When in Spain

After a loooooong break I'm back with a beautiful spring evening wander down one of my favourite Madrid streets — Calle de Santa Isabel. We'll be taking in the sights and sounds with stop-offs in El Cine Doré (Cinema and home to Spain's national film archive), San Antón municipal market, El Amor de Díos Flamenco school, Bar Benteveo (one of my all time favourite Madrid bars with its kitch interior), The Santa Isabel convent and a few other points of interest before the final stop just outside the Reina Sofia museum. Why not follow along on Google Maps? https://goo.gl/maps/BptC7WN3z8KSDWmy6

Where should you visit in Spain if it's your first time? Where should you visit if you only have two weeks? Can you see it all? No. So how do you decide what to include on you itinerary? That's what this episode of When in Spain tries to answer! Join Spain travel consultant, Karen Rosenblum and myself as we try to answer these huge questions to help you get the best out of your trip to Spain. Karen helps us break down Spain by topics so that anyone visiting can decide where to include in their trip based on personal interests. Whether you love gastronomy, beaches, or Roman ruins, Karen shares some great recommendations. She also gives advice on how to put together a realistic, enjoyable, and unrushed itinerary to help you get the best out of your Spain vacation. To find out more about Karen or book a Spain travel consultation with her, head over to Spain Less Traveled. Also, check out her fantastic Facebook community, Travel Spain! for a wealth of information and advice about planning the perfect trip to Spain.

I'm whisking you away on the high-speed AVE train for a day trip to the beautiful medieval city of Cuenca. Join me as I stroll around Cuenca's charming streets and squares, admire the gothic cathedral (one of the earliest examples in all of Spain) and cross the San Pedro bridge to admire the famous 'casas colgadas' , or hanging houses. Later I walk up to the castle neighbourhood and get some breathtaking views of the city from the old castle remains as I reflect on the turbulent history of this UNESCO world heritage site. In the episode I mention Cuenca's Parador in the old San Pablo convent. It was closed the day I went, but also worth visiting the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art.

After a six-month break When in Spain is back! And to celebrate we're taking you on a tour of ten classic Madrid bars. Our guide is Chris Lynch, Spanish wine-buff, former Spanish bar owner, and founder of the Spanish Wine Collective. If you're on a first visit to Madrid these ten bars are required drinking and eating! From the cosy Casa González bar in the centre of Madrid and over a bottle of cava, Chris takes us on a virtual tour of his ten favourite bars of the Spanish capital. He recommends what to drink, what to eat, and when to go. Along the way we talk about the fascinating history of these classic Madrileño bars and Chris describes some of the colourful characters who work in them. At the end of the episode we both give some useful tips for getting the best Madrid bar experience on your visit. Here's the list of stops on the tour: Casa González Casa Toni Casa del Abuelo La Venencia La Dolores Bodegas Ricla Casa Revuelta Casa Lucas Vinoteca Vides Casa Dani Also mentioned: La Concha (Great vermut on Cava Baja) La Osita (Craft beer on Cava Baja) Celso y Manolo (Near Vinoteca Vides) Mercado de la Paz (Municipal indoor market and home to Casa Dani)

Want to sound super Spanish? I run through ten useful and fun Spanish interjections that you can pepper your conversations with to help express yourself even more clearly when you're chatting en español. ¡Anda! When I first started learning Spanish and hanging around with native speakers I kept hearing these noises that popped up in conversations and always wondered what they meant. I'll look at some of the most common interjections and make comparisons with English and give you some examples. In the second half of the episode I'll run through nineteen really useful muletillas ('little crutches') or filler words, as we call them in English. These will make you sound very natural when speaking Spanish and also give you more time to think about what to say next!  Vamos a ver!

In this episode I take you on a trip around Spain's most arid provinces, Almería. We explore the Tabernas Desert and its Spaghetti Western filming locations, the beautiful wild beaches of Cabo de Gata including the dramatic Playa de los Muertos (Beach of the Dead), and I guide you through Almería City's top sights including the imposing Alcazaba. We'll also wander the back streets of the hilltop village of Mojácar, officially one of Spain's most picturesque pueblos. Along the way I uncover the turbulent history of Almería, pillaging pirates, moorish uprisings and its rich mining heritage. I also talk about the vast Mar de Plastico (Sea of Plastic) expanse of greenhouses used for intensive fruit and vegetable production. Plus plenty of sounds along the way to help transport you to this dramatic corner of Spain.

Chris Atkin, author of his new book, (Just As Well) It's Not About The Bike: A Journey Across Southern Spain, joins me in this episode to chat about his experience pedaling 1300 kilometres from Valencia to Gibraltar on a basic bike with only seven gears and barely enough room for panniers. Chris describes some of his favourite stops on his six week journey, including a grueling ride across Spain´s Sierra Nevada, Gandia´s ghost town vibe, picturesque Altea versus the untamed tourism of Benidorm, discovering morcilla in a tiny pueblo of Almócita in the province of Almeria, Granada and the Alhambra and the final destination of Gibraltar, bursting with civic pride. On the ride Chris shares with us some interesting anecdotes, for example Franco´s favourite singer (She despised him!), a little known nuclear catastrophe that happened in Palomares in the 1960s and the heartwarming story of why Mónica was daubed in giant white letters on a Málaga chimney. Chris also offers some practical advice for cycling in Spain, finding accommodation and improving your Spanish. Get your hands on a copy of his book (Just As Well) It's Not About The Bike: A Journey Across Southern Spain here Find out more about Chris Atkin on his website https://chrisatkinonline.com/

Join Karina, me and friends, Adam and Ollie, for a day trip to the charming medieval town of Brihuega and its beautiful lavender fields. A slice of Provence right in the centre of Spain! Brihuega is famous in Spain for its lavender cultivation and surprisingly, it is one of the world's major producers of lavender products, including lavender oil which is used by one of the big Spanish perfume brands. But, away from the lavender fields, we discovered that Brihuega has much more to offer than Instagramable photos of purple hillsides. Find out about the town's turbulent history, Moorish past, former royal cloth factory, secret tunnels and relaxing fountains. The perfect day trip from Madrid! We also stop off in the city of Guadalajara to explore what it has to offer. (Compared to Brihuega, not very much we discovered!) Listen for yourself in the episode...

Sarah Willats joins me to talk about Madrid's public transport network, how to get the best out of it, tickets, passes and trips whether visiting for a holiday, business or making the Spanish capital your home. Sarah, aka Sarah la Viajera (check out her Spain travel blog!) has recently published her book, The Ultimate Guide to Madrid's Transportation Networks which she spent two years researching and which involved riding every Madrid Metro line, many of the city's buses, commuter trains and bike and scooter sharing schemes. Sarah is an expert on Madrid's public transport system after spending five years riding it and painstakingly testing and researching the network to make life easier for anyone visiting the Spanish capital. In the episode we talk about the transport network's different systems and the differences and pros can cons of each one. Sarah walks us through some facts and figures about the Madrid Metro and some curious history, including its 'ghost stations'. We also share our favourite journeys using Madrid's public transportation and run through some suggestions for day trips out of the city without using a car. Then it's onto practicalities. Sarah guides us through the different tickets and passes and how to buy them and how to get to the centre of Madrid from Barajas Airport and onwards to Atocha train station.    

Join us for all the sights and sounds on a road trip along Spain's rugged Costa Brava. Discover the beautiful seaside towns and villages of Tossa de Mar, Calella de Palafrugell, Platja Fonda, Roses and of course Cadaqués, home to Salvador Dalí's former house, now a wonderful, eccentric museum. We explore the coves of turquoise waters, the back streets of fishing villages and the stunning medieval fortress village in Tossa. Tune in to hear about the Costa Brava's turbulent history and a slice of Catalan culture, food and drink. At the end of the episode I offer some practical advice for a visit to this beautiful corner of Spain.

Writer, historian and guide, Nick Lloyd walks us through Barcelona to explore the history of the Spanish Civil War and the city's relationship with this dark chapter from Spain's past. Nick guides around the key locations in the Catalan capital which hold historical significance and reveals some chilling stories of death and destruction. He also describes the walking tour that he runs in Barcelona and how some of his guests inspired him to start collecting fascinating artefacts which help him tell the story of the Spanish Civil War. Nick gives us a comprehensive overview of the key events, players and locations and talks about themes such as the defeat of the military rebellion in Barcelona, the militias, the libertarian revolution, revolutionary violence vs Francoist violence, anarchism, George Orwell and the bombing of Barcelona. We also talk about the lack of a museum dedicated to the Spanish Civil War and talk about whether plans to create one in the future will ever come to fruition. You can find out more about Nick Lloyd on his websites: http://thespanishcivilwar.com/ and https://www.iberianature.com/ If you would like to get a copy of his book Forgotten Places: Barcelona and the Spanish Civil War you can find more information here and buy a copy on Amazon here

Think you can speak Spanish? Think again if you move to Andalucía! Adam Harrison moved to Huelva province seven years ago and realised that the local dialect was very different to the Spanish he had learnt. So on a quest to share is observations and frustrations learning Andaluz Adam set up InglesAndaluz on TikTok and Instagram where he compares English, Spanish and Andaluz through humourous videos. His content recently went viral and he was invited onto a number of Spanish TV programmes to talk about speaking Andaluz as a non-native. In the episode Adam gives us a crash course in the Andaluz dialect and shares some of his favourite vocabulary and expressions that will make you sound like a native of Andalucía. He also shares his thoughts on living in Andalucía compared with his native Newcastle in northeast England. Want to lean to speak Andaluz? Check out Adam's videos on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/inglesandaluz/?hl=en and on his TikTok channel https://www.tiktok.com/@inglesandaluz?lang=es If you would like to get your hands on a copy of the Andalusian Dictionary you can find it here: https://www.plateroeditorial.es/libro/andalusian-dictionary_119406/

Travel journalist and writer Tom Chesshyre joins me to talk about his slow train adventure all around Spain. As research for his latest book Slow Trains around Spain: A 3,000-Mile Adventure on 52 Rides, Tom spent 35 days on the tracks and clocked-up 95 hours and 20 minutes onboard all manner of different types of trains, from funiculars, cog trains, narrow gauge, metros and even an aluminium mine train. Tom shares his experience of going unprepared and traveling in an ad-hoc way with a rucksack and an armful of books. We look at the history of Spain's railways, train stations, train museums, George Orwell and the trenches near Huesca where he fought in the Spanish Civil War. Tom shares some anecdotes about his fellow train passengers, hostel owners and station managers and talks the politics of the Spanish train network.

Hola Spain fans! This is a kind of hybrid episode. Lots of sounds of Madrid as I wander its squares, shops and markets and stop off in a few cafes and bars. Along the way I talk all about the cost of living in Spain. I look at renting and buying property, utility bills, groceries, healthcare costs, running a car and average salaries. I make lots of comparisons between costs in a handful of different Spanish cities and also compare the cost of living in Madrid with London and New York. So join me to find out some useful facts and figures as well as immersing yourself in Madrid on a sunny Friday afternoon! Check out the amazing market atmosphere towards the end of the episode. A very immersive and colourful experience! For more detailed show notes head over to wheninspainpodcast.com

We transport ourselves to the majestic olive groves of Jaén to talk all about Spanish olive oil with special guest and olive oil aficionado, Lucas Soler. Lucas was born in Barcelona but even though he has spent nearly all of his life in the US, olive oil has always remained in his blood. Since a young age 'liquid gold' has been a staple of his diet. When Lucas's mother bought an olive grove for the family in Almería 25 years ago, his passion for olive oil was re-ignited. Faced with a lack of good quality EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) in the US, Lucas spotted a businesses opportunity. He set up his own company called Olive Oil Grove oliveoilgrove.com where he imports the best possible quality Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil to the US market. In the episode Lucas talks us through the different grades of olive oil, the health benefits and what you should look for when choosing great quality Spanish olive oil. We even do a virtual transatlantic olive oil tasting where we compared notes on the Picual Extra Virgin Olive Oil that Lucas has sourced from a grove in Jaén following a trip there last year in the midst of the lockdown - a story he also shares in the episode. Lucas also dazzles us with some truly incredible facts and figures about Spanish olive oil and I run through the ancient history of olives and olive oil to find out how it became so popular in Spain. Find out more about Lucas, his business, Olive Oil Grove at oliveoilgrove.com.  Also find him on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/oliveoilgrove/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OliveOilGrove/

In this episode of the When in Spain podcast I explore the Balearic island of Mallorca. Joining me to scratch beneath the surface of the island is guide and long-time Mallorca resident, Gina Vasquez who runs Visit My Mallorca https://www.visitmymallorca.com/ Gina talks us through the ancient history of Mallorca and recommends things to see in the island's capital, Palma, including the city's impressive gothic cathedral, La Seu. It has one of the world’s largest stained glass windows.  We also get out across the island and look at Gina's favourite towns, villages, beaches and natural beauty spots to include on a visit. We talk about the artist and sculptor Joan Miró who lived and worked on Mallorca - Gina's husband knew Joan Miró personally and she recommends a visit to the the Fundació Joan Miró where you can see Miró's workshop and numerous pieces of his work. https://www.fmirobcn.org/en/foundation/  Gina also tells us about a fascinating slice of Mallorcan history. The small town of Petra is the birthplace of St. Junípero Serra (1713-1784), a Franciscan friar who founded the first nine of 21 Spanish missions in California from San Diego to San Francisco. Places and other things we mentioned in the episode: La Seu Cathedral, Palma Santa Catalina neighbourhood, Palma Plaza d'Espanya, Palma Olivar Market, Palma La Llotja de Palma Across the Island Sineu (with its 15th Century market) Sóller Portopetro Portocolom Cala Figuera Biniaraix Banyalbufar Sa Calobra Formentor Mirador Es Colomer Parc natural de Mondragó Estellencs Deià (Robert Graves called it his home) Drach Caves (Porto Cristo) Sant Elm (San Telmo) Pollença (Family beaches) Bakery in Palma to buy Ensaimada - Fornet de la Soca https://fornetdelasoca.com/ TV Series - The Mallorca Files https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9204128/ RESOURCES  Miró https://miromallorca.com/en/ government tourism site https://www.illesbalears.travel/experience/en/mallorca/sant-antoni-and-sant-sebastia transportation island-wide www.tib.org Palma city bus. http://www.emtpalma.cat/en/home One of Gina's favorite restaurants in Palma, http://www.larosavermuteria.com/en/restaurants  

In this episode we delve into the curious history, culture and untouched landscape of the balearic island of Menorca. Joining us to guide us around this lesser-discovered island is Lorraine Ure. For Lorraine, Menorca was love at first sight when the cruise ship she was working on docked in the port of Mahón. She has since had a 25 year love affair with the island and now proudly calls it home. Does Mayonnaise really come from Menorca? How did gin become the island's most famous tipple? When is it acceptable to touch a horse's private parts? And why are there so many English words used in Menorquí - the local language of the island? Find out in the episode as Lorraine talks us through the unique Menorcan culture and traditions. She also recommends towns, villages, beaches, long walks, food & drink and great restaurants for anyone planning a visit to the island. Lorraine has also edited a beautiful book of watercolours of Menorca called Menorca Sketchbook packed with beautiful paintings by her partner Graham Byfield. It's available to buy on Ebay and will soon be available on Amazon. Find out more about Graham and his work here. In the episode Lorraine also talked about the tiny neighbouring island of La Isla del Rey and its beautiful 18th Century Royal Naval Hospital -  the first of its kind in the world - which has been renovated by a team of volunteers for the last 17 years - something that Lorraine has been keenly involved with. Soon it will be possible to visit the hospital. Find out more about it here: https://www.islahospitalmenorca.org/en/home/ Some of places mentioned in the episode: Es Migjorn Gran Es Mercadal Monte Toro S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park Cami de Cavalls (The Path of Horses) Cova d'en Xorio (A cave bar to watch the sunset from in Cala en Porter) Beaches and Coves: Binibeca, Alcaufar, Cala Mesquida, Platja de Cala Galdana, Platja de Son Bou, Platja de Binimel·là Restaurants: Restaurant S´Amarador in Ciutadella de Menorca, El Grill, Carretera del Aeropuerto, Mahón.  

Let's banish the winter blues with a trip around some of Spain's most beautiful and secret swimming locations. Forget the packed beaches of the stereotypical 'costas' and let's transport ourselves to secluded coves, white sand beaches, emerald pools, craggy canyons, wild waterfalls and relaxing rivers... Guiding us around these of the beaten track slices of watery wonder are Lola Culsán & John Weller. Lola and John live in London and both are avid swimmers. So much so that they have written and produced two beautiful books all about wild swimming in Spain both inland and on the coasts. Their first book is called, Wild Swimming Spain - Discover the most beautiful rivers, lakes and waterfalls of Spain. They also have a brand new second book coming out on March 1st 2021 called, Hidden Beaches Spain - 450 secret coast and island beaches to walk, swim & explore. In fact for their latest publication, Lola and John were lucky enough to take a year out from their jobs in London and spend a whole year driving the coasts of Spain in their camper van all in the name of research! What a tough assignment! In the episode John and Lola are going to guide us around some of their favourite places to swim, kayak, dive and hike (or just relax) all around Spain and also offer practical advice if you want to some wild swimming in some wild locations.  If you would like to get a copy of their books you can pre-order Hidden Beaches Spain on Amazon or via Wild Things Publishing at http://www.wildthingspublishing.com/shop/ and their first book, Wild Swimming Spain is already available from the same places. Can't wait until March 1st for Hidden Beaches Spain? No problem! You can immediately download the super exclusive pre-launch digital edition from Wild Things Publishing's website for £7.99 To find out more about Lola and John check out their social media:  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wildswimmingspain Twitter https://twitter.com/wildswimspain Instagram @wildswimmingspain List of locations mentioned in the podcast episode: L'Alta Garrotxa - Girona Lago Ausente – Castilla Leon Huesca – Barranco de la Nata de Arro, Sierra de Guara, Cañón Del Río Vero, Salto De Bierge Pozas Pígalo – Zaragoza Cangas de Onís – Asturias Fiesta de las Piraguas (The Canoe Fiesta of Asturias) https://www.turismoasturias.es/en/descubre/fiestas-de-interes-turistico/fiesta-de-las-piraguas-descenso-internacional-del-sella Río Deva, Panes, Pechón Playa – Cantabria Cave of Altamira – Cantabria Castro de Baroña – A Coruña Bolonia, Baelo Claudia, Costa de la Luz - Cadiz Cami de Cavalls - Menorca Cala Pudenta – Menorca Praia Barreira (Beekeeper Beach) - Galicia Cíes Islands – Galicia Praia da Coviña – Galicia Playa de Mónsul – Almería Cala Estreta – Girona Costa Calida, La Manga, Cala del Cuevo, Cala de las Cañas – Almería Denia, La Cova Tallada – Alicante

Planning to buy a property in Spain? Maybe it's a future ambition to own your dream Spanish home. Whatever the case, this episode will give you a detailed insight into buying a house or apartment in Spain and is packed with practical advice on buying in Spain. It's a meaty subject so I decided to enlist Spanish property consultant Felix Joseph who shares his expert advice. Felix runs his own property consultancy on the Costa del Sol called Property Under One Roof. He's also written a book called How to Buy a Property in Spain: everything they wont tell you about buying a property in Spain. Felix first caught the property bug at a young age when his father unfurled the plans for a house he was going to buy in his native Caribbean. Felix studied an economics degree and then worked in IT for 15 years before investing in property in the UK and building up his own property portfolio which allowed him to semi-retire to Spain with his family. In 2002 he left IT to set up his real estate company ‘Property Under One Roof’ and then moved to Spain in 2006 and pivoted into property consultancy where he offers a wholistic service for people from outside Spain looking to buy. In the this episode we look at: The paperwork you need to get in order in order to be ready to buy property in Spain, such as a fiscal ID number (NIE)  Whether now is a good time to buy property in Spain or not in light of the situation with Covid 19 and for British citizens, Brexit.  The costs associated with buying property in Spain. The property purchasing process in Spain and legal issues involved.  Mortgages and financing options for buying property in Spain.  The Golden Visa How to find a property in Spain Taxes Sage advice and what pitfalls to watch out for when buying property in Spain. Plus a few questions that When in Spain listeners sent in. For more information about Felix Jospeh and his property consultancy check out his website and social media below: Website: http://howtobuyapropertyinspain.com/ His book available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Felix-Joseph-ebook/dp/B087QST5M9 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YOURPUOR  

Sit back and join us for some armchair travel to the capital of Andalucía. That's right we're of to the 2,200-year-old city of Seville or Sevilla if you're feeling Andaluz! Our guide for the journey is native Sevillana, Aldara Arias Saavedra.  Aldara produces and hosts her own podcast about food and slow, sustainable travel in Seville called Slow Tasters Podcast. She also works as a tour guide in Seville and the wider Andalucía region of Spain and has a passion for promoting slow and sustainable tourism and finding ways to reduce our impact on the places we visit.  During the episode Aldara walks us through the city's intoxicating mix of resplendent Mudéjar palaces, baroque churches and winding medieval lanes which are home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Real Alcázar A magnificent marriage of Christian and Mudéjar architecture, Seville’s royal palace complex is a breathtaking spectacle. The site, which was originally developed as a fort in 913, has been revamped many times over the 11 centuries of its existence. www.alcazarsevilla.org. Catedral & Giralda Seville’s showpiece church is awe-inspiring in its scale and majesty. The world’s largest Gothic cathedral, it was built between 1434 and 1517 over the remains of what had previously been the city’s main mosque. Highlights include the Giralda, the mighty bell tower, which incorporates the mosque’s original minaret and the monumental tomb of Christopher Columbus. The Archivo General de Indias The General Archive of the Indies, housed in the ancient merchants' exchange of Seville, Spain, the Casa Lonja de Mercaderes, is the repository of extremely valuable archival documents illustrating the history of the Spanish Empire in the Americas and the Philippines.. Aldara explains the city’s past as a showcase Moorish capital and later as a 16th-century metropolis rich on the back of New World trade. She also gives us an insight into the sevillano art of celebrating and the city’s great annual festivals, notably the Semana Santa and Feria de Abril. Later in the episode we talk about alternative parts of Seville to wander and get away from the touristy sites and soak up the neighbourhood atmosphere with the locals. Food and drink with a special recommendation. To round-up Aldara shares her philosophy of slow travel, sustainable tourism and why she thinks we need to reduce our impact on the places we visit and how we can go about doing it. PLACES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE Feria neighbourhood San Luis San Luis de los Franceses Alameda Square Basilica de la Macarena Plaza de España Catedral & Giralda Real Alcázar The Archivo General de Indias Triana FOOD Antigua Abacería de San Lorenzo to eat a Montadito de pringá. Calle Teodosio, 53, Sevilla http://antiguaabaceriadesanlorenzo.com/ DAY TRIPS FROM SEVILLE Parque Natural Sierra de Hornachuelos Constantina Cazalla de la Sierra Find out more about Aldara here http://aldaraas.com/  and follow her on Instagram here @aldaraas

Thinking about moving to Spain? Think it's too late?  Join me to hear the inspirational story from Marsha Scarbrough who proves it's never too late to say yes to a new life in Spain. Marsha left her native California to start afresh in Madrid when she was 70 years old after losing everything in the 2008 financial crisis and declaring herself bankrupt. Marsha spent 20 years working as an assistant director on films and network TV shows in Hollywood but by the time she hit 50 se knew she wanted to leave the LA rat-race behind. In 2017 she moved to Madrid and has never looked-back. I caught up with Marsha in the barrio of Chamberí that she now calls home. Marsha shares her experience of making the move, we talk paperwork, visas, healthcare, finding somewhere to live and much more. She also gives us some insights into life in Madrid and Spain and her favourite places in the Spanish capital. Also find out how Marsha found herself plastered across the Spanish press when she first arrived in Madrid - think Donald Trump! Later in the episode Marsha talks about her award-winning memoirs Medicine Dance and Honey in the River.  Find out more about Marsha on her website http://www.marshascarbrough.com/ and check out the International Living website that Marsha writes for here https://internationalliving.com/author/mascarbrough/ Interested in her books? You can find them here on Amazon 

In this episode of The When in Spain podcast we're talking about Jewish history or Sephardic history - to use the Hebrew word - in Spain. We'll also be talking about a law that Spain passed in 2015 that has laid a pathway for people of Sephardic descent to reclaim Spanish citizenship – and one of those who has been through the process joins me in the episode. I'll be chatting to Nichole Martínez Kruse who relocated from San Diego in the US to Zaragoza in the Spanish region of Aragon after a family member and amateur genealogist discovered Inquisition records dating back to the 1500s proving that Nichole's Spanish ancestors were Jews. This culminated in Nichole obtaining Spanish citizenship via Sephardic ancestry. And nowadays Nichole helps others looking to gain Spanish citizenship through their sephardic roots through her boutique immigration firm, Welcome Home Sefardi. https://www.welcomehomesefardi.com/ Nichole is going to be sharing her personal story and offering some practical advice for those interested in embarking on the same ancestral journey. We'll also look at Jewish history in Spain and how she finds her new life in Zaragoza. At the end of the episode I'll be running through a few historical locations across Spain that should be on your radar to visit to if you're interested in exploring the history of Sephardic Spain. 

Drizzle, green hills, pintxos and cider. We must be talking  The Basque Country! Tucked into the corner of northeastern Spain, País Vasco, or as it is known in the regional Basque language, Euskadi is one of the lesser-known Spains for many. To talk us through the landscape, cities, beaches, language, traditions and food and drink is David Bumstead. David moved to San Sebastian from the UK in 1983 and never left. Join us as we explore this unique corner of Spain and everything it has to offer.    

Madrid-based British writer and podcaster, Alan McGuire joins the When in Spain podcast to talk about Spanish politics, society and the economy since the 2008 financial crisis and the struggles that Spain has faced since then. Alan also talks about how Covid-19 has affected Spain and highlights the problems the pandemic has exposed. We also look at how Spain could or should use the vast pandemic recovery fund that is being made available from the EU. Where should Spain spend the money? And is this an opportunity for Spain to restructure its economy and move away from its dependence on the tourism and construction sectors. In the interview we talk about unemployment, jobs and education, small businesses, regional governments and corruption, party politics and the politicisation of the Covid pandemic, as well as looking towards the future to see where Spain needs to improve. Alan hosts and produces his own podcast about Spain called The Sobremesa Podcast, where he focuses on Spanish politics and society. He has many great guest on the show so be sure to give it a listen! In fact when we recorded this episode Alan also interviewed me for his podcast so head over to The Sobremesa Podcast to hear me talking about the global perception and reputation of Spain and whether it has changed since Covid-19. You can also find out more about Alan and his writing at https://alanmcguire.com/    

In this episode I look at the American writer, Ernest Hemingway´s relationship with Madrid and wider Spain and how Spain and the Spanish capital inspired and influenced his writing. Ernest Hemingway is commonly associated with a handful of places around the world, most notably Paris, Pamplona, Havana, Key West and Ketchum, Idaho, where he took his own life in July 1961. But, Ernest Hemingway also had a lifelong love affair with Madrid and many of the city´s locations inspired his works such as, The Sun Also Rises, Death in the Afternoon and For Whom the Bell Tolls. Don Ernesto, as Hemingway was affectionately called by the Spanish, spent numerous stints in Madrid. He was here for chunks of the late 1920s, late 1930s, and parts of the 1950s, with his last visit in 1960. Joining me in this episode to help trace Hemingway´s footsteps around Madrid is Stephen Drake-Jones. Stephen is a historian, lecturer and tour guide with an encyclopedic knowledge of various periods of Spanish history and is also an expert on Ernest Hemingway´s Madrid. Stephen and I met up in one of Ernest Hemingway´s favourite Madrid hangouts – La Cerveceria Alemana – on the leafy Plaza Santa Ana and we pulled up two chairs at the exact table in the bar´s window where Hemingway often used to sit and drink. In fact it is where he gleaned much information for his classic, Death in the Afternoon. He wrote the appendix to the book in La Cerveceria Alemana, picking the brains of the numerous bullfighting aficionados who would hang out there.  

In this second episode talking to writer & journalist William Chislett we look at current economic, societal and political problems that Spain is dealing with and the future challenges the country faces. William talks us through the education system, unemployment, the Spanish economy, pensions and the implications of the EU’s €140 billion pandemic recovery fund that Spain is set to receive. William is a former Madrid correspondent for the UK´s Times newspaper. He was based in Madrid and reported first-hand on Spain’s transition to democracy from 1975-1978. He even interviewed King Juan Carlos. He subsequently worked for the Financial Times based in Mexico covering Central America, before returning to the Spanish capital in 1986, where he still lives. William has written numerous books on Spain including, Spain – What Everyone Needs to Know and he writes a monthly article called Inside Spain - A lively look at Spanish current affairs - for the Elcano Royal Institute think tank. Well worth reading if you´re interested in Spanish politics. William´s work can be found at https://williamchislett.com/ 

In this episode we look at a fascinating and monumental period in Spanish history – The death of Franco in 1975 and Spain's transition to democracy that followed in the late 1970s. In this part one of a two part podcast I had the great pleasure of talking to writer and journalist William Chislett. William is a former Madrid correspondent for the UK´s Times newspaper. William was based in Madrid and reported first-hand on Spain’s transition to democracy from 1975-1978. He even interviewed King Juan Carlos. He subsequently worked for the Financial Times based in Mexico covering Central America, before returning to the Spanish capital in 1986, where he still lives. In the interview William reflects on what life was like in Spain following the death of Franco, what the atmosphere was like and talks us through the key developments that lead to the 1977 elections - the first free elections held in Spain since 1936 - and the enactment of Spain´s 1978 constitution. William has written numerous books on Spain including, Spain – What You Need to Know and he writes a monthly article called Inside Spain - A lively look at Spanish current affairs - for the Elcano Royal Institute think tank. Well worth reading if you´re interested in Spanish politics. William´s work can be found at https://williamchislett.com/   

Join me for a walk around a little slice of deep Spain, right on Madrid's doorstep. Located on the Tagus-Jarama river basin, Chinchón is just 45km from Madrid but worlds apart. Although it has grown beyond its village confines, visiting its antique heart is like stepping back into a charming, ramshackle past. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, Chinchón has an iconic Plaza Mayor, flanked by  15th-17th century galleried houses, staggered roofs and 234 green wooden balconies and even doubles up as the town's bull ring. Over the years, it has hosted royal announcements and celebrations, mock spear combats, bullfights, livestock fairs, public executions and even film shootings (Cantinflas, Rita Hayworth, Orson Welles and John Wayne all took part in movies shot in Chinchón). Chinchón has a tower without a church and a church without a tower,’ the popular saying goes. The Clock Tower is the only remnant of the old church, whereas the new(er) church, Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, has no tower, although it does boast a painting by Goya entitled Assumption of the Virgin Mary. I soak up the sights and sounds on the town's Plaza Mayor, take a look at the church and clock tower and find out what the connection is with this small back water and the artist, Goya. There is also a medieval castle, which, however, is somewhat damaged and also closed to the public. Its last use was as a distillery producing Anís de Chinchón known commercially as Anisette, an anise-flavored high-alcohol liqueur which the town has been noted for centuries. I sipped a glass for the first time in the square and there are three varieties - Chinchón dulce, seco, or extra seco. The sweet version is less potent!  Chinchón became famous thanks to its aniseed spirit, and above all because of the Countess of Chinchón, who was responsible for the discovery of quinine, isolated by Pelletier and Caventou in 1820. The wife of the Count of Chinchón, who was also the Viceroy of Peru, had been cured of a tropical fever in the 17th Century, thanks to a remedy prepared by with Peruvian bark, and so she had some brought back to Europe. The Swedish scientist Linné gave it the scientific name of chinchona in her honour. Though small, Chinchón is known for its festivals, a big draw for people from nearby Madrid, and those visiting it. Two of the biggest are the Chinchón Festival de anis y vino, a celebration of locally distilled anisette and wine, which takes place at the end of March, and the October garlic festival. In October of each year the central plaza is the site of a temporary bullring, with the profits from the bullfighting going to charitable causes. In February, the square plays host to Carnival celebrations and a huge Medieval Market, featuring, parades, shows and an arts and crafts market. The event commemorates one of the times the Catholic Monarchs visited Chinchón. In August, during the local fiestas, the square turns into a bullring hosting bullfights, shows, verbenas (traditional outdoor festivals), running of the bulls, and sporting and religious events.   October brings the Bullfighting Charity Festival, followed by the Garlic Festival. On Easter Saturday, around 250 locals take part in the re-enactment of the Passion of Jesus. As a prelude to the bullfighting season, the first running of the bulls of the year takes place on 25 July, followed by a novillada (a fight with young bulls and bullfighters). Getting to Chinchón. Take the bus 337 from Metro Stop Conde de Casal. The journey takes just under and hour and buses leave every half an hour. Tickets cost 4.20 each way.

Join me for a day out to the Royal City of Aranjuez, a worthwhile day trip from the Spanish capital. I hop on the Cercanías light-rail commuter train from Madrid's Atocha Station and make the 45 minute train ride through the middle of the harsh Castilian plateau, to the haven of peace and tranquillity of Aranjuez, which lies in a green fertile valley between the rivers Tagus and Jarama. Wander with me as I explore this opulent, former Royal Spring retreat and walk its grand boulevards, squares and parks - that seem to remind me of a mini version of Paris. I talk through the royal comings and goings over the centuries, take a look at the Royal Palace, stop off in a very traditional Taberna to soak up the history - and noise - over a beer and some Buñelos de Rape. Then off to cool down in the vast Jardín del Prícipe, probably Spain's largest park. Tune in to find out about the famous modern classical concerto that the Prince's Garden inspired and what the 'Strawberry Train' is all about. At the beginning of the episode I also talk in more detail about Madrid's Cercanías train system and the places of note you can visit easily and affordably by using it. More info here:  https://www.renfe.com/es/en/suburban/suburban-madrid I didn't go inside the Royal Palace but you can find more info about ticket prices and the timetable here:https://www.patrimonionacional.es/en/visita/royal-palace-aranjuez Enjoy the When in Spain podcast? Please support the show by becoming a When in Spain Patron: https://www.patreon.com/wheninspain?fan_landing=true Check out more info and podcast episodes at https://www.wheninspainpodcast.com/

This week I've got a great guest for you Spain lovers – I'm going to be chatting all about that famous Spanish wine, Sherry with Annie Manson – aka Annie B! Annie is a foodie, food writer, Sherry expert and qualified Sherry educator. Annie who hails from Scotland, ran her own successful catering and corporate hospitality company in London for 15 years before falling for, and deciding to stay in the beuatiful white-washed Adaluz town Vejer. Annie runs Annie B´s Spanish Kitchen, where she cooks out of Casa Alegre, her home and the official centre for Peña Gastronómica de Vejer – The Gourmet Association of Vejer.  There, she runs culinary adventures – cooking courses using local ingredients. She also hosts food tours across Andalucía and as far away as Morocco and Menorca. But her true passion is sherry which she shares through her expert Sherry tastings. Annie is going to run us through the history of sherry, a fascinating connection between sherry and Scottish whisky, the different varieties available, the famous Sherry triangle, home to the three cities where sherry is produced and the production process. "If it swims: Fino and Manzanilla. If it flies: Amontillado. If it runs: Oloroso." Annie is going to run us through the history of sherry, a fascinating connection between sherry and Scottish whisky, the different varieties available, the famous Sherry triangle, home to the three cities where sherry is produced and the production process. Stay tuned to the end of the episode to hear Annie share food pairing inspiration and her favourite bodegas and bars to visit along with some practical advice for visiting bodegas and drinking sherry. (Listed below) Find out more about Annie and her Spanish Kitchen here: https://www.anniebspain.com/ Annie B Annie and her Spanish Kitchen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/anniebspain/?hl=en Bodegas & bars Annie mentioned in the episode: Jerez https://www.tiopepe.com/ https://www.lustau.es/ Tabanco San Pablo https://www.tabancoelpasaje.com/ Tabanco Banderillas El Puerto de Santa María http://www.gutierrezcolosia.com/ https://www.osborne.es/en/ Bodegas Obregon Sanlúcar de Barrameda https://lagitana.es/ http://www.casabalbino.es/ http://www.entrebotasrestaurante.es/ Types of Sherry by Annie B Fino de Jerez – the driest and youngest of all Sherries (3-5 years old). The newly pressed wine is fortified up to 15% where a layer of protective yeast forms within the 3/4 filled barrels. This layer of yeast not only protects the wine from becoming oxidized, it also eats all the sugar in the wine, hence the bone dryness. Whoever was the first person to look into a Sherry barrel to see a huge layer of FLOR covering the Sherry, thinking ‘’that looks yummy, I think I’ll taste it’’ deserves to be sanctified! Manzanilla – not to be confused with Chamomile tea! Again a young and bone dry Fino but Manzanilla is from Sanlúcar – and nowhere else. Fino only come from Jerez and El Puerto de Santa Maria. Amontillado – Starts off as a Fino or Manzanilla for 3/5 years and is then fortified up to 18% and receives further oxidative ageing in barrel before bottling. It’s the air that gives Amontillado its brown tinge. Oloroso – The wine from the second pressing is immediately fortified to 18% and then entered into barrels where it remains exposed to the oxygen as long as +40 years. Palo Cortado – This is my favourite Sherry. You can’t make it – it just happens. It starts its life as a Fino/Manzanilla but inexplicably loses its layer of flor and, as a result, is exposed to the air thus requiring further fortification. It becomes an oxidized wine with the richness of Oloroso but the crispness of Amontillado. Cream Sherry – A typical Cream Sherry is a blend of Oloroso and PX Sherries. Croft Original is made for the British market and is a blend of Fino and Sweet Moscatel. Pedro Ximenez (PX) – The sweetest of all Sherries,

Part 2 of "ask me anything". I answer more of your questions about life in Spain from my point of view. In the second part I answer your questions about my favourite Spanish food and restaurants, moving to different parts of Spain, washing machines and Spanish culture.

I asked you guys, the listeners to "ask me anything"! (About Spain that is - and my life here) In part 1 I answer your questions about how and why I came to live in Spain, where to live in Spain, the situation with Covid-19 and why I decided to start the When in Spain podcast, how I make it and the journey it has taken me on.

In this episode we take a mini break from Spain as I take you with us on a trip to the Portuguese capital, Lisbon and on to the magical sub-tropical island of Madeira. This summer Karina and I booked our holiday to the Portuguese autonomous island of Madeira to visit our friend who is from there. The only way we could fly to the so-called "island of eternal spring" was by stopping off in Lisbon. So we decided to spend a few days there too, incidentally known as the "the city of the seven hills". Come along for the ride, as I explore what charming Lisbon has to offer as a city break destination. Sounds, must-see sights and of course a splash of food and drink. Then back on the plane for a 90 minute hop out into the Atlantic to explore Madeira´s stunning natural scenery. Mountains, waterfalls, beaches, cliffs and cablecars. Why include Portugal on a podcast about Spain? Well, Portugal is Spain´s cousin next door and Lisbon is definitely a viable and affordable side trip from Spain if you´re going to be on the peninsular for any extended period of time. Madeira less so, but I thought I´d share my insights anyway. Enjoy. Next episode back to Spain!

About 20 km east of Madrid, in the small town of Mejorada del Campo, stands a building that testifies to a former monk's lifetime of devotion to the Catholic faith. After eight years in a Trappist order at Soria‘s Santa Maria de la Huerta monastery, Don Justo Gallego Martinez was ordered to leave, for fear of infecting the other monks with tuberculosis that he had been diagnosed with. When his mother died in 1963 and bequeathed to him a large plot of land, including an olive grove in the center of the town, Gallego had an idea. If he would never again be allowed to enter a Catholic church as an ordained member of the faith, then he would express his devotion in a magnificent way. He would build his own church. In fact he would build his own Cathedral from scratch and make a shrine to “Our Lady of the Pillar”, or Nuestra Señora del Pilar. The incredible thing about this place of worship is that practically all building materials used to construct it have been scavenged or donated by local construction companies. As you walk around the cathedral you can see columns made of concrete-filled plastic buckets or air ducts and stairs whose lips are formed from coils of wire, among other things. Today, Don Justo, as he is known, is 95 years old. The Cathedral still needs at least ten years of work, years that its creator simply doesn’t have. Yet, such is his devotion that he still works on its construction every day, except Sundays. Today the frame of a huge structure, with a 50-meter-tall dome modeled on St. Peter’s in Rome, towers over the town of Mejorada del Campo. Like the cathedrals of old, it will not reach completion during Don Justo´s lifetime. What will happen to the building after Gallego’s death remains an open question. No one has yet stepped up to take over the project, nor is his cathedral recognized by the Catholic Church. How to get there Catedral de Justo is located in Mejorada del Campo, a small town just 20km from Madrid. To get there, there are two public buses from the center: Avenida de América (line 282) and Conde de Casal (line 341). The bus stop in Mejorada del Campo is called Calle de Arquitecto Antoni Gaudí and is located right in front of the cathedral. However, going by car is a better option, so you can continue your day-trip to Alcalá de Heneres, Cervantes’ hometown, which is about half an hour away.

In this episode of the When in Spain podcast I take a weekend trip two hours south of Madrid to the town of Valdepeñas with three friends, one of whom spent a year living the Spanish small town life in deep Castilla la Mancha before moving to the Spanish capital. With the help of Matt Jennings, friend and fellow Hispanophile - who incidentally wrote his masters thesis on Miguel de Cervantes´ most famous work The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha - we talk about what Valedepeñas and the wider autonomous community of Castilla la Mancha is famous for and what it has to offer. Think wine, windmills and of course Don Quixote. Also find out why Valdepeñas is classed as a heroic city or Ciudad Heroica.  Chris and Adam also join us as we sup beer and eat tapas in the centre of Valdepeñas, to talk about the differences between small town life versus big city living in Spain. We look at integrating with the locals, language learning and adapting to life in Spain.

A round up of do's and don'ts to make your experience in Spain as authentic and enjoyable as possible. Spain, like any country when we're not too familiar with it at first, can feel complicated and overwhelming. Especially when we don't have any kind of cultural compass to guide us along the way. Whether you visiting Spain on holiday or coming to live and work here, I share my personal insights and experience gained over the years of living in Madrid to help you get the best out of Spain. Have a listen to some of the cultural faux-pas I made so you don't have to! I run through 20 things you should and shouldn't do when your visiting or living in Spain so that you can be in sync with locals, integrate with the pace of life and live a truly authentic Spanish experience. In this episode I run through timetables and timekeeping, what not to eat and drink and what typical delicacies you should definitely try before you leave and where to buy them. Speaking of food, I give some pointers on dinner table etiquette in Spain and what conversation topics you might not want to get into - depending how well you know your hosts. I look at tipping, indulging in a leisurely sobremesa, going for a pre-dinner paseo and how to address elderly people when you give up your seat for them on a crowded bus. When the weather heats up should you wear flip-flops around the city? Is it ok to wear shorts everywhere? And when do you change from your Winter to Summer wardrobe? Plus, why shouldn´t you do anything on Tuesday the 13th - if you are superstitious? And finally, the Spanish Civil War. Should you even bring it up? Find out in the episode...

Hop on and ride with me as I cycle Madrid's streets to uncover some curious secrets and hidden gems of the Spanish capital. In this episode of the When in Spain podcast I sign-up to Madrid's BiciMadrid public cycle scheme and dodge the traffic to check out some fascinating locations which hide some surprising stories in the Spanish capital. More at https://www.wheninspainpodcast.com/post/madrid-secrets-by-bike   I puzzle at the Masonic symbolism on the Ministry of Agriculture building next to Atocha Station, visit the scene of the audacious assassination of Spanish prime minister Admiral Luis Carrero - whose car was catapulted over a five-floor apartment, visit Madrid's oldest sports venue, a hidden pelota court on a leafy city street and uncover a fishy story in the Malasaña neighbourhood. Listen to the episode to find what the giant bronze statues on top of the Ministry of Agriculture symbolise. In fact the whole façade of the Ministerio de Agricultura is littered with Masonic references. Find out what they mean in the episode. Next stop...The scene of the audacious assassination of Spanish prime minister Admiral Luis Carrero on a quiet street in the upmarket Salamanca district in 1973. Find out who was behind the murder of Franco's would-be successor and the incredible lengths they went to plant a bomb which sent his car and him flying over a five floor building where the scars can still be seen today.   On a lighter note, I scoot over to the other side of the Castellana into the handsome neighbourhood of Almagro, home to a hidden 4000-square metre Pelota Court, otherwise known as Beti-Jai in Basque, which is where the ball game originates from. The huge open air court was left to ruin for decades after it closed in 1919. It had several reincarnations over the years including a practice ground for Falangist bands. In 2018 it was brought back to its former Neo-Mudejar glory after a long renovation project. Last stop, a fishy tale on Malasaña's Fish Street, Calle del Pez. Hear the sombre story of how the street got its name.

In this episode, I'm joined by native Granaína Marta Sanchéz to find out everything you need to know about the must-visit Spanish city of Granada. Marta is a tour guide and runs her own Granada walking tour company, Bite Granada. we take a virtual walk around this, one of Spain's most captivating cities which oozes the essence of Al-Andalus. In fact it's known as the Moorish city. We begin our tour in Granada's bustling Plaza Bib-Rambla, from there we cut through the Alcaicería, an Arabic-style bazaar composed of narrow alleyways, which takes us to the cathedral, La Santa Iglesia Catedral Metropolitana de la Encarnación de Granada. It's the largest and first renaissance cathedral in Spain. We gaze at its lavish gold and white interior, famous for its stained-glass domed chapel. Next door we stop into the Elaborate Royal chapel, a mausoleum for Catholic royalty, including Ferdinand & Isabella. Just over the road we stick our heads into the Palacio de la Madraza, a University cultural center opened in a former Moorish school built in the 1300s. We then head up into the Albaicín, Granada's oldest neighbourhood and old Moorish heart of Granada, this steep, whitewashed warren of narrow alleys has barely changed in a thousand years. Next, the Mirador de San Nicolás to admire the magical views of the Alhambra just across the valley. Next we step inside the Alhambra and  transport ourselves to the era of the Nasrids. Marta explains the significance of this medieval citadel which includes the palace of Charles V, the Alcázaba and the garden palace of El Generalife with its tranquil gardens. Finally we talk food and Marta tempts us with traditional granada sweets including the local cake called Pío Nono. She also shares some of her favourite places to eat and drink including Casa Julio and La Tana. If you are planning a trip to Granada in the future check out the walking tours that Marta offers right here: https://bitegranada.com/  and her Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bitegranada/  She has also just started virtual tours of Granada on her new YouTube Channel Biting Granada. Don't forget to visit the new When in Spain website www.wheninspainpodcast.com

Think blue flowerpots of vibrant geranium flowers of every colour imaginable. White washed houses, the scent of orange blossom drifting through the streets, tranquil patios, trickling fountains and the sound of a distant guitar.  This week we´re heading to Códoba´s annual Fiesta de los Patios (Courtyard Festival) - virtually of course. And joining us we have an expert guide, Karen Rosenblum, who many of you may remember joined me on the podcast episode about our favourite Madrid streets. Karen had a tour of the patios organised for this year but of course sadly had to cancel it. So, we thought why not take you there virtually! Cordoba´s Patios Festival takes place every year during the first week of May and is a long standing tradition of the city of Cordoba. Patios really means courtyards and the festival celebrates the art of elaborately decorating courtyards with hundreds of colourful flowers and plants. Since the first patios event in 1918, the Cordobeses have been cultivating and caring for their patios every day. These secret courtyards are privately owned, hidden behind the homes, doors and walls of the city, but for one week of the year they are opened to the public, who can come and enjoy the beauty of the flowers, plants and architecture. Check out other virtual Códoba Patios Festival events in Karen´s Travel Spain! Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelspain/ Karen´s Spain Less Traveled Website https://www.spainlesstraveled.com/blog Patio Routes https://www.turismodecordoba.org/archivos/2019/20190424091146000000.pdf Info on the Patio Festival https://www.turismodecordoba.org/-en-1-1 Restaurante Casa Mazal - casamazal.es For as little as $1 you can support When in Spain by becoming a Patron – and it only takes a minute. You can sign-up to become a When in Spain patron at https://www.patreon.com/wheninspain The When in Spain podcast is an independently produced show. No adverts, no sponsors, no media company backing. All episodes are available to listen to for free. However, my time and resources for producing the episodes are not free. It comes at a personal cost. So if you enjoy the When in Spain podcast and don't want to see it disappear please do consider making a small contribution to help support the future of podcast.  Every listener donation, however big or small, is so valuable. https://www.wheninspainpodcast.com/

Author and journalist Paul Richardson joins me to talk about life living off-grid on his farm El Chabolino (The Little Shack) https://chabolino.com/ in deep Extremadura. Paul and his husband are almost completely self-sufficient and live from what they produce on their 12-acres of Spanish countryside. Which means tending fruit trees, olive groves and making wine from their own vines. They also rear their own animals and make homemade soap! Paul also talks about the (forgotten) region of Extremadura, its history, beautiful pueblos and of course its cuisine. Paul is the author of A Late Dinner - one of my favourite books about Spain. I highly recommend it if you´re into Spain and food. As mentioned in the episode Paul will be leading a tour of Extremadura in May 2021, including the region´s history, architecture, food and wine. To find out more or book visit https://www.martinrandall.com/extremadura  For as little as $1 you can support When in Spain by becoming a Patron – and it only takes a minute. You can sign-up to become a When in Spain patron at https://www.patreon.com/wheninspain The When in Spain podcast is an independently produced show. No adverts, no sponsors, no media company backing. All episodes are available to listen to for free. However, my time and resources for producing the episodes are not free. It comes at a personal cost. So if you enjoy the When in Spain podcast and don't want to see it disappear please do consider making a small contribution to help support the future of podcast.  Every listener donation, however big or small, is so valuable.

Vermut 101 a guide to Spain's favourite day-time tipple, vermouth. I explore the world of this fortified wine and its culture with Paula Móvil, lifestyle editor from Conde Nast Traveler and co-founder of La Vermutería Pop-up, a pop-up bar event showcasing vermouth, its brands and styles at regular events around Madrid. Paula walks us through the history of Spanish vermouth, the varieties available, how to drink it and shares her favourite Madrid bars to sip it. Check out La Vermuteria's website https://lavermuteria.wordpress.com/  For as little as $1 you can support When in Spain by becoming a Patron – and it only takes a minute. You can sign-up to become a When in Spain patron at https://www.patreon.com/wheninspain The When in Spain podcast is an independently produced show. No adverts, no sponsors, no media company backing. All episodes are available to listen to for free. However, my time and resources for producing the episodes are not free. It comes at a personal cost. So if you enjoy the When in Spain podcast and don't want to see it disappear please do consider making a small contribution to help support the future of podcast.  Every listener donation, however big or small, is so valuable.

I look back at a few food and drink episodes from last year. I sample some beautiful Jamón Ibérico with food guide Margit Sperling from Walk and Eat Spain.  Then I quaff wine and explore the world of Spanish vino with Luke Darracott and Roque Madrid from Madrid & Darracott. From grape to grain with a stop-off at La Osita bar where I chat with owners and brewers David and Patrick about their own Madrid brewed craft beer and the craft beer scene in Spain. From there I pay a visit to some nuns, even though I can´t see them, to buy some biscuits through a secret door at the Carboneras Church and Convent. Then we wrap things up chatting to Sam and Veren from Alternative Travelers about the vegan food scene in Madrid and beyond. Also in this episode I read out some reviews and responses to the question - Why do you listen to the When in Spain podcast? Where do you listen? What´s your favourite episode? For as little as $1 you can support When in Spain by becoming a Patron – and it only takes a minute. You can sign-up to become a When in Spain patron at https://www.patreon.com/wheninspain The When in Spain podcast is an independently produced show. No adverts, no sponsors, no media company backing. All episodes are available to listen to for free. However, my time and resources for producing the episodes are not free. It comes at a personal cost. So if you enjoy the When in Spain podcast and don't want to see it disappear please do consider making a small contribution to help support the future of podcast.  Every listener donation, however big or small, is so valuable.  

In this episode we're talking and walking Spain's third biggest city - the beautiful Mediterranean city of Valencia. Guiding us around Valencia is photographer and guide, Paul Knowles who runs his own walking private tour, Streets of Valencia. In the episode Paul talks history and reveals some of Valencia's most important sights, including the Catedral de Santa María de Valencia, La Lonja de la Seda - a beautiful 15th-century Gothic silk exchange, the Palace of the Marqués de Dos Aguas a Rococo nobility palace with its elaborate facade. Then on to the Central Market of Valencia where we see what fresh produce is on offer. Next, the Serranos Gate, one of the twelve entrances to Valencia that formed part of the ancient city wall. From there we head to the lively neighbourhood of Russafa (Ruzafa in Valenciano) to check out the bar and restaurant scene. Of course we head to Valencia's various beaches too and en route stop off at the city's Turia Gardens, an eight kilometre long park that winds through the Valencia, once a river that was diverted because of the serious flooding it inflicted on the city. In the Turia Gardens we admire the imposing futuristic architecture of the numerous buildings that form the Park of Arts & Sciences. Along the way we look at food and drink options including the famous Valencian dish- Paella. Paul advises when and where to eat it and how to spot an authentic one. Valencia is full of oranges - so it's apt then to try an Agua de Valencia - Cava, Orange juice and Gin or Vodka. To finish off, we talk Las Fallas, Valencia's annual feria of fire and fireworks like no other festival in Spain. To book one of Paul's walking tours which include a set of professionally taken photos around the city, visit https://www.streetsofvalencia.com and to see Paul´s fantastic photography of Valencia follow him on Instagram streetsofvalenciatour The When in Spain podcast is an independently produced show. No adverts, no sponsors, no media company backing. All episodes are available to listen to free. However, my time and resources for producing the episodes are not free. It comes at a personal cost. So if you enjoy the When in Spain podcast and don't want to see it disappear please do consider making a small contribution to help support the future of podcast.  Every listener donation, however big or small, is so valuable. For as little as $1 you can support When in Spain by becoming a Patron – and it only takes a minute. You can sign-up to become a When in Spain patron at https://www.patreon.com/wheninspain  

This week I'm joined by travel journalist and host of The Big Travel Podcast, Lisa Francesca Nand.  Lisa spent her childhood living on the Costa del Sol from the age of seven when her parents relocated from the north of England to the fishing village of Los Boliches near Fuengirola. Lisa recalls her childhood memories of growing up with the sun and sea and shares some of her favourite places along the Costa del Sol. We also talk about how Málaga city has transformed itself into a destination in its own right - not just somewhere to fly into - and we look at top things to do in the city. Lisa has a second home in her childhood home of Los Boliches and she shares with us how she divides her time between London and Spain with her young family. Listen to the Big Travel podcast here The When in Spain podcast is an independently produced show. No adverts, no sponsors, no media company backing. All episodes are available to listen to free. However, my time and resources for producing the episodes are not free. It comes at a personal cost. So if you enjoy the When in Spain podcast and don't want to see it disappear please do consider making a small contribution to help support the future of podcast.  Every listener donation, however big or small, is so valuable. For as little as $1 you can support When in Spain by becoming a Patron – and it only takes a minute. You can sign-up to become a When in Spain patron at https://www.patreon.com/wheninspain

In this episode I talk to Mike Damanti, a professional photographer from the United States who moved to Madrid five years ago. While on a quest for artistic inspiration, Mike came across Madrid’s Romani community.  Photographing them over many years and documenting the Romani community’s lives living on the streets of Madrid, he slowly became accepted into their circle and soon developed deep friendships. Being allowed into their lives and sharing their moments of happiness along with their darkest hours, has allowed Mike to produce a touching insight into the Romani way of life through his photos.  Mike has since become an advocate for Romani rights, and has talked about the issue at Madrid for Refugees while also exhibiting his photography which has helped give the Romani community more visibility and challenge people’s perception of who they are and how they live.  To see Mike’s street photography of the Romani community please visit his website mcxd19.wixsite.com/damanti. It is worth looking at the photos while listening to this podcast episode, as Mike and me refer to some of the photos during the interview.  Want more? Check out Mike’s Instagram and Madrid Street Photography Facebook Group  Also, if you would like to get involved with the Roma Project in Madrid or you would like a private photographic tour of Madrid please contact Mike at mcxd@hotmail.com The When in Spain podcast is an independently produced show. No adverts, no sponsors, no media company backing. All episodes are available to listen to free. However, my time and resources for producing the episodes are not free. It comes at a personal cost. So if you enjoy the When in Spain podcast and don't want to see it disappear please do consider making a small contribution to help support the future of podcast.  Every listener donation, however big or small, is so valuable. For as little as $1 you can support When in Spain by becoming a Patron – and it only takes a minute. You can sign-up to become a When in Spain patron at https://www.patreon.com/wheninspain    

In this episode I pound the steep and winding cobbled streets of the former Spanish capital, Toledo to discover its incredibly rich and varied history. Once a city where Moors, Christians and Sephardic Jews all lived side by side. Capital of Spain until 1563, when the honour passed to the backwater village of Madrid just 46 miles away, Toledo, in Castilla-La Mancha, has become a classic day-trip destination, just a half-hour hop from its neighbour by high-speed train. But with its huge haul of churches and convents, mosques and synagogues the city deserves more than just a stop-off. Places I visited in this episode... Plaza Zocodover Alcázar Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo Casco Historico and Judaría Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes Sinagoga del Tránsito Iglesia de Santo Tomé Santa María la Blanca (Ancient Synagogue converted into a Church) Cristo de la Luz (Former Arabic Mosque) Puerta de Valmardón/Bab Al Mardum The When in Spain podcast is an independently produced show. No adverts, no sponsors, no media company backing. All episodes are available to listen to free. However, my time and resources for producing the episodes are not free. It comes at a personal cost. So if you enjoy the When in Spain podcast and don't want to see it disappear please do consider making a small contribution to help support the future of podcast.  Every listener donation, however big or small, is so valuable. For as little as $1 you can support When in Spain by becoming a Patron – and it only takes a minute. You can sign-up to become a When in Spain patron at https://www.patreon.com/wheninspain

Join me for a whirlwind wander around Zaragoza, the beautiful capital of the Spanish autonomous region of Aragón. I zipped up to Zaragoza on the AVE from Madrid to meet an old friend who lives in Barcelona. It´s the perfect half-way meeting place. In this episode I explore the city and visit some of Zaragoza´s most famous sights, including the magnificent Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, the Catedral del Salvador de Zaragoza, the elegant Moorish palace, Palacio de la Aljafería as well as tapas crawl around the city´s El Tubo quarter, famed for its tapas, pinchos and nightlife. Places I visited in the episode: Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar Catedral del Salvador de Zaragoza Palacio de la Aljafería Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta Gran Café Zaragoza   Tapas Bars Vinos Nicolás Bodegas Almau Taberna Doña Casta El Meli Del Tubo Terraza Libertad 6.8 La Casa de las Migas El Balcón del Tubo Restaurante Casa Lac The When in Spain podcast is an independently produced show. No adverts, no sponsors, no media company backing. All episodes are available to listen to free. However, my time and resources for producing the episodes are not free. It comes at a personal cost. So if you enjoy the When in Spain podcast and don't want to see it disappear please do consider making a small contribution to help support the future of podcast.  Every listener donation, however big or small, is so valuable. For as little as $1 you can support When in Spain by becoming a Patron – and it only takes a minute. You can sign-up to become a When in Spain patron at https://www.patreon.com/wheninspain

British comedian Richard Marshall from Madrid Stand Up Comedy talks to me about the frustration and isolation we can face when moving to Spain. Richard shares with us how he’s used comedy as an antidote to overcome the anxieties of immersing himself in a new culture and language. We also had lots of laughs examining the little cultural differences we’ve noticed and we also attempt to compare the Spanish and British sense of humour. Yes, laughter really is the best medicine! Catch Richard at Teatro de las Aguas Madrid at his next show on March 14th. More info and tickets here msuc.webs.com  Also check out the Madrid Stand Up comedy Facebook group and Richard´s Instagram  As mentioned in the podcast episode, if you´re looking for a round-up of comedy that´s on in Madrid check out Madrid Live The When in Spain podcast is an independently produced show. No adverts, no sponsors, no media company backing. All episodes are available to listen to free. However, my time and resources for producing the episodes are not free. It comes at a personal cost. So if you enjoy the When in Spain podcast and don't want to see it disappear please do consider making a small contribution to help support the future of podcast.  Every listener donation, however big or small, is so valuable. For as little as $1 you can support When in Spain by becoming a Patron – and it only takes a minute. You can sign-up to become a When in Spain patron at https://www.patreon.com/wheninspain

Are you thinking of starting a new life in Spain but feel like you've left it too late? Do you want to break free of your routine and start a journey of reinvention, self-discovery and personal growth? Is it too late to change your life when you're already in your 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond? This week I talk to Cepee Tabibian about these issues and doubts that many of us have when considering making a big change in our lives. We talk about starting a fresh and relocating to a new country a little bit later in life and examine the challenges and rewards that come with it. Cepee provides useful advice, insights and motivation for anyone and particularly women who are thinking about a new life in Spain. Cepee Tabibian is a social media strategist and community manager. In 2015, at the age of 35 she "hit refresh" and left a comfortable life in Austin,Texas for the unknown in Madrid, Spain. That one decision led her on a path of rapid personal and professional growth. Realizing there was a gap in the market for women "of a certain age" who wanted to radically change their life, she founded She Hit Refresh in 2017 to help other women like herself. Cepee also runs Madrid Blogger Network, Madrid’s largest community for bloggers and content creators and co-hosts CMXConnect Madrid, a community that brings together community leaders in person to connect and learn from one another. The When in Spain podcast is an independently produced show. No adverts, no sponsors, no media company backing. All episodes are available to listen to free. However, my time and resources for producing the episodes are not free. It comes at a personal cost. So if you enjoy the When in Spain podcast and don't want to see it disappear please do consider making a small contribution to help support the future of podcast.  Every listener donation, however big or small, is so valuable. For as little as $1 you can support When in Spain by becoming a Patron – and it only takes a minute. You can sign-up to become a When in Spain patron at https://www.patreon.com/wheninspain

According to the Madrid City Hall, El Ayuntamiento de Madrid the Spanish capital has 9,139 streets. This week I explore a handful of them with Spain travel consultant, Karen Rosenblum. No, we don't walk all 9,139 of them, but on our wander around the Spanish capital between us we compile a list of our top 12 favourite streets. We chose the them based on their quirky character, physical beauty, interesting history and curious and amusing stories behind them. (Think famous writers peeing in dooways...!) Karen Rosenblum from San Francisco who has been living in Madrid for a number of years and has worked in the travel industry for more than 20 years - and Karen works as a travel consultant who puts together bespoke itineraries for anyone coming to visit and travel in Spain that take people of the beaten path. Check out her TravelSpain! Facebook group and her new website spainlesstraveled.com Our 12 favourite Madrid streets:  Calle del Codo Calle de la Pasa Plaza de Olavide Calle de Meson de Paredes Calle de Olivar Calle Jorge Juan Calle de Velarde Plaza de Zerolo Plaza Pontejos Calle de Leon Calle de Embajadores Calle de Ibiza The When in Spain podcast is an independently produced show. No adverts, no sponsors, no media company backing. All episodes are available to listen to free. However, my time and resources for producing the episodes are not free. It comes at a personal cost. So if you enjoy the When in Spain podcast and don't want to see it disappear please do consider making a small contribution to help support the future of podcast.  Every listener donation, however big or small, is so valuable. For as little as $1 you can support When in Spain by becoming a Patron – and it only takes a minute. You can sign-up to become a When in Spain patron at https://www.patreon.com/wheninspain

Join me and journalist, Fiona Govan from The Local news website as we eat our way through a Menú del Día - Spain's great value fixed-price lunch menu which you can find in pretty much any restaurant in Spain, although often tourists and visitors are not sure what it is or what it includes. Find out about one of Spain's traditional foodie phenomenons as we talk about the format of El Menú, what it usually includes and how much it usually costs. We also examine some intriguing history behind El Menú del Día which was originally introduced for tourists by General Franco's government in the 1960s. We also talk about the future of the lunchtime tradition and ask the question is its future safe in the wake of many family restaurant closures across Spain. Also stay tuned to hear an interesting anecdote about why paella is sometimes included in a Menú del Día on Thursdays... Qué aproveche! The When in Spain podcast is an independently produced show. No adverts, no sponsors, no media company backing. All episodes are available to listen to free. However, my time and resources for producing the episodes are not free. It comes at a personal cost. So if you enjoy the When in Spain podcast and don't want to see it disappear please do consider making a small contribution to help support the future of podcast.  Every listener donation, however big or small, is so valuable. For as little as $1 you can support When in Spain by becoming a Patron – and it only takes a minute. You can sign-up to become a When in Spain patron at https://www.patreon.com/wheninspain