Category Archives: History

The golden city of Salamanca — Spain’s grandest plaza, an ancient university, and a frog



Join me for all the sights and sounds on a visit to the university city of Salamanca during Spain’s ‘Semana Santa’. I take in what is possibly Spain’s most impressive Plaza Mayor, explore the city’s ancient university — including a frog hunt — dodge religious processions, and gaze in wonder at one of the city’s … Continue reading The golden city of Salamanca — Spain’s grandest plaza, an ancient university, and a frog


A little Madrid street with a BIG personality



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 … Continue reading A little Madrid street with a BIG personality


Where to visit in Spain with Karen Rosenblum



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 … Continue reading Where to visit in Spain with Karen Rosenblum


A day trip to Brihuega’s lavender fields and Guadalajara



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 … Continue reading A day trip to Brihuega’s lavender fields and Guadalajara


The Walking Museum of The Spanish Civil War with Nick Lloyd



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 … Continue reading The Walking Museum of The Spanish Civil War with Nick Lloyd


Spain’s liquid gold: olive oil adventures with Lucas Soler



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 … Continue reading Spain’s liquid gold: olive oil adventures with Lucas Soler


Mallorca with Gina Vasquez – Miró, Michael Douglas & Missionaries



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 … Continue reading Mallorca with Gina Vasquez – Miró, Michael Douglas & Missionaries


Sketches of Menorca – deep water, mayonnaise, horses’ private parts, gin & Georgian palaces



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 … Continue reading Sketches of Menorca – deep water, mayonnaise, horses’ private parts, gin & Georgian palaces


Sephardic Roots – Jewish History in Spain & Sephardic Ancestry Citizenship



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 … Continue reading Sephardic Roots – Jewish History in Spain & Sephardic Ancestry Citizenship


The Basque Country with David Bumstead



Drizzle, green hills, pintxos, cider, pelota & bull running. 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 … Continue reading The Basque Country with David Bumstead