times.The Spanish economy has grown rapidly in the past two decades to make it the fifth largest economy in Europe and the tenth largest in the world. Per capita income approximated $5,5000.00 in 1980, and the economy is based on a diversity of manufacturing, agricultural and service industries. Spain is now negotiating with the European Common Market for full membership. Nearly half of the nationfs national income is generated in the northeastern part of the country (Basque and Barcelona regions) and in the province of Madrid, although these areas comprise less than 12% of the country's land area. To achieve a more equitable distribution of wealth, steps have been taken to transfer wealth and government appropriated funds from the wealthier regions to the poorer regions of the country. The national economy is a blend of private and public enterprise; the latter spearheaded the development of heavy industry during General Franco's regime. Many heavy industries (steel, auto, airlines) are owned wholly or in part by the Ministry of Industry. Industries, owned by the private sector, are broad, and run in a similar manner to those in other developed nations. A half dozen privately owned commercial banks control a range of industrial firms and numerous foreign investments. The U.S. is the single largest investor nation, but investments are now being made in Spain by many countries. The basis of Spanish economic growth until 1973 was the heavy inflow of foreign currency from Spain's huge tourist industry, as well as from the remittances of Spanish emigrant workers and from new foreign investments in Spain. Much of the foreign exchange thus earned was invested in industry.Steeply rising oil prices in 1973 followed by the world wide recession of 1974 and 1975 led to a reduction in tourist and emigrant revenues. Unemployment and inflation began to grow, the latter reaching 26% during 1977. In 1978, to deal with these economic ills the peseta was devalued and a program of tax and financial reforms was initiated. Since then the economic health of the nation has improved and inflation has been sharply reduced. Spanish foreign trade is significant but not large relative to the size of the economy. Basic metals and metal products, mainly ships, automobiles, machinery, and other transport equipment, account for 41.3% of Spain’s exports. Shoes and citrus fruits supply the bulk of the rest. Crude oil tops the import list at 24.9% of the total. Spain is a major customer for US exports; US sales to Spain in 1978 amounted to $244 billion, or 14.8% of Spain’s total imports. Primary US exports to Spain are animal feed, machinery, computers, heavy construction equipment, and aircraft. The US purchased 8.8% of Spanish exports for $1.3 billion. Spain’s principal exports to the US are shoes, bottled olives, automobile tires, and basic steel products.It should come as no surprise that the language spoken in Spain is Spanish. Unlike other European countries, one cannot get by very well with English in Spain. Any skill in Spanish you can acquire will add immensely to the enjoyment of your visit. Fortunately, Spanish is one of the easiest languages to learn, and the best way to improve your speaking ability is to get out and talk with the host nationals who are most friendly and always willing to help someone learn. Here are some common Spanish words and phrases to help you get acquainted with the language. Courtesy Expressions English Spanish Pronunciation Hello! Hola! OH-1 ah How are you? Como estaf KOH-moh Usted? ess-TAH oo STED Mr. Senor Sen-YOR Mrs. Senora Sen-YO-rah Miss Senorita Sen-YO-REE-tah ITm well Estoy bien Estoy bi-en Goodbye Adios Ahd-YOHSS Very well Muy Bien Muy Bien Thank you Gracias GRAHT-yahas Thank you very Muchas Mouchas much Gracias Graht-yahas You're welcome De nada De nada Good Morning Buenas dias BWEN-ahss DEE-ahss Good Afternoon Buenas tardes BWEN ahss TAR-dess Good Evening/ Night Buenas noches BWEN ahss NO-chess Please Por Favor POR fah-Vor Excuse me Dispenseme Dess-PEN-say-may I am glad to meet Encantado Encantado you Me Gusto Me gustaYes No Speak slowly I don't understand I am an American Do you speak English My name is__ Si SEE No NOH Habla Despacio Habla-Dahspasio Por Favor No entiendo NOH en-tee-EN-doh Soy Americano SOY-ah-may-ree- KAH-no Habla usted Habla ustahd ingles? eengl-ays ? Me llamo__ May YAH-moh__ What is your name? Como se llama?Como say-yama? Repita, por favor Donde esta el Dohn-day esta el ? 9 Please repeat Where is the 9 restaurant restroom telephone Naval Base gas station taxi stand hotel airport garage market beach train station What is this? How much? Maybe restaurant servicio telefono base naval gasolinera parada de taxi hotel aeropuerto garaja mercado la playa la estacion del tren Que es esto? KAY ess ESS-toh? Cuanto cuesta? KWAN-toh Cuestah? Posible Po-si-blayDirections To the left A la izquierda Ah la ecks- YAYR-da To the right A la derecha Ah la DAY-recha Corner Esquina Ayskeena Traffic light Semaforo Say mah foroh Stop Pare PA-ray Go Adelente Ah-de LEN-TAY Up Arriba AH-REE-BA Down Bajo BAH-ho Numbers One Uno OO-no Two Dos DOHSS Three Tres TRESS Four Cuatro KWAT-roh Five Cinco SHEEN-koh Six Seis SAY-eess Seven Siete see-EH-tay Eight Ocho OH-choh Nine Nueve NWEV-ay Ten Diez DEE-ESSMoney English Money Peseta Money exchange Bank Discount Telephoning Telephone operator Hello (telephone answer) Telephone directory Token Eating and Drinking Restaurant Waiter Waitress I am thirsty water beer wine Coffee with cream Sugar Meal steak bread The bill Dinero Peseta Cambio Banco Descuenta Dee-NAY-roh peh-SAY-tah CAHM-bee YO bahn-KO Des-KWEN-TAH Operador(man) O-per-ahi-door Operadora Oper-ahi-door-AH (woman) Digam e D EE-gah-M AY Guida telefonico Ficha Restaurante Camarero Camarera Tengo sed Agua Cerveza Vino Cafe con leche Azucar Comida Bistek Pan La cuenta GWEE-dah teh-lay-FOHN-ee- koh fee-KAH rress-ta-no-RAHN-tay Kah-Mah-RER-oh Kah-Mah-RER-ah TEN-go SED Ah-gwa Cehr-VEY-Zah Vee-hno Cafay con lay she CO-mee-DAH Bis-tek Pan Lah-KWEN-tahSigns Frequently Seen English Open Closed Danger Dead End One Way For Rent For Sale Occupied Do not enter Free taxi Private property Arrivals Departures No smoking Tourist Agency Bullring Swimming prohibited Picture taking prohibited Abierto C err ado Peligroso Calle sin salida Solo ida Se alquila Se vende Ocupado Prohibida la entrada Taxi lebre Propiedad privada Llegadas Departures Prohibido fumar Oficina de Turismo Plaza de toros Prohibido banarse Prohibido tomar fotosEnglish Spanish Do not touch Bus stop Toll bridge Toll highway Book store Library City HaH School Church Parking Lot No tocar Parada de autobus Puente de piaje Autopista de piaje Libreria Biblioteca Ayuntamiento Escuela (or colegio) Iglesia Aparcamiento Emergency Doctor Policeman Doctor of Medico Policia Doctor PO-lee-SEE a TELEPHONES Local telephone calls can be made from restaurants, cafes, hotels, public telephone buildings, or from public telephone booths spread out all over every city. Telephones are coin and token operated. Tokens are obtained from cashier or coat attendant. To use, follow the instructions in English written in the booths (usually by inserting 5 ptas or a token and dialing your number). Most restaurants and hotels will get your number for you. For long distance calls, remember there is a six hour difference in time between Spain and New York. To talk with someone in New York at 1900, you'll have to stay up until 0100. It is best to place your call from the long distance telephone exchange office in the city you happen to be in. This way there is no surcharge. Rates: Station to station, 3 minutes, approximates $8.40; person to person $12.30; each additional minute $2.80 plus tax. Rates are lower after 2200 and on Sundays: Station to station, 3 minutes, $6.70; person to person $10.60; each additional minute $2.25 plus tax. Spain starts daylight saving time in April and it ends in October. You should take into consideration these differences in time when placing your call.Newspapers. There are at least four English language daily newspapers available at most newsstands, sidewalk cafes, and hotels. They are the International Herald Tribune, London Times, Daily American, and Spanish Sun. The European edition of Stars and Stripes is sold on all American bases in Europe. Naval Station Rota has a weekly newspaper, The Jack Tar. Radio and T.V. Stations. Two radio stations broadcast in English: Radio National, Monday through Saturday, at 0730 and 1345 over 4.13 meters medium wave; and "Dateline" Radio Juventud at 0830 Monday through Saturday over 9.25 MHZ. All TV programs are in Spanish. AMERICAN PRESENCE The US Department of Defense, in conjunction with the Spanish government, maintains a large naval base at Rota, an airbase at Torrejon, 15 miles northeast of Madrid, and another at Zaragoza. The airbase at Moron, near Seville, is used as backup. The US Embassy is located at Calle Serrano 75 in Madrid. Its telephone number is 276-3400 or 276-3600. In addition to the Consulate at Bilbao and Consulates General at Barcelona and Seville, Consular Agencies are at Palma de Mallorca, Los Palmas (Canary Islands), Malaga and Valencia. Thousands of Americans work and reside in Spain, many of them retirees, and American tourism to Spain is heavy, particularly during the summer months.ROTA The Naval Base at Rota has been used jointly by American and Spanish forces since 1953, and base entrances are manned by Spanish military and U.S. Marines. The Spanish consider the U.S. Naval facility, visiting ships and aircraft, as tenants and guests. The installation covers more than 6,000 acres and is the beginning of a 485 mile pipeline that feeds fuel to the Air Force bases in the interior of Spain. Ships of the Sixth Fleet in-chop and out-chop through its harbor and Rota is the largest Navy operated air terminal in Europe. It is known as the "Gateway to the Mediterranean." Its complex consists of 27 commands which account for a population of over 12,000 military personnel, civil servants, and dependents. Just outside the base lies the town of Rota itself (population 40,000). Close by are Puerto de Santa Maria, Cadiz, Jerez de la Frontera and Sanlucar de Barrameda. Not too distant are the lovely cities of Seville, Cordoba, and Malaga. The entire surrounding region is regarded as one of the most popular in Southern Spain. Its warm sun, olive groves, lively and likeable people, ancient fortress towns, traces of ancient Moorish occupation, lovely beaches, bullfighting, and wine tasting cellars, make this area an especially attractive liberty port. PORT FACILITIES AND FLEET LANDING The port of the Naval Base is a spacious, deep harbor which can handle numerous ships. It is well protected from the west, south, and east by breakwaters. Near the piers are about 18 to 20 oil storage tanks. The small boat landing is located near the beach at the finger pier on the side of the pier facing the marginal wharf. In addition, vertical ladders are installed on the marginal wharf providing access from boats to the wharf. It is about one mile from fleet landing to the naval base complex. Shuttle buses run between fleet landing and the base complex.HAVAL HOSPITAL, ROTA BACKGROUNE-BEQs & TOWN OF ROTA Picture courtesy NAVEUR NS ROTA P1720/4MONETARY EXCHANGE The basic monetary unit of Spain is the peseta and only Spanish currency is accepted off bases and ashore. One peseta is worth 100 centimos. Coins are in 10 and 50 centimos; 1, 2i, 5, 25, and 50 pesetas. Bills are in 100, 500, and 1,000 pesetas. Bills are graduated in size according to demonination, for example, the 100 peseta bill is smaller than the 500 peseta bill. As of 1 April 1982, in US money, one peseta was worth 1 cent, or 100 pesetas to the US dollar. To enable you to understand the exchange rates between American money and Spanish pesetas, the following conversation table is submitted; remember, world inflation is causing constant changes to these rates. The blank spaces to the right of this converter table can be used to insert the dollar to peseta ratio at the time of your visit. EFFECTIVE EXCHANGE RATES AS OF 1 APRIL 1982 AT TIME OF VISIT Centimo (Coins) 10 50 Peseta (Coins) 1 2i 5 25 50 Peseta (Bills) 100 500 1,000 5,000 Dollars less than a penny less than a penny .01 .025 .05 .25 .50 1.00 5.00 10.00 50.00Many ships, prior to liberty call, offer to exchange American dollars into Spanish pesetas. This service, where available, is your best bet for a fair exchange of money. Your next best bet ashore is a banco (bank) or cambio (money exchange). Banks close for the day at 1400. Hotels are next down the line, and bars should be avoided for money exchange service as they usually give an extremely low rate. On Sundays, you should avoid having to exchange money, but if necessary use the big hotels. The most common credit cards accepted are American Express, Diner's Card, and VISA. In Rota, the Navy Disbursing Officer, Banco de Andelucia (located near the Exchange, Ext: 2827/2831), and all the clubs on the base have peseta exchange facilities. There are no branches of US banks on base or in Rota. Take ashore some American paper money in small denominations (American coins are generally not accepted). If you run out of pesetas, this money may come in handy as you won't have to exchange a $10 or $20 to make a small purchase and wind up with the difference in pesetas. You cannot convert pesetas back to dollars in a "banco" or "cambio". It is against Spanish law. Most ships do, however, convert pesetas back to American money by a deadline (ship determined) prior to sailing. 23 /It is strictly illegal to exchange dollars for pesetas other than through licensed and recognized exchange bureaus. When discussing money, if you do not know the spoken words for the numbers, write them down or ask the person you are dealing with to write them down. Their numbers are written the same as ours except for the 1 and 7, as shown below:TRANSPORTATION The chief means of public transportation in Spain's major cities and towns are buses or taxis, with Madrid and Barcelona having good subway systems as well. Buses and subways are inexpensive but crowded, particularly during rush hours. They generally operate on an 18-hour schedule. Free shuttle buses operate inside Naval Station Rota to all of the different establishments. From the Base Facility complex to the main gate is another £ mile. Outside the gate, city buses can be taken to downtown Rota, to the main bus station, and from there to various cities of Spain. Spanish buses also operate from the Base Facility complex to Rota, Peurto de Santa Maria, Cadiz, and to Jerez de la Frontera. Cash fares cannot be accepted and tickets must be purchased with pesetas. They are sold in the Public Works Compound (Bldg 197) between the hours of 0830-1730 Monday through Saturday (tel: 2556) Round trip tickets must be purchased if return by bus is contemplated. The latest bus schedules and prices are available from the US Port Captain or Boarding Officer. City taxis are numerous and fares are comparable to those in the US. Most are metered and the metered fare applies within city limits; the only additions are for trips outside cities and towns, for baggage, animals, Sunday or holiday trips, and for trips after 2200 when the fare almost doubles. If unmetered, agree on the fare beforehand to avoid unpleasantries at the end of the ride. Taxis also operate on and off the base at Rota, and they can pick you up and bring you back to fleet landing (tel: 2929). On base fares average about $2.50 per person depending upon number in party and distance travelled. Tipping is usually between 25 and 50 pts, if * you care to give it.Cars can be rented in Spanish cities or from Air Terminal Rota. Military personnel must be 18 years of age, possess a stateside operator's permit, and E-4's and below must obtain written permission from their Commanding Officer. The stateside permit must be translated into Spanish at a cost of $2 to $3. An international driver's permit will also suffice. Gasoline coupons may then be obtained from the PX, good at all gas stations in Spain. This is a great savings since off base prices are more than twice those on base ($1.50 a gallon with coupon viz-a-viz $3.50 a gallon without). Compact, light weight cars are most suited for Spain's narrow city streets and traffic conditions. Roadways in the countryside vary from a few large, smooth, and fast four lane super-highways to very narrow and constantly twisting mountain roads. Roads around Rota are generally rough. The Spanish National Railroad System (RENFE) runs several fast trains (known as Talgo or Ter) between the major cities of Spain. These trains have comfortable seats and satisfactory dining facilities. Trains, with sleepers, serving selected cities in Spain also connect to rail facilities serving all of Europe. Fares, other than first class, are reasonable. The local trains, however, are likely to be in worse condition, comparable to Amtrack trains. Rota is the largest Navy operated air terminal in Europe. It moves thousands of passengers and tons of cargo each month to destinations world-wide and is known as the "Gateway to the Mediterranean". Military air hops can usually be caught on a space available basis from here to other points in Europe, to the Middle East, or back to the United States. Inside the terminal is a cafeteria and car rental service. Spanish commercial air lines operate between principal cities and between Spain and the outside world. Fares are comparable to, but in some instances more than in the US.(J1IRTESY (F YOU,[FAMILY HOUSING OF ICEThe following is a list of bus and train schedules for the surrounding area. They are to be used as a guide only. For price information and more detailed scheduling, contact the Base Travel Agency at 2429, or the bus or train station in Rota. Daily Commercial Bus Schedule The Rota bus station is located in the Plaza de San Roque. To find the train station, turn right at the Plaza del Triunfo (located just right outside the gate), and the terminal will be on the right. The Jerez bus station is located in the City Hall building. The train station is on Calle Medina. The bus and train terminal in Cadiz is located on the pier. In Sevilla, the bus and train terminal is downtown, close to the University of Sevilla. PuertoTs bus station is located in front of the ferry landing. The train station is on the main highway to Cadiz and Sevilla. ♦Rota-Cadiz 50 minute journey Cadiz-Rota Morning: 6:45, 7:30, 8:30 Afternoon: 1:30, 2:30, 4:30 Rota-Jerez 45 minute journey Morning: 8:00 Afternoon: 3:00 **Rota-Se villa 2 hr journey Morning: 8:15 9:45, 11:30 1:00, 4:45, 8:15 Jerez-Rota 1:00, 7:00 Sevilla-Rota 5:00Cadiz-Algeciras 3 hr journey Morning: 7:00, 9:00 Afternoon: 2:00, 4:00 Algeciras-Malaga 3 hr journey Morning: 7:00,10:30, 11:30 Afternoon: 12:30,1:00,4:00,5:30,6:30 Evening: 8:00,9:30,10:30 Sevilla-Malaga 5 hr journey Morning: 8:00 Afternoon: 3:30 Sevilla-Granada 5 hr journey Morning: 7:30,9:00 Afternoon: 2:30, 3:30 Jerez-Ronda 4 hr journey Morning: 11:30 Afternoon: 4:00 Sevilla-Lisbon 12 hr journey Morning: 7:45 Sevilla-Valencia 13 hr journey Morning: 9:00 ♦♦Daily except Sundays and Holidays * The bus from Rota-Puerto is the Rota trip is 10 minutes. Algeciras-Cadiz 11:30 12:30,6:30,7:30 Malaga-Algeciras 7:00,8:00,9:00 12:00,2:00,2:30 3:30,5:30,7:00 Malaga-Se villa 8:00 3:30 Granada-Sevilla 7:30,9:30 2:30, 3:30 Ronda-Jerez 8:30 5:00 Lisbon-Sevilla 8:00 Valencia-Sevilla 9:00 t-Cadiz one and theRota-Puerto Puerto-Rota Puerto-Sevilla Sevilla-Puerto Puerto-Madrid Madrid-Puerto Departure 6:47 a.m. 3:43 p.m. 8:30 a.m. 12:35 p.m. 6:47 a.m. 3:42 p.m. 9:15 a.m. 1:47 p.m. Departure Arrival 6:13 p.m. 6:33 p.m. 2:37 p.m. 2:57 p.m. 6:58 a.m. 8:34 a.m. 8:53 a.m. 10:43 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 12:22 p.m. 2:36 p.m. 3:43 p.m. 6:39 p.m. 7:49 p.m. 8:47 p.m. 10:35 p.m. 10:10 p.m. 11:50 p.m. 7:05 a.m. 8:49 a.m. 9:09 a.m. 10:14 a.m. 10:43 a.m. 12:06 p.m. 2:05 p.m. 3:44 p.m. 5:17 p.m. 7:24 p.m. 7:33 p.m. 9:11 p.m. 9:02 p.m. 10:09 p.m. (Rapido) 8:53 a.m. 9:18 p.m. (Talgo) 2:36 p.m. 10:10 p.m. (Express) 10:10 p.m. 9:14 a.m. (Rapido) 9:45 a.m. 8:41 p.m. (Talgo) 2:30 p.m. 10:02 p.m. (Express) 9:20 p.m. 8:46 a.m. Puerto-U trera-Granada Arrival 8:00 a.m. 4:55 p.m. Departure 8:38 a.m. 6:02 p.m. Granada-Utrera-Puerto 12:22 p.m. 2:24 p.m. 5:40 p.m. 6:18 p.m. Puerto-U trera-Malaga 8:00 a.m. 10:36 a.m. 4:55 p.m. 6:02 p.m. Malaga-Utr era- Puerto 12:22 p.m. 2:24 p.m. 5:55 p.m. 7:32 p.m. Arrival 12:33 p.m. 10:00 p.m. 3:52 p.m. 8:45 p.m. 3:06 p.m. 9:08 p.m. 3:42 p.m. 8:45 p.m.EATING OUT Of all the countries researched for the pocket guide series, Spain is the only one which publishes tourist brochures devoted solely to the satisfaction of the stomach. Make no mistake, cuisine is an important facet of life in Spain. Tomatoes, olives, olive oil, rice, and more often fish are the basis of Spanish cooking. Breakfast (desayuno) is usually a roll, jam, and coffee. Lunch (comida) and dinner(cena) are served late. It is generally hard to get lunch before 1330 and 1500 is considered normal. Dinner before 2030 is almost unheard of and 2200 is the usual hour. As compensation, many Spaniards during the long period between the mid-day meal and evening meal make a trip to the tasca (tavern) a daily event. There they usually enjoy a chato (small glass of the fine local wine) or canas (small glass of draught beer) and tapas (hors d’oeuvre type appetizers and tidbits). Many tascas feature their own special kind of tapas. By law restaurants must indicate their rank by forks: 5 Forks - Deluxe, 4 Forks - First Class, 3 Forks - Second Class, 2 Forks - Third Class, and 1 Fork indicates budget priced restaurants. Foods served and their cost must be listed on a menu and posted either in the window, on the door, or outside the restaurant on a signboard where patrons can see it before entering. Every restaurant must have a menu del dia, which is the speciality of the day at a set price. Ask for it. You’ll get a good meal at a reasonable price. If you are not very hungry, or willing to spend much money, go to a Cafeteria. They are distinguishable by cups: 3 Cups for special grade, 2 Cups for first class, and 1 Cup for second class. They are generally not the grab-a-tray-and-serve-yourself place with which you are familiar. Here you can ask for a "Plato Combinado", a meal by itself consisting of an appetizer, main dish, dessert, and a glass of wine - all for a cost of about 500 or 600 pesetas ($5 to $6 US). Tabernas are generally smaller cafes serving primarily drinks, but their food too is excellent and can cost as little as $2.When it is time for dinner, try to pick a place that you can see is popular with the residents. A good way to start a Spanish meal on a hot day is with ’’gazpacho’’, a tangy iced soup made of pureed tomatoes, greens and lemon. It is delicious in the heat of summer. Seafood is the mainstay and more fish (pescado) and fish soup (sopa de pescado) is eaten in Spain than in any other European country. Paella, the national dish, should be tried. It has become an international as well as national dish of world-wide fame. It is usually an aromatic and delightfully seasoned rice dish topped with shrimp and fish or chicken, beef, lamb or sausage, and with peppers, green peas and local spices, cooked to order and served hot in a huge frying pan. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare. Zarzuela, mixed seafood in sauce, is another excellent fish dish; and calamares, deep-fried squid, still another. But seafood is expensive, even more so than in the US, especially when dealing with clams, lobsters, shrimp, barnacles, etc. Other savory specialties of Spain are roast lamb (cordero asado), roast suckling pig (cochinillo), rice with chicken (arroz con polio), an omelette (tortilla), lenguado (sole), small whole partridges (perdiz), and cocido (a rich casserole stew of chicken, meat or sausage, and chickpeas). Beefsteaks, unless you pay the the price, are not so good and are generally tough and flavorless. A popular dessert is ’’flan,” a custard. Fresh fruits and vegetables are all very good in Spain. Perros Calientes (hot dogs), hamburguesas (hamburgers) and polio frito (fried chicken) are starting to make ftieir appearance. Wine generally accompanies Spanish meals and the ’’vino de la casa” (wine of the house) is usually quite good and much cheaper than brand name wines. Sherry is the national drink and it comes in a infinite variety. A favorite in Southern Spain is ”fino”, a dry white sherry. The Spanish people enjoy drinks with their meals, but they drink only in moderation. To overindulge is bad manners. You can order beer and mixed drinks (whiskey means scotch and if you want Bourbon ask for Whiskey Americano), Cokes, Pepsi, tea and NesCafe coffee at most restaurants, cafes, hotels, and bars. Be sure to try Sangria, the refreshing wine drink. It is iced punch with fresh lemons and oranges, wine and cointreau, and costs about 50 pesetas (50$).There are thousands of restaurants in Spain. You need not eat only in the fancy, expensive, upper-class restaurants. The local people are proud of their accomplishments of the kitchen. There is no better place to get a flavor of the country and culture than eating where they do: in simple neighborhood eating establishments. The following restaurants in or nearby Rota are known to provide good wholesome food: Rota Puerto Jerez Cadiz El Pesebre, El Tablon, El Embarcadero, El Bodegon, La Costilla, and the two Chinese restaurants of Shanghai and Tokyo El Pescador, Venta Millan, Romerijo, Paco Flores, and El Vasco-Frances El Gaitan, La Posada, Alfonso, La Ceda De Oro, and Hotel Jerez El Sardinero, Casa Samuel, La Caleta, Mikay, La Pizzeria, Meson El Cojo, and El Anteojo The average meal comprises four courses: soup, vegetables, fish or eggs, fish or meat, and a dessert. An expensive meal costs $25 to $30, medium-priced restaurants charge $10 to $12, and inexpensive ones $5 to $7.50 per person. A 15% service charge is tacked onto restaurant biUs - and a 5% tip is always sufficient. One last word about meals. If you stay at a pension (boarding house), you may be charged for a light breakfast whether you eat it or not, and since you probably are paying for it, you may as weU enjoy it. Check with the desk personnel before signing in. It is understandable that when presented with a menu in a language you do not understand you wiU order only those items you recognize. For those avid experimenters in gastronomical pleasures the foUowing translated menu is provided:RECOMMENDED SPECIALTIES It is recommended that you try: Paella Arroz a banda Jamon serrano Tortilla de habas Cochinillo asado Entremeses variados Cordero lechal asado Gazpacho Ajo bianco con Uvas Sopa de pescado SOUPS (SOPAS) Gazpacho Sopa de pescado Sopa de ajo Sopa de cebolla Consome Sopa de fideos Sopa de polio Sopa de guisantes Sopa de veduras Sopa de lentejas Sopa de tomate Saffron rice with chicken and seafood Rice with chicken livers and gizzards Ham Broad bean omelette Roast suckling pig Hor d'oeuvres Roast lamb A tangy cold soup made of pureed vegetables with chopped raw vegetables added later A cold garlic soup made with exquisite almonds and muscatel grapes from Malaga Fish soup A tangy cold soup made of pureed vegetables with chopped raw vegetables added later Fish soup Garlic soup Onion soup Consomme Noodle soup Chicken soup Pea soup Vegetable soup Lentil soup Tomato soupEGGS (HUEVOS) Huevos escalfados Poached eggs Huevos fritos Fried eggs Huevos duros Hard boiled Huevos pasados por agua Soft boiled Huevos revueltos Huevos y tocino (or bacon) Huevos con jam on Tortilla FISH (PESCADO Almejas Anchoas Anguilas Atun Calamares Cangrejo Caracoles (Escargot) Gambas Langosta Langostinos Lenguado Mejillones Necoras Ostras Trucha Vieiras MEAT (CARNE) Albondigas Bistec (Filete) Entrecot Cerdo Chuleta Cocido Cordero Costillas Jamon Rosbif Ternera Tocino or Bacon Vaca Scrambled eggs Bacon and eggs Ham and eggs Omelette made with just eggs Clams Anchovies Eels Tuna Squid Crab Snails Shrimp Lobster Prawns Sole Mussels Spider crabs Oysters Trout Scallops Meatballs Beef Steak Pork Cutlet Stew Lamb Chops Ham Roast beef Veal Bacon Beef 33POULTRY (AVES) Ganso or oca Goose Paloma Pigeon Pato Duck Pavo Turkey Perdiz Partridge Polio Chicken VEGETABLES (LEGUMBRES) Aceitunas Olives Alcachofa Artichoke Arroz Rice Berenjena Eggplant Cebolla Onion Col (Repollo) Cabbage Coliflor Cauliflower Esparragos Asparagus Espinacas Spinach Judias Beans Guisantes Peas Judias verdes String beans Maiz Corn Potata (Papas) Potato Nabo Turnip Pepino Cucumber Remolachas Beets Setas Mushrooms Tomate Tomato Zanahorias Carrots SALAD (ENSALADA) Ensalada de apio Celery salad Lechuga Lettuce Ensalada variada or mixta Mixed salad Ensalada de pepinos Cucumber saDESSERTS (POSTRES) Bunuelos Compota Dulches (Bombones) Flan Guita Galletas Helado Pas teles Queso Torta (Tarta) FRUIT (FRUITAS) Albaricoque Aquacate Cerezas Cirucla Datil Frambuesa Fresa Granda Higo Limon Manzana Melocoton Pina Plantano Toronja Uvas Fritters Stewed fruit Candy Caramel custard Fruit Tea cakes Ice cream Pastries Cheese Cake Apricot Avacado Cherries Plum Date Raspberry Strawberry Pomergranate Fig Lemon Apple Peach Pineapple Banana Grapefruit Grapes Water Coffee Beer Juice Milk Wine, fruits, soda Soda Tea White wine Red wine BEVERAGES (BEBIDAS) Agua Cafe Cerveza Jogo Leche Sangria Sifon or Soda Te Vino Blanco Vino NegroCONDIMENTS Aceite Oil Ajo Garlic Azucar Sugar Crema Cream Mostaza Mustard Pimienta Pepper Sal Salt Vinagre Vinegar MISCELLANEOUS Hielo Mantequilla Pan Panccillo Tostada BREADED BOILED BROILED COLD FRIED HOT MEDIUM RARE ROAST WELL DONE NOTES 1. Drinking water is safe, but "aqua mineral” (mineral water) is available everywhere. It is often more expensive than wine. 2. Coffee is drunk as cafe solo (black espresso coffee) or cafe con leche (with milk). Ice Butter Bread Roll Toast Empanado Cocido A la parrilla or A la plancha Frio Frito Caliente En su punto Poco Hecho Asado Muy HechoDRUGSTORES Some drugstores in Spain also serve food and drink at reasonable prices. Try them. They carry sweets, tobaccos, books, magazines, maps, postcards, souvenirs, gifts, cassettes, records, photography, and perfumery items. In Torremolinos there is "Noche y Dia” which is open all night. It is situated right next door to the bus station (Portello) The true farmacia carries only drugs and most can be secured without a prescription. Meals are also served on the Rota Naval Station at the Officers1 Club, CPO Club, Acey Ducey Club, and EM Club. There is also a cafeteria, open 21 hours a day, in the Air Terminal building. At these clubs and cafeteria American type food is served and the prices are reasonable. HOTELS There are no hotels on the Rota Naval Base, but there is a BOQ, Navy Lodge, and transient enlisted barracks. Spanish hotels are still among the best bargains in Europe, and you get what you pay for. First class hotels have all modern conveniences. Less expensive hotels are not air-conditioned and the heat can be oppressive in summer. The Spanish State Tourist Department has fixed minimum and maximum hotel prices, which include a continental breakfast (coffee, rolls and jam, whether it is consumed or not), but not the noon and evening meal. Within these limits, management may charge what they think fit. In Spain, hotels are classified from one star (*) to five stars (*****), and a hotel rated five star is memorable by any standard. Accommodations, services, and costs are determined by the number of stars assigned. One star hotels are very basic indeed. Hotels in or nearby Rota known to provide good services are:Rota Playa De La Luz El Caribe Parque Victoria Minestra Sra Del Rosario Puerto Caballo Blanco Fuente Bravia Puerto Bahia Hostal Las Flores Hostal Campomar Jarez Hotel Jarez Hotel Aloha Hostal Martinez Cadiz Mindanao Isecotel Hostal Carranza Other accommodations to be found in Spain include; Hostals and Pensions. These lodging are also classified one (*), (**) and (***) stars. They are recommended for long stays for those who wish to live in a more familiar atmosphere than a hotel affords. Government Operated Lodgings. The State Tourism Department offers the following types of lodging: Paradores. Often converted castles and palaces or modern structures planned and built with a view to the best possible luxurious hotel conditions, although always constructed and decorated in keeping with the atmosphere and tradition of each place. Albergues or Wayside Inns. These offer sleeping facilities and restaurant service at strategic points along the roads, often far from large towns. Very useful when driving in Spain. Refugios. Mountain cabins recommend for the hunter and sportsman in the midst of beautiful surroundings. Hostenas. Typical restaurants. The object of these inns is to invite the traveller into the atmosphere of the region in which they are located. They feature traditional Spanish dishes. These lodgings are classified and are priced in the same way as hotels.Camping. Spain has some of the best camp grounds in Europe. They are mostly located along the Mediterranean coast although they can be found in all areas. NOTES 1. There are many inexpensive hotels/hostals on side streets. If what you want is a clean room, clean sheets and a hot shower, check them out. It is absolutely appropriate to ask to see the room first. If you don’t like it, ask to see another or go elsewhere. 2. In Spain, a 15% service charge is included in hotel bills. 3. Tips, in addition to service charges, are expected. Tip about 25 pesetas minimum to a hotel porter, the same to a bell boy (page), 5 pesetas to the washroom attendant, and 100 pesetas to the chambermaid. Shoe shines cost about 25 pesetas and barbers are tipped from 10 to 25 pesetas. 4. Most first class hotels prohibit over-exuberance and gaiety in their rooms. If you plan to have guests, make the fact known and receive permission before registering. The law specifically and rigidly forbids unaccompanied females to enter a man’s hotel room after dark. 5. The Spanish Government imposes strict regulations on all hotels to prevent abuses. Any such abuses can always be reported direct to the authorities, either through the nearest State Tourism Office or through local police; or complaints can be recorded in the book which every hotel is required to keep at visitors’ disposal for this purpose and which is regularly inspected by Tourism Department agents. Redress, when due, is sure to be obtained by these methods. 6. Always carry some assorted small change. Cash a large bill or two each day before leaving your hotel. By always having the exact tip, you will save time and money.The Navy Exchange at Rota is centrally located in the administrative/supply section in Building 40 (tel: 2033). It manages a large variety of operations common to any large military installation. Stores in Spain are open weekdays from 0930-1330, and from 1630-2000. They are closed on Sundays. Best buys are suede and leather goods, smart ladies bags, gloves, belts, jackets, hand-made rugs, wigs, shoes, damascened steel and gold inlay from Toledo, wood carvings, salad bowls, ceramics (especially the attractive tiles), Majorcan glassware, artificial pearls, black and white embroidered linen, lace, and antiques. But in every town they have different locally made items. In some areas you can go directly to the factory where the goods are manufactured and benefit from a lower price. Clothing is sized differently than in the US. Below is a clothing size conversion chart that might be helpful but, if you really want to play it safe, you should have your spouse send you all of his/her measurements and a tape measure that you can take out with you to compare with a metric tape: WOMEN DRESSES AND SUITS: American 10 12 14 16 18 20 European 40 42 44 46 48 50 SWEATERS AND BLOUSES: American 32 34 36 38 40 European 40 42 44 46 48 SHOES: American 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 European 34/35 35/36 36/37 38/39 40/41 41/42 42/4 TEEN SIZES American 9 11 13 15 European: 34 36 38 40 CHILDREN DRESSES AND SUITS: American 2 4 6 8 10 European 2 3 5 7 9 SUITS, COATS, SWEATERS: American: 36 38 40 42 44 46 European: 46 48 50 52 54 56 SHIRTS: American: 14 14* 15 15* 16 16* 17 European 36 37 38 39 41 42 43 SHOES: American: 8 8* 9i 10 10f 11 European: 41 42 43 44 45 46 In each town stores can be identified by what is hanging outside the shop or over the doorway. The most important handicraft industry in the Rota area is without a doubt the leather industry in Ubrique. Over two hundred workshops in this hard working town are devoted to producing high quality leather products. Although not as important, the dolls and ceramics of Chiclana, the esparto grass (wicker baskets, etc.) of Jerea, and the fine baskets of Medina Sidonia are also of interest. Bargaining is not the norm. Prices are fixed, but sometimes in a one owner shop you may be lucky and it doesn’t hurt to ask for a cheaper price.CLUBS, DRINKS, DISCOTHEQUES, FLAMENCO SHOWS, AND WINE TASTING On station, three military clubs are available for social and recreational activities. They are the Officers1 Club, CPO Club, and El Vanguard or EM Club. A monthly schedule of events is published and may be obtained upon request. There is also an excellent USO Club in Rota directly adjacent to the Naval Station and use of this fine facility is encouraged. Spanish bars (tascas) open at about 0900 and close with the last customer. Wine and its derivatives of various Sherries, Sangrias, Cognacs and Champagnes are the most popular drinks. Beer (cerveza) is always served ice-cold. Imported alcohol is available, but expensive, and soft drinks tend to be higher-priced than Spanish liquor. Cokes and Pepsi can be ordered and Horchata is a popular non-alcoholic drink made from chufa nuts. "Tapa Hopping” is an activity that deserves mention. Since it is a long time from lunch to dinner, the Spanish fill their bars with all kinds of snacks to tide them over. The variety defies description. That is why it is worth traveling from one tapa bar - and its specialty - to another, drinking "chatos" (small glasses of wine) or "canas" (small glasses of draught beer) and eating the specialty of the house. There are a few discotheques in the area and some great Flamenco shows in nearby Seville and Granada. Discotheques and night clubs vary in price and most have an entrance or cover charge. Find out what the cover charge is before entering. Discos open about 2000 and stay open until around 0230. The first drink usually costs $2 to $3 and you need not buy more than one drink. When you see a girl you like, even if she is with a boyfriend, it's acceptable to ask, Quiere Bailor? -Would you like to dance? After the dance say Gracias! - Thank you! Quiere Cerveza-Vino? - Would you like a beer - some wine? If she is accompanied, it would be impolite to ask for a second dance. And, in any case, taking her home is not in the cards. Flamenco is the gypsy dance with all the foot stomping, hand-clapping, guitar playing ... and a good looking senorita center stage. Take in a show. It is exciting, colorful and costs from $4 to $20, including your drink. Simply tell your driver ME GUSTARIA VER FLEMENCO — I would like to see Flamenco. The Spanish enjoy a Flemenco while sipping Sangria - the delicious wine punch.Wine tasting is also an interesting and enjoyable pastime. Keep an eye open For the "bodegas" (wine cellars) where you are invited to taste the wine free. There are many in Jerez and South Madrid. ON BASE ATHLETIC, RECREATION, AND SERVICE FACILITIES Most recreation and service facilities are grouped in an area about a mile from fleet landing. Recreational facilities in this area include a gym with swimming pool, basketball and handball court; softball, football, soccer playing fields; nine tennis courts, outdoor swimming pool, 4 and 8 lane bowling alleys, an 18-hole golf course, volleyball courts, horseback riding stables, and archery range. There is also in the area a theater and hobby shop. Shaded picnic areas are located in the pine woods adjacent to the riding stables. The following equipment can be checked out, or rented for a nominal fee, at the Gear Issue Room: bikes, camping equipment, tennis rackets, baseball and football equipment, ice chests, picnic jugs, fishing reels and rods. Service facilities to be found in the same area include military clubs, retail stores, commissary, dry cleaning/laundry/ uniform shop, peseta sales window, barber/cobbler/tailor shops, Post Office, Public Works, Air Terminal and Air Terminal Restaurant. A detailed list of base facilities is provided each arriving unit by the Boarding Officer. Special Services in Building 44 (Ext 2564) can provide still further information on facilities and programs available. SPANISH SPECTATOR ATTRACTIONS/SPORTS/LOTTERY You can participate in sports programs on the Rota base or you can go out with the Spaniards and enjoy the sports that they follow. Some of their main spectator attractions are:'VAi.V O'*. Picture courtesy US Navy Overseas Diplomacy Guidelines Brochure PUERTO BULL RING Picture courtesy NAVEUR NS Rota P1720/4 44Bullfighting. Local bullfights take place in Puerto de Santa Maria, Jerez, Sanlucar, and San Fernando. The regular bullfight season runs from April through October, and bullfights are held on Sundays and often on Thursdays. They start at the time announced on the posters, usually 1600 or 1630, and last for about two and one-half hours. Events vary from young bulls and beginning fighters, "novilladas," to those featuring magnificent animals weighing half a ton. Tickets can be obtained in advance through Special Services at a discount. Bullfighting is not considered a sport. It is a ritual requiring great courage, skill, and grace. Death or serious injury is the penalty for being clumsy. For these reasons, it is unthinkable to cheer the bull. There are usually six bulls, two for each matador. First comes the parade of the officials (alguacilillos), dressed today as they were when Philip IV sat on the nations throne. Then come the cuadrillas, the matadors and teams. This is when you will hear the famed "March of the Matadors." These three swordsmen are followed by the peones and the picadores. Ending the parade will be the mules which are used to haul the dead bulls away. The bull is first met by one of the picadores, then the matador takes center stage for whatever spectacular cape passes he or she wishes to make. This is where the ballet-like beauty of the fight will be seen. The actual fight is in three stages: The picadores using lances to reduce the bull's strength, the banderillero placing three pairs of brightly colored darts in the bull's shoulder muscles, and "the moment of truth" when the matador stands alone in the area to perform the final act, the killing of the bull. If the matador performs his act well the crowd yells "Ole", and if he performs the execution with skill, the crowd will wave their handkerchiefs and at their request the presiding official will award him trophies - an ear of the bull, two ears, and even the tail. With these trophies held on high, the victor does a round of the ring amid the cheers of the crowd, which tosses him hats, flowers, cigars, leather winebottles and even women's shoes. You may even throw your cushion, but remember it will cost you about 50 pesetas!In July each year in Pamplona full-bred bulls are run through the streets as a challenge to young bloods and is an event worth witnessing. Soccer. The Spanish call it "futbol". It is very popular nowadays and many live or TV matches can be seen between September and May. Tickets may be obtained in advance through Special Services at a discount. Pelota, the original jai alai, is played in many cities at night on brightly illuminated cement frontones (pelota courts), enclosed on three sides, with the spectators protected by netting. Played twice a day, from about 1800 to 2100, and again from 2300 to 0100, it is one of the hardest, fastest ball games in the world. It is also a betting game, in which you get fast action for your money. If you want to try your luck, put 50 to 100 pesetas on the red or blue team. Auto Racing. The world famous Formula One Grand Prix is held just outside Madrid, at the Jarama track, in July. Lottery. Spaniards buy national lottery tickets every day of the week from the hundreds of street vendors. But the big lottery is at Christmas. El Gordo (The Fat One) is the street name given to the top prize. Full tickets for this lottery cost about 25,000 pesetas ($250.00), but you can buy parts of a ticket. The winners take their cut out of a $550 million pot, and winning big in this one makes you an instant millionaire. Festivals. Interesting and colorful festivals, full of music, dancing, and agricultural displays take place in most towns and cities at one time or another during the year. These festivals usually reflect the deep Spanish devotion to religion. Contact Special Services for particulars on festivals that take place near Rota.Stock Horse Breeding. This is one of the great vocations of Jerez and the display of magnificent animals that takes place during local fairs should not be missed. OTHER SPORTS Other popular sporting sites in Andalucia include: the golf club in Sotogrande; pigeon shooting in Puerto de Santa Maria, Jerez, Sevilla and many other towns; the Royal Tennis Clubs in Cadiz and Jerez; Polo in Jerez and the many activities taking place at the Puerto and Cadiz Polysports pavillions. Sailing regattas at the Nautical Clubs in Cadiz, Puerto de Sante Maria and Algeciras have become popular. Fishing is found all along the coast and in rivers and reservoirs. There are also private hunting reserves where deer, boar, mountain goat and lynx can be found. Smaller game such as rabbits, turtle doves, and grouse can be found in the local area. The Rota Rod and Gun Club maintains information on hunting and fishing in Spain. Contact Special Services in Building 44 (Ext 2564) for more particulars on sports facilities available in Andalusia. BEACHES Sun-bathing and swimming are extremely popular in this sunny climate. Swimming is found in some sections of Rota, on Base, in Chipiona, Fuentebravia, Valdelagrana, and Cadiz. There is a charge made for use of changing facilities and shower. ON BASE THEATER/MOVIES/ENTERTAINMENT Films are shown three times daily in the 500-seat air-conditioned base theater, and a special late show is shown on weekends. A drive-in theater is located near housing. Periodically USA shows come to Rota.RELIGION The Chaplain's office is located in the chapel at the Corner of Third Avenue and E street. Catholic and Protestant chaplains are available and services take place at the following hours: Catholic masses 0815, 0945, and 1230 and Protestant services at 1100. About 95% of the Spanish people are Roman Catholics and the influence and unifying force of the church, past and present, is visible in Spanish art and sculpture. Some of the most beautiful Cathedrals in the world are in Spain and most of their festivals and holidays have religious foundations and overtones. TOURS There is much to be seen near Rota and the Special Services Division on base has established a travel agency to assist visiting ships in making tours to various areas of Spain, Europe, and North Africa. The agency, Marsans, is located in Building 523 (Fleet Recreation Center), phone 2497, next to the Base Theater, phone 2429. Complete tickets and reservation services are available and upon request agency personnel will come aboard and present tour information. Spanish communities within easy distance for sight-seeing tours or trips on your own are: Rota. The base is the most significant attraction at Rota. Puerto de Santa Maria. This town, 10 miles southeast of Rota, has been the residence of many famous men. Washington Irving finished "The Tales of Alhambra" here. Columbus left from here on his second voyage to the New World. At one time it was part of the vast estate of Alonso Perez de Guzman, a brave nobleman of Spain who sacrificed his son to the Moors during the siege rather than surrender Tarifa, a fortress to the south.Cadiz (population 175,000). According to legend it was founded by Hercules. To travel from Rota to Cadiz - 14 miles south across the bay, 38 miles by road - takes less than an hour. The bus will take you through Puerto de Santa Maria, around the Bay of Cadiz, to the city. Cadiz has twice been burned to the ground, and repeatedly sacked and pillaged by Barbary pirates, as well as by the famed Sir Walter Drake. You will find traces of its ancient ramparts, built and rebuilt. The most convenient for a walking tour is Plaza de San Juan de Dios. The seaport city is African in appearance, with palm trees, white houses and cupolas. Its most striking features are the churches in their green gardens and the silvery harbor. Today it is the chief center of trade between Spain and the Americas, and the site of Spain's principal naval base. The two principal treasures are the Archaeology Museum, at 5 Plaza Generalisimo, and the Cathedral. This museum is renowned for its Roman, Phoenician, and Carthaginian collections. Branching out from the Cathedral are cobblestone streets that will lead you to some of the most interesting alleyways in the old city. You might also care to visit the Hospital de Mujeres, an old mansion with famous paintings, and the Church of Santa Cueva, which has Goya frescoes. Jerez de la Frontera. This city of about 200,000 is about 20 miles east of Rota, near the seaport of Cadiz. It is the sherry capital of the world and is known for its bodegas (wine cellars) where visitors are invited to sample the various brands of sherry and brandy. A round-trip bus ticket costs about $3.00. Your journey will take you through Puerto de Santa Maria and into the countryside of southern Spain. Here you will see the vineyards that make the area so famous. Incidentally, the ranches in the area have a reputation for breeding the best fighting bulls in all of Spain. The most famous wine harvest festival of the year (Feast of the Vintage) takes place here during the second week of September. A vintage queen reigns over the festivities, which include literary competition, bullfights, livestock fair, horse auction, and flamenco dancing.Sanlucar de Barrameda. This village is about 25 miles north of Rota and it will take you about an hour to reach it. Enroute you will pass through Santa Maria and Jerez de la Frontera, where if you are traveling on your own you will have to change buses to reach your destination. One of the most pleasant things you can do in Sanlucar is to go to the waterfront to see the fish auction (it is like a political rally). The market place is also colorful. In the old section of Sanlucar, high on a hill, is a square-towered Moorish Castle. The Castle is worth a look in itself, and the area around it is filled with f,bodegastT. Sanlucar, now home to several members of the royal family, was where the Duke of Medina Sidonia left his family seat and, gathering half of his forces from nearby towns, set forth as Commander of Philip the IITs Armada. Among other points of interest, you will find that Sanlucar has three of the finest beaches in the land: Sanlucar, Baja Guia, and La Jara - only three miles from town. It was from here that Columbus sailed on his third voyage to America and Magellan began his around the world voyage. Seville (population 1,000,000). In the past, this city, often called the Florence of Spain, ruled the new world and enjoyed a monopoly on its trade. It was also headquarters for the Church and Spanish Inquisition. Rich in scenery, it affords excellent photography. It declined in the 17th century when it lost its trade monopolies. The city is about 65 miles north of Rota and is a two hour bus ride. The scenic way to reach it on your own is to catch the bus to Puerto de Santa Maria and take the two hour train ride to Sevilla (the train stops frequently along the way). In Seville, when you leave the station, turn left to the boulevard that runs in front of the park, and cross the street to the bus stop. Here you catch the number 2 bus which will take you to the largest cathedral in Spain (third largest in Christendom). The Cathedral itself is magnificent and contains paintings by Morelia, rare examples of etched glass, and the remains of Christopher Columbus. Next door to the Cathedral is Giralda Tower - the symbol of Sevilla - where you can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city.Directly to the south (a matter of a few feet) is the Archive of the Indies. Here on display are original documents relating to the discovery of the New World by Columbus and his map showing a "Short Way to the Indies". East of the Archives is the magnificent Muslim palace, Reales Alcazares. Even Barrio de Santo Cruz is fascinating with its crooked narrow little streets and romantic garden patios. And, when you are tired of walking, take the horse-drawn carriage ride from the Plaza de los Reyes east of the Cathedral. All of it is well worth your time. Other points of interest are the Hospital of La Caridad, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Casa de Pilatos. The best time to visit the city is during Semana Santa (Holy Week). It falls at the end of March or beginning of April. During these days (the week prior to Easter week) heavy ornate floats with holy images are solemly borne through the streets accompanied by barefooted penitents in colored cowls and robes in extravagant nocturnal processions. Near the Cathedral is an area called Barrio de Santa Cruz. This is where you will find the best places to spend the night. During this time, however, it is almost impossible to get reservations. Also, during May-June, ferias (fairs) are held in Seville and other cities of Spain at weekly intervals. During these ferias cities transform themselves and streets explode with colorful decorations. Carriages and horses replace cars, and citizens don traditional dress. In Seville, booths are set up at the fair grounds where celebrators gather to drink and to dance from dusk to dawn. Outstanding bullfights are an added attraction. Ceuta. This Spanish city in North Africa is five hours away by bus and ferry. A duty free port, its greatest asset is shopping, but stores close on Saturday afternoon. The ferry ride presents a good view of the Rock of Gibraltar.Tangier. This Moroccan city in North Africa is about six hours away by ferry and 2 hours by hydrofoil. It offers sharp contrasts in every day living and, as a duty free port, one of its greatest assets is shopping. The ferry or hydrofoil ride from Algeciras to Tangier presents a good view of the Rock of Gibraltar. You must have a passport to go to Ceuta and Tangier. HOLIDAYS Nation-wide holidays are- New Year's Day Epiphany, January 6 Saint Joseph's day, March 19 Holy Thursday (3 days before Easter) Good Friday (2 days before Easter) Corpus Christi Day (last Thursday of May) King's Saint Day, June 24 Saint James' Day, July 25 Assumption Day, August 15 Columbus Day, October 12 All Saints, November 1 Immaculate Conception Day, December 8 Christmas Day There are also saint's days in the cities, villages, and churches, all of which are celebrated and bring business to a standstill. One of the first things you should do when you get settled is to get a Spanish calendar from a local merchant. It will show you local as well as national holidays.CLOSING REMARKS This guide has merely scratched the surface on the many things there are to see and do in the Rota area, and no book can possibly present them as they will appear in real life. Be sure to take advantage of your opportunity to see first hand the things you have just read about in these pages. Have a good time and project a positive image.ROTA COMMENTS This guide is to be periodically revised. Please give us your feedback on how it may be improved. Don’t use your name. Just drop it in the mail. Thank you. 1. Sections of this manual which proved especially useful were: 2. Sections of this manual which proved to be in error or not useful were: 3. If I were writing such a manual I would include: 4. I would make the following changes: 5. Overall, I felt this manual: 6. Type of ship or unit: Your thoughts are important. Again, we appreciate your help in making this a more useful guide for Navy men and women.DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY COMMANDING omch HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CENTER NORFOLK S4S1-S3 TMawaUr Dtiv* NwMk, Viifiiria tMOt JSStSmJrn!tlRr Pmlti far Print* Um. UN Commanding Officer Human Resource Management Center Norfolk 6621-23 Tidewater Drive Norfolk, Virginia 23509 ATTENTION: Overseas Diplomacy BranchAPttTMSHTS AND HODSES 19 EL CHORRILLO (no caretaker) 20 RES* SERRANO (caretaker-Mill) 21 American residential area 22 n « it 23 EDIFICIO AMERICA (care takeivlives an 1st* floor) 2U EDIFICIO MEXICO (earetaker-Jose) 2$ EDTFICIO COSTILLA (caretaker-Rafael Bellldo-3rd. block) 26 11 BERIMAR 27 " SAN JOSE (see Senior Kodrono) 28 " LUNA (caretaker-Salvador) 29 " SAN ALBERTO 30 ALBERTO coranunity (U0-50 houses and apts) 31 VIRGEN DEL MAR APTS* (caretaker-Isidro* Rafael, Jose) 32 American residential area 33 « it »• 3b all< •SAORADO CARAZON de JESUS CALVARIO CAMPANIA SEVILLANA (Electric hills) St# Paltre Capote ’PLAZA de PIO Xll BUENA VISTA VIA LIMITE. 9 6T 37 AVE. PARC S3JS9 30 23 26 Ml 1U ■15 PLAZA de GENERAL FRANCO PORTUGAL POST OFFICE .IGLESIA PARROQUIEL 16 CAMINO A CHIPIONA CORTES PLAZA de SAM ROQUE GENERAL. 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