You’ll realize in time spent abroad that alcohol is generally cheaper than water at… anywhere.

Wine 1,50€ and then there’s water: 3€
**blank stare**
a few moments later: **wry smile**

The same is generally true of beer, it’ll be like 1€ a lot of places. Granted, these are not big servings, but it is something to take into account. Especially since the same is true of alcohol and cokes. (I’m from Texas, if its carbonated and sweet, it’s a coke. I’m not sorry.)

So this is a good segue for an important topic when living in Spain: drinks versus drunk.

Drinks: what the Spanish do.
A few drinks spread over some snacking (ahem, tapas) throughout an evening

Drunk: what Americans abroad are known for.
Two things of boxed white wine (14% alcohol by volume, and like 3€–BEWARE) and a few cheap, scraggly bars that have free shots later.

Actually, Americans are pretty reviled in the nicer clubs and bars in Madrid, I found, because of the typical wild-child, travelling-on-Daddy’s-dime, Greek row chump that has drunkenly occupied the space before you.

So, as someone who hopes to live abroad again, hopefully Madrid Round II, let me ask of you: be careful with the cheap and easy access to alcohol and when you do get so drunk you lay down in front of a cheap club and have to be hauled into a taxi by people you’ve only known briefly… try not to repeat that.