How to Get Away with Breaking the Rules in Spain? Go Swedish

Fun phrases survive from the un-fun days of Spain's fascist dictator, Francisco Franco. Standing in front of Madrid's Royal Palace, local guide Nygil Murrel explains to me that, when a Spaniard suggests playing dumb to get away with something, he or she says you should "make yourself a Swede."

This is Day 7 of my 100 Days in Europe series. As I research my guidebooks and make new TV shows, I'm reporting on my experiences and lessons learned in Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Bulgaria, Romania, and beyond. Find more at blog.ricksteves.com.

Support HuffPost

At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.

Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.

Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.

Support HuffPost

Rick Steves spanish madrid sweden Francisco Franco

Support HuffPost

Related

From Our Partner

HuffPost Shopping’s Best Finds

The Best Durable Shoes, According To Zookeepers Who Work In Mud All Day

The Most Comfortable Sandals For Walking All Day, According To Tour Guides Who Live In Them

This $4 Cat Toy Is 'Worth Its Weight In Gold' — And Behaviorists Say There's A Reason

This Seemingly Silly Luxury Is Actually Important For Your Pet's Health

This Internet-Beloved Bedding Brand Is Having Its Biggest Sale Of The Year

MORE IN LIFE

There Are 5 ‘Stress Languages.’ Here’s How To Figure Out Yours.

This Box Office Bomb Is The Top Movie On Hulu Right Now

Don’t Miss The 10 Best Instagram Recipes From April

40 Too-Real Tweets About Children Playing Musical Instruments

5 Delicious Reasons You Shouldn’t Miss Out On Salvadoran Food

I Hit the Jackpot With The Tradwife Lifestyle Until it All Came Crashing Down

A Shockingly Low Percentage Of People Tip Rideshare Drivers — Here’s The Awful Truth

These Shoe Inserts Promise Heavy-Duty Support — And They're 30% Off

These Noise-Canceling Headphones Are Highly Coveted — And They're $100 Off Right Now

31 Tweets That Will Make Sense To Anyone Who Is A Taurus

The Best Shoe Brands For Kids, According To Podiatrists

My Holy Grail Skin-Perfecting Cream Is On Rare Sale Right Now

These Are HuffPost Readers’ All-Time Favorite Walking Shoes For Men And Women

19 Hidden Gems On Amazon That Reviewers Have Called ‘Effective’

Just 14 Items Under $20 We Loved This Month, In Case You Need A Little Treat

46 Products To Subtly But Genuinely Elevate Your Life

13 Comfy Shorts That Will Save Your Thighs From The Dreaded Summer Chafing

The Funniest Marriage Tweets To Get You Through This Week

This Shocking True Crime Series Is A Top Show On Netflix Right Now

Brita's Popular Filtering Water Bottle Is Just $14 Right Now

This $4 Cat Toy Is 'Worth Its Weight In Gold' — And Behaviorists Say There's A Reason

My Holy Grail Skin-Perfecting Cream Is On Rare Sale Right Now

19 Last-Minute Mother’s Day Gifts From Amazon That Will Arrive On Time

9 Stylish Swim Trunks, According To The Best-Dressed Guys We Know

27 Products From Amazon’s 'Internet Famous' Section That Are Actually Worth The Hype

TikTok Claims This Cold Medicine Can Help You Get Pregnant. Is That True?

Are You Raising A Member Of The 'Anxious Generation'? Here's How To Protect Your Kid's Happiness.

Hate Going To The Dry Cleaner? Here's When You Can Cheat — And When You Shouldn't

Forget 10,000 Steps A Day — This Is The Number You Should Focus On Instead

5 Signs You're Dealing With Unresolved Grief

8 Extremely Popular Emotional Support Water Bottles To Keep You Hydrated

34 Pieces So Cute That People Might Get A Bit Obsessed With You

11 Of Amazon's Bestselling Kitchen Tools For Under $30

Massage Therapists Reveal What They Think When You Fall Asleep, Pass Gas Or Worse

8 Popular Cooking Tools That Chefs Say Are A Waste Of Money

The 1 Thing Sleep Doctors Never, Ever Do In The Morning

If You’re In Your 30s, Here Are 32 Comfy But Elevated Pieces You Might Fall In Love With

Want A Better Relationship With Your Adult Children? Do These 6 Things

35 Things To Improve The Appearance Of Your Kitchen Without A Renovation

8 Genius Laundry Products To Make Wash Day Less Dreadful