Talking and tasting tapas with Margit Sperling from Walk and Eat Spain tour. Margit runs her own neighbourhood food tours in Madrid with a focus on the Malasaña barrio where she lives. In this episode we stop off in a couple of Margit´s favorite tapas stops, to sample cheese, wine and cañas. Along the way … Continue reading Tapas – Talking and tasting with Margit Sperling from Walk & Eat Spain
In this episode of When in Spain I’m talking about refugees in Spain and a fantastic project and association based here in Madrid called Chefugee. What is Chefugee? Chefugee collaborates closely with refugees and asylum seekers from all over the world to organize culinary events – from pop up dinners and lunches to catering, team … Continue reading Chefugee: food, Spain’s refugees & a project building appetities not walls
I discuss the growing craft beer scene in Spain with David Ross and Patrick Tuck at their new Madrid pub La Osita. (The little bear) David and Patrick are craft ale brewers, pub owners, friends and business partners. I head along to meet them at their newly-opened craft beer pub in the heart of Madrid. … Continue reading Spain’s evolving craft beer scene: supping ale at Madrid’s La Osita Pub
This week I’m talking Flamenco, that unmistakable Spanish art form, some might argue the very quintessence of Spain. Listen in as I attend a flamenco dance class for professional ‘bailaoras’ or flamenco dancers given by Belén López at Madrid’s Centro de Arte Flamenco y Danza Española Amor de Dios, a prestigious dance school. While I was there … Continue reading Flamenco! Steps, styles, shows & why ‘duende’ is a dirty word! Olé!
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
Products that SCREAM spain! What are they? In this episode of When in Spain I take a walk around Madrid and try to identify 16 quintessential Spanish products, mostly food I have to admit! I also take a look at the stories and history behind the items on my Spanish shopping list. Join me on … Continue reading Top Spanish products – A shopping list of food, drink, fashion & a mop
Want to speak Spanish fluently? I stop off at The Royal Spanish Academy or Real Academia Española, in the centre of Madrid, ground zero for the Spanish language and home of the Diccionario de la lengua española, the official dictionary of the Spanish language. The Academy’s mission is to ensure the stability of the Spanish language and promote … Continue reading Learn to Speak Spanish Fluently : 8 tips to master Spanish – WIS029
Feliz Día de San Valentín! Love and romance en España. Today is the el 14 de Febrero – the14th February and well rather predictably this episode takes a loving look at Valentine’s Day here in Spain. I’m going to look at what loved-up Spaniards get up to on this special day for lovers – i’ll … Continue reading Valentine’s Day in Spain – Latin lovin’, traditions & soppy vocab 101
In this week’s When in Spain episode I take us on a wander around El Rastro, Madrid’s sprawling outdoor market where you can find almost anything. Whether visiting as a tourist or living in the Spanish capital, El Rastro flea market is a must-see and is one of the most ‘castizo’ things you can experience … Continue reading Spain’s most famous market: El Rastro de Madrid, sights, sounds & history – WIS024
Do Spaniards like the dark despite Spain being one of the sunniest countries in Europe? Maybe you can have too much of a good thing! Spain has between 2,500 and 3,000 hours of sunshine in an average year, compared with just 1,600 in countries such as the United Kingdom. In this episode I ponder the … Continue reading Are Spaniards vampires? Shutters, bars & balconies – WIS023