Lots of sights and sounds from Murcia as I make a last minute trip to the region in southeast Spain. Using Murcia city as our base we explore the city of Cartagena and its Roman Theatre ( The second largest in Spain), wander around the city’s harbour and go for seafood. Back in Murcia city … Continue reading Murcia Road Trip: Cartagena, Coves, Cathedrals, Cicadas & a Roman Theatre
What do the Spanish words Hasta, Loco, Barrio, Aceite, Moreno, Ojalá, Chaleco, Tarea and Fideo all have in common? They’re all Arabic origin words that have been absorbed into the Spanish language. Spanish has some 1,000 Arabic roots and about 3,000 derived words, so nearly 4,000 in total, that’s 8% of the Spanish language. In … Continue reading Discovering the Arabic Influence on Spanish Language with David Bowles
With the Summer holiday season just around the corner, you might be contemplating which books to pack to while away the hours while relaxing or travelling. Assuming you’re a big fan of Spain, I’ve put together a ‘When in Spain Reading List’ of 16 of my favourite reads about Spain. My recommendations include books on Spanish … Continue reading When in Spain reading list: 16 must-read books on Spain
I wanted a biscuit to enjoy with my coffee. But this week instead of heading to a supermarket for a run of the mill cookie, I went on a more mysterious shopping expedition to satiate my sweet fix. Yes, I went to see a nun. Well, actually not see, because like all nuns who bake … Continue reading Holy sweets! Buying convent cookies from cloistered nuns – WIS033
…we got to spend a few hours in a bar in someone’s house in a village with a population of eight. EIGHT people. The very local wine was cheap at 80¢ a glass! In this episode, we escape Madrid for a weekend tour of Spain’s northern region of Asturias, the Picos de Europa mountains, a … Continue reading A weekend in Asturias, a cow, a puncture & the most local bar in Spain – WIS021
This week an episode on Spain’s most controversial tradition, bullfighting. During the show I attend a ‘corrida’ at Madrid’s Las Ventas bullring with a Spanish friend to see this ancient spectacle in the flesh. I didn’t enjoy or agree with what I witnessed, that I expected. But I wanted to see if I could understand … Continue reading Bullfighting. Art or bloodsport? A trip to Madrid’s Las Ventas bullring – WIS018
Hola a todos!! In episode three of When in Spain I guide us around the Feria de San Isidro in Madrid and take in the sights, sounds and flavours. To hear all the festivities hit play on audio player above and immerse yourself in all things Feria! FOLLOW WHEN IN SPAIN 📺Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/2SOrKrL 👨👩👧👦Join the When in … Continue reading Spain’s Festivals – La Feria de San Isidro
In this, the second episode of the When in Spain podcast show I take you for a wander around La Latina, the neighbourhood where I live and one of the oldest and most famous in Madrid. We’ll take in the sights and sounds while I talk about everyday life in the barrio and offer a … Continue reading Exploring Madrid’s barrios – La Latina neighbourhood