Category Archives: Spain

Spain: today’s issues & future challenges with William Chislett

Education, Politics, Spain, Work, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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 … Continue reading Spain: today’s issues & future challenges with William Chislett →

The death of Franco & Spain’s transition to democracy with William Chislett

History, Madrid, Politics, Spain, Spanish society, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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 … Continue reading The death of Franco & Spain’s transition to democracy with William Chislett →

Charming Chinchón – Garlic, Goya, Anis, John Wayne & a picture-perfect plaza

Bullfighting, Ferias, Food and Drink, History, Madrid, Spain, Spanish culture, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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 … Continue reading Charming Chinchón – Garlic, Goya, Anis, John Wayne & a picture-perfect plaza →

Aranjuez – A day trip to Spain’s Petit Paris

History, Madrid, Spain, Trains, Transport, Travel, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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 … Continue reading Aranjuez – A day trip to Spain’s Petit Paris →

The world of Sherry with culinary adventurer Annie B

Andalucía, Food and Drink, Spain, Spanish culture, Travel, Wine, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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 … Continue reading The world of Sherry with culinary adventurer Annie B →

Ask me anything! Part 2 – Your questions on food, places, washing machines (!) & culture

Ex-pat, Food and Drink, Moving to Spain, Spain, Spanish culture, Spanish society, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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.

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Ask me anything! Part 1 – Your questions on my story, moving to Spain, Covid & the podcast

Barcelona, Ex-pat, Lifestyle, Madrid, Spain, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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 … Continue reading Ask me anything! Part 1 – Your questions on my story, moving to Spain, Covid & the podcast →

Spain side trip special: When in Portugal – Lisbon & Madeira

Hiking, Nature, Portugal, Travel, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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 … Continue reading Spain side trip special: When in Portugal – Lisbon & Madeira →

Spain’s scrap cathedral – An ex-monk’s 60-year labour of faith, devotion & castoffs

Cathedrals, Madrid, Religion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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 … Continue reading Spain’s scrap cathedral – An ex-monk’s 60-year labour of faith, devotion & castoffs →

Living in La Mancha – Valdepeñas, Wine, Quixote & small town life in Spain

Castilla la Mancha, History, Lifestyle, Spain, Spanish culture, Teaching English, Work, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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 … Continue reading Living in La Mancha – Valdepeñas, Wine, Quixote & small town life in Spain →