Mikey and Wendy:
What is significant about drinking in Spain--as opposed to drinking in England--is not the prices but that this pleasant activity is rarely inhibited by law or tradition. (Although I think there is now a legal public drinking age.)

The routine consumption of wine and most other alcholic beverages is part of the Spanish way. The idea of a Spanish bar being restricted to particular hours in which they are "licensed" to serve drinks is unheard of.

Spaniards grow up with alcohol (wine). They are expected to know how to handle it and not make fools of themselves in public.

I don't know how things are today, but even as briefly as 20 years go it was considered a gross social blunder to be seen drunk in public. (I don't know if that's true now. Can anyone advise me?)

Anyway, keep in mind that you are not in England for a while, and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.
Cantabene

[This message has been edited by cantabene (edited 10-05-2000).]