Spainfully Honest

This week on Spainfully Honest, Catherine and Paul look at how Spain celebrates St. Patrick’s Day. From the huge Cabo Roig parade, the biggest in Europe outside of Ireland, to Madrid’s week-long Ireland celebrations, we cover how the Irish community and locals bring Irish culture to life in Spain. They talk about the historical connections between Ireland and Spain, local traditions influenced by...

In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Catherine and Paul chat to Ashley and her family all about their move from the United States to Zaragoza and what settling in has really been like for them. They talk through the practical side of relocating to Spain as well as the emotional side, including schooling in Spain, daily life, cultural differences, and how their expectations compared with reality....

In this week’s episode of Spainfully Honest , Paul and Catherine chat about what it’s like to live on a golf resort in Spain. They had a great conversation with Carl from Roda Golf Resort Paradigm – Properties , and while they started out talking generally about golf resorts, they ended up getting a really detailed look at life at Roda Golf in Murcia, so it naturally became a bit of a spotlight. T...

Thinking about driving in Spain or stressing over Spanish driving license paperwork? This week’s episode is your practical guide to understanding how driving licenses actually work when you live here. We chat through the real steps, real timelines, and real experiences behind getting or renewing a Spanish driving licence, so you know exactly what to expect before you start the process. We break do...

In this episode of Spainfully Honest , we talk about two things that are hard to miss right now: Carnaval and Valentine’s Day . With Carnaval taking over towns and cities across Spain, we look at what it’s all about, how it’s celebrated, and why it’s such a big part of Spanish life. From costumes and parades to the social side of it all, it’s a chance to let go, have fun and spend time with other...

In this episode of Spainfully Honest , Paul and Catherine break down digital certificates and digital signatures in Spain. They cover why they matter, how they work, and why they can feel especially confusing when you’re a foreigner dealing with Spanish bureaucracy. Along the way, there are a few cultural observations, personal stories, and a look ahead to what’s coming next, from finding love in...

In this episode of Spainfully Honest , Paul and Catherine take a look at the Padrón in Spain and why it matters more than many people realise when living in Spain. They talk through what it is, why you need it, and how to register, including the documents you’ll be asked for and what can catch people out. While the process is undeniably bureaucratic, the conversation focuses on how being prepared...

In this episode of Spainfully Honest , Paul and Catherine talk through what renewing your TIE (Tarjeta de Identificación de Extranjero) in Spain actually looks like in real life, especially if you’ve been here five years or more. They break down what you need to have ready, why being organised really matters, and how having your paperwork in order can save you a lot of stress later on. They also c...

In this episode of Spainfully Honest , Paul and Catherine talk New Year’s resolutions and what they really look like when you’re living in Spain. From keeping fit and making the most of the outdoor lifestyle to tackling harder goals like quitting cigarettes, they discuss how Spanish routines and everyday life can support healthier habits without overcomplicating things. As part of this topic, they...

In this episode of Spainfully Honest , Paul and Catherine take a step back and reflect on how the podcast has evolved so far. They look back at some of the key topics they’ve covered, from the realities of everyday life in Spain to education in Spain, property in Spain, work and healthcare in Spain, and the cultural stuff you only really learn by living here. Not a culture shock in sight! Chapters...

New Year in Spain can look very different depending on where you are. In this episode of Spainfully Honest, we talk about Spanish New Year traditions, what Nochevieja in Spain is like in the major cities, and how to find out what’s happening in your own area, including family-friendly activities and events for kids. **Chapters:** 00:00:00 Introduction to Spainfully Honest 00:05:00 Exploring New Ye...

In this episode of Spainfully Honest , Paul and Catherine talk about Three Kings Day in Spain and why Reyes is often more important than Christmas. They look at how it’s celebrated, from the Cabalgata parades to the traditions that bring towns and neighbourhoods together. The conversation also focuses on life in Murcia, what makes it feel truly Spanish, and how local markets and community events a...

Summary In this episode of Spainfully Honest , we talk through what Christmas in Spain actually looks like day to day, from the huge build-up around the El Gordo lottery to why Christmas Eve tends to be the main event. We also chat about New Year’s Eve traditions and some of the more unusual customs that often surprise people moving from the UK or Ireland. It’s an easy, honest look at how Christma...

Summary In this episode of Spainfully Honest , Paul and Catherine chat about where to find all the bits and pieces you need for a more traditional Christmas in Spain. From turkey, ham, and Christmas pudding to presents and decorations, they share what’s available locally, what can be harder to track down, and the places they rely on every year. It’s a straightforward guide to making Christmas feel...

This week on Spainfully Honest: Paul and Catherine talk about education in Spain, focusing on colegios concertados , the semi-private schools. They share their experiences with Colegio Concertado Las Claras del Mar Menor, including how these schools support international students, the enrollment process, and how qualifications are recognized. They also cover language support, costs, and the overal...

Summary This week on Spainfully Honest , Catherine and Paul talk with Christopher Hughey from AmericansMovingToSpain.com about what it’s really like for Americans and Brits moving to Spain. (Non-EU residents really...) With Thanksgiving coming up, they chat about how expats celebrate far from home, plus the emotional side of picking the right place to live. They cover the practical stuff too, visa...

Summary In this episode of Spainfully Honest , the hosts take a clear look at the real cost of living in Spain. They break down everyday expenses, utilities, rent, healthcare, groceries, transport, and leisure, to give listeners a practical idea of what life here actually costs. The conversation also compares Spain’s living costs with those in the UK and the USA, highlighting where people can save...

Summary In this week’s episode of Spainfully Honest , Paul and Catherine take a light-hearted look at what it’s really like to do the weekly shop in Spain. From the aisles of Mercadona to Tesco back in the UK, they compare prices, products, and a few surprising finds along the way. They chat about everything from healthy options and irresistible snacks to Mercadona’s own-brand finds and everyday e...

Summary In this episode of Spainfully Honest , the hosts get real about what winter living in Spain is actually like. They share personal experiences from different regions ofSpain, looking at how the climate can change from place to place and what that means for daily life. From community events to water supply challenges, heating solutions, and dealing with humidity, they cover all the practical...

Episode Summary In this episode of Spainfully Honest , Paul and Catherine chat about how Halloween in Spain differs from the spooky celebrations they grew up with in Ireland and England. They share a few funny memories and talk about how Spanish traditions around this time of year focus more on remembrance, especially during All Saints Day in Spain ( Día de todos los Santos ). The conversation loo...

Episode Summary:  In this episode of Spainfully Honest, we talk aboutpalliative care and dying in Spain. Sue shares her experience caring for herhusband Roy, as he needed palliative support and eventually passed away inSpain. She walks us through what it was like navigating thehealthcare system and dealing with the emotional challenges of end-of-life careabroad.  This episode is especially helpful...

Summary In this episode, Catherine and Paul discuss the recent DANA Alice storm in Spain, focusing on its impact on the Murcia region and the local community's response. They cover severe flooding, water contamination risks, and the importance of accurate weather forecasts. The episode also explores media coverage and the need for better reporting especially on social media platforms. If you a...

Summary In this episode of Spainfully Honest , Paul and Catherine talk about a topic most moving-to-Spain podcasts don’t cover: furnishing your home. With their experience in furniture, they know how important it is to get it right, and once you listen, you’ll understand why, too. They give practical advice on picking furniture, home decor, and colors that fit the Spanish lifestyle. They also expl...

Summary In this episode of Spainfully Honest , we talk about dealing with health issues while living in Spain. Our guest shares her personal experiences with the Spanish healthcare system and gives practical tips for expats and newcomers. We discuss the importance of speaking Spanish when visiting doctors, how to get medical care in Spain, and advice for staying healthy in a new country. The episo...

Summary In this episode of Spainfully Honest , Catherine and Paul talk with Belén from Just Law Solicitors about what you really need to know when buying property in Spain. They cover key points for foreign buyers, including how to make sure your purchase is safe, why legal checks are so important, and why you’ll need an NIE number. Belén also explains how residency status affects property ownersh...