Spain has fantastic public transport options that make it easy and comfortable to get around the the Iberian peninsular and it's islands. Spain is a big, rugged country and driving isn't always the quickest or most convenient option. That's why in this episode of the When in Spain show I look at how to around Spain on public transport. I examine the benefits of using Spain's national and regional train networks to get from city to city, including RENFE, Spain's national train operator. I also we...
Nov 17, 2018•56 min
...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 visit to the place where the reconquest all began and a spanner in the works. Well, a blown out tyre that left us stranded in the most remote part of Asturias late at night. Gracias to the kindness of strangers we ...
Oct 24, 2018•52 min
In this bonus episode I answer a few questions from listeners...Alternative things to see and do in Madrid, advice for moving to Barcelona and a future episode on healthcare and health insurance in Spain. Also, how about some When in Spain episodes in Spanish? Over to you... FOLLOW WHEN IN SPAIN 📺Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/2SOrKrL 👨👩👧👦Join the When in Spain Facebook Group. https://bit.ly/2CdDgWt 📷Follow on Instagram to see photography from across Spain. https://bit.ly/2D5p6IJ ...
Oct 22, 2018•33 min
I talk trains - my favourite way to travel. Sit back and enjoy the ride as I take us on a trip from Madrid to Barcelona on Spain's high speed train, the AVE (Alta Velocidad Española). From Madrid's Atocha station with its indoor jungle to Barcelona's modern Sants terminal, I describe the journey as we rocket across Spain at nearly 300 km p/h. I look at routes, destinations, tickets, prices, how to book and give advice on how to get the best value across the rail network. Links & resources fo...
Oct 17, 2018•35 min
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 why others are so passionate about it. A few things surprised me about the bullfight. In the episode I also attempt to trace the origins and history of the Spanish bullfight and look ...
Oct 14, 2018•1 hr 1 min
Spanish podcast pioneers, Ben Curtis, an Englishman from Oxford and Marina Diez, a native Madrileña have run the Notes in Spanish podcast since 2006 for all Spanish language learners. They also produced the Notes from Spain podcast series about Spanish life and culture. Ben and Marina and their podcasts were a huge inspiration for me when deciding to embark on a new life in Spain and indeed to start this, my very own podcast show When in Spain. I had the great pleasure of meeting up with them in...
Oct 04, 2018•51 min
Evening meals at 11pm! Two-hour lunch breaks! Hitting bars until 7am! In this episode I try to stay awake to look at Spain’s daily routine, timetables, mealtimes and work schedules and try to work out if Spaniards really do ever sleep. I examine the history of the infamous Spanish siesta (Think ancient Rome, Franco and the Spanish Civil War) and find out of it really does still exist or has just become a tired stereotype. I discuss my struggles with eating dinner at inhumane hours of the night. ...
Sep 26, 2018•49 min
Do you have to be mad to open your own bookshop in Spain in this day and age? Well, Terry Craven from Madrid's Desperate Literature bookshop assures me that if you're not brave then you must be stupid! I spend a morning surrounded by books while Terry, busy pricing and unpacking boxes of books talks through some lesser-known Spanish literature that helps get under the skin of Spain and Spanish society. He recounts how he came to set up an international bookshop in the heart of the Spanish capita...
Sep 19, 2018•36 min
Let's hit the shops! Need a stamp? Run out of milk and everything's closed? Fancy some churros? I'll take a look at Spain's traditional shops, run through their names and admire how they continue to survive in the face of the big supermarket chains. I'll also talk about how to navigate Spain's sometimes frustrating opening hours and look at restaurants and bars if you're starving and it's only 5pm! FOLLOW WHEN IN SPAIN 📺Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/2SOrKrL 👨👩👧👦Join the When in Sp...
Sep 14, 2018•44 min
Cerveza! Yes, a whole episode dedicated to beer! Salud! Spain is the 4th biggest beer producer in Europe and the 10th biggest in the world. But, ordering a beer can be a confusing experience. Do you order a caña or a tubo? What’s the difference between a copa and a doble? How big is a tanque? Can I just order a pint? Maybe. Beers in Spain come in all shapes and sizes, and how you order them will often depend what region, city or bar you’re in. I try to clear up the confusion in this episode by h...
Sep 06, 2018•43 min
Spain vs England! I examine the cultural differences between Spain and the UK with the help of some of my Spanish friends who live and work in England. Let battle commence! I chat with Paula, Diego, Pedro and English ally Dan about the pros and cons of living in Spain and the UK, the things we miss, annoyances and frustrations from each country and share our observations on jobs, working conditions, corruption, families, politeness, bureaucracy, daily routines, the going out culture, outdoor lif...
Aug 15, 2018•41 min
This week I explain how to open a Spanish bank account whether you're a resident or non-resident in Spain. I look at the process and paperwork whether opening an account online or in person. I give a rundown of the major Spanish banks and some lesser-known ones and assess what kind of bank accounts are available and talk about how to avoid hidden bank charges and fees. All that plus my own personal experience of opening an account with CaixaBank. FOLLOW WHEN IN SPAIN 📺Subscribe on YouTube: http...
Aug 08, 2018•46 min
In Episode Ten of When in Spain I look at how to get the all-important Spanish NIE number and residency card. In this show I'll explain why it's crucial to get the NIE if you're planning to live, work, study, retire or buy a property in Spain. I'll guide you through the application process and talk about the frustrations and challenges of getting hold of this piece of paperwork that is the key to living in Spain. FOLLOW WHEN IN SPAIN 📺Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/2SOrKrL 👨👩👧👦Join...
Aug 01, 2018•44 min
Anyone learning Spanish will tell you that the journey is long and full of twists and turns. Are you struggling to maintain motivation? Tongue-tied when it comes to talking? Does Spanish grammar fill you with dread? Should you even bother to learn Spanish if you’re living in Spain or planning to move here? In episode eight of When in Spain I talk to Melissa from Thinking Spanglish, a blog described as a 'survivors guide' to learning Spanish, aimed at helping people overcome their fear of learnin...
Jul 18, 2018•43 min
In episode six of When in Spain I go out to buy milk and get thinking about the strange and colourful Spanish expressions that revolve around milk or 'la leche'. Learn some of these milky expressions in this episode and find out about their origins. Also, I take a look ahead to future When in Spain shows and talk about collaborations, subjects and themes you can expect to hear in the coming months. More colour pieces on culture and lifestyle, more practical how to guides and a look at the darker...
Jul 06, 2018•18 min
In episode five of When in Spain we take a whistle-stop tour around Spain's four biggest cities in search of the best neighbourhoods to rent rooms and apartments. We compare Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia and Seville. Paul gives a flavour of dozens of neighbourhoods, from the hip and trendy, to the studenty, traditional and family friendly. He also looks at what kind of properties you can expect to find and sorts the cheap from the expensive. There should be something to cater for every taste wheth...
Jul 04, 2018•1 hr 5 min
In episode four of When in Spain I look at how to rent a room or apartment in Spain. The focus is on Spain’s four biggest cities, Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Seville. Click on the player above to listen to the episode and hear all about my ups and downs of finding somewhere to rent in Madrid. In the podcast episode I look at when, and where to start your search. Price ranges and advice on things to watch out for. FOLLOW WHEN IN SPAIN 📺Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/2SOrKrL 👨👩👧👦...
Jun 17, 2018•1 hr 2 min
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 Spain Facebook Group. https://bit.ly/2CdDgWt 📷Follow on Instagram to see photography from across Spain. https://bit.ly/2D5p6IJ WANT TO SUPPORT WHEN IN SPAIN...
Jun 17, 2018•22 min
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 few personal observations. I’d say it’s still a pretty authentic barrio as far as central Madrid neighbourhoods go. It’s bustling, noisy, beautiful and gritty. It’s an everyday working neighbourhood that still manages to ...
Jun 17, 2018•41 min
