Tag Archives: expat life in spain

Ernest Hemingway’s Madrid with historian Stephen Drake-Jones



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 … Continue reading Ernest Hemingway’s Madrid with historian Stephen Drake-Jones


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



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



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



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



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



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



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.


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



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



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



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