[web] Things we take for granted

Being back in Spain after two years in the Silicon Valley (SV) can be a little of a cultural shock. I already knew SV is the forefront of geekiness and consumer internet. What I did not know is how much I would take some things for granted. This is a list of things I am "struggling with" currently. I will start with Google Maps and add to the list as I find new ones

- [Google Maps] There is no "public tranportation" option. At least, if you are using public tranportation in Madrid there is this option, similar to 511 in the bay area. I need to find the equivalent to nextbus

> Sep 1st, 2009: Google has recently launched Google Transit in Asturias.

- [Google Maps] There are far less reviews. Many business lack their web address or an accurate description.

- [Amazon] Of course! Amazon! They do not operate in Spain, so you have to go for international shipping. Their user-generated product reviews are amongst my favorite shopping tools. Here´s a blog post in Spanish commenting on Amazon´s potential launch in Spain

- [Craigslist] I still haven´t found that ultra simple go-to place for virtually anything, from rooms to rent to last minute tickets for a Coldplay gig, bikes or second-hand cars

> Alternative: loquo

- [Yelp] Again, tons of reviews and ratings about a restaurant give you a very close idea of the quality of the place. This doesn´t mean there is not an alternative for the Spanish market, it´s just that the ones I have bumped into do not have as many customer datapoints...

> Alternative: 11870