Ah Spain!

In this episode of Poco A Poco , we head to the beaches of Valencia and beyond to explore what they’re really like in the quieter winter months. From dog-friendly stretches of sand where pups can run free, to the seasonal disappearance of chiringuitos and beach facilities, life by the Mediterranean shifts dramatically after summer ends. We’ll talk about the weather changes, what to expect if you’r...

Spain is a country full of languages! In this episode, We explore the fascinating patchwork of languages and dialects across Spain. From the nationwide dominance of Castellano to the co-official languages like Catalan/Valencian, Galician, Basque, and even Aranese, each carries deep history, identity, and politics. We share our personal experiences navigating life in Valencia, where Valenciano sits...

Think mayonnaise is French? Think again! In this episode of Poco A Poco, we uncover its tasty Spanish backstory on the island of Menorca, where “mahonesa” was born during the 18th-century siege of Port Mahon. From classic mayonesa to its garlicky cousin alioli, we explore how these sauces became staples of Spanish kitchens and tapas tables. Join us for a fun dive into food history, regional twists...

Raising kids in Spain might sound affordable, but hidden costs add up fast—especially in Valencia. We dive into the real price of schools, uniforms, field trips, tutors, and extracurriculars from fútbol to ballet (and even horse riding). Plus, we cover braces, birthday parties, babysitters, and those lifestyle extras that sneak up on families. From bargain rec-center gymnastics to orthodontics tha...

Madrid is a city packed with art, history, and more than 40 museums—but where do you even start? In this episode, we dive into Madrid’s famous “Golden Triangle of Art”: the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza, three world-class museums all within walking distance. From Velázquez and Goya to Picasso’s Guernica and Van Gogh’s vibrant masterpieces, these collections span over 700 years of crea...

Thinking about moving abroad? In this episode, we break down the top 10 things you need to do before making the big move to Spain. From sorting out visas and healthcare to downsizing your belongings, planning finances, and finding the right housing, we’ll cover the essential steps to make your transition smoother and less stressful. We also talk about preparing emotionally, building a support netw...

Modern chess didn’t just appear out of thin air—it had a dramatic rebirth in 15th-century Valencia. Here, a slow, plodding game was supercharged with bold new moves, and the queen took center stage. In this episode of AH Spain Poco a Poco, we dive into how a city buzzing with Renaissance energy helped reinvent the game forever. It’s a story of poetry, power, and play that changed the way the world...

In this episode of Ah, Spain , Tania and Gaetano share how they spent the summer of ’25, traveling with their families (and one with a dog in tow!) through Andalucía, Tarragona, Zaragoza, and Montpellier. One went south by train for a relaxed Andalusian adventure, while the other packed into the car for a road trip across Spain and into France. Along the way, there were siestas and pastries, grand...

Spain’s soups are more than just gazpacho. In this episode of Poco A Poco, we travel through Spain’s regions, exploring how history, climate, and humble ingredients shaped beloved dishes—from Andalusia’s chilled gazpacho and Córdoba’s creamy salmorejo to Galicia’s hearty caldo gallego, Castilla y León’s garlicky sopa castellana, and Asturias’ legendary fabada. Discover the ancient roots, cultural...

Thinking about moving to Spain with kids? Or just curious how schools work here? In this episode, we untangle the quirks of Spanish education—from public, private, and concertado schools to uniforms, buses, lunches, and why math suddenly looks like it came from another planet. We share what surprised us most (the good, the confusing, and the “wait… what?!”), plus tips on navigating new approaches...

In this episode, we step inside one of Madrid’s most dazzling landmarks — the Royal Palace. We take a leisurely stroll through its history, from its 18th-century beginnings to the role it plays today, and explore some of its most impressive architectural details. Along the way we highlight a few of the palace’s most striking rooms and features, and share why this monumental building continues to b...

In this episode of Ah... Spain!, we chat about the joys and quirks of Spanish healthcare — from the mysterious SIP card to why so many expats end up juggling both the public and private systems. We compare our experiences with US insurance to Spain’s surprisingly affordable coverage, explain why “just go to urgencias” is often the go-to advice, and share tips on navigating GPs, specialists, and th...

In this episode of Ah, Spain: Poco a Poco , we explore the deep connection between Ernest Hemingway and the country that captured his heart. From the sun-drenched streets of Pamplona to the cafes of Valencia, Hemingway immersed himself in Spanish traditions, bullfighting culture, and the rhythms of everyday life. We trace how Spain shaped his writing, from The Sun Also Rises to For Whom the Bell T...

In this lively episode of Ah... Spain! , Tania and Gaetano take you on a tour through 20 colorful Spanish phrases — expressions packed with wit, wisdom, and a touch of mischief. You’ll learn why dressing a monkey in silk doesn’t change much ( la mona, aunque se vista de seda, mona se queda ), what shoemakers should stick to ( zapatero, a tus zapatos ), and how centuries-old sayings still shape con...

In this episode of Ah Spain! Poco a Poco , we take a flavorful journey through the world of Spanish cheeses. We explore the basics—from the fresh, soft tiernas to the rich, aged curados—and touch on how different regions shape their unique styles. It’s the perfect primer for cheese lovers and curious listeners alike, setting the stage for deeper dives into individual cheeses in future episodes.

In Spain, grocery shopping is like visiting different friends.  One chain is where you go for the best bread, another for the freshest produce, and another for that one snack you can’t find anywhere else. In this episode of Ah Spain , we unpack the charming quirks of Spanish supermarkets—from oddly specific aisle layouts to the unspoken rule that one store can never have everything. Expect tales o...

In this week’s episode of Poco a Poco , we explore the extraordinary life and work of Antoni Gaudí, the legendary Catalan architect whose creations continue to shape Barcelona’s skyline and spirit. From the dreamlike designs of Parc Güell to the iconic towers of La Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s work blends nature, faith, and imagination in unforgettable ways.

In this episode of Ah Spain! , we're talking trash as we dumpster dive headfirst into the wonderfully weird world of Spanish waste management. From deciphering the colorful dumpster system to figuring out what to do with your old clothes, used cooking oil, garden trimmings, and that broken IKEA chair you’ve been meaning to toss — we cover it all. Whether you’re new to Spain or just tired of ne...

In this episode of Poco a Poco , we step into what might just be one of Valencia’s most awe-inspiring (and gloriously painted) hidden gems — the Church of San Nicolás de Bari. Often dubbed the “Sistine Chapel of Valencia” — and no, that’s not just tourist brochure fluff — this stunning Gothic church will have your neck craning and your jaw dropping. We dive into the centuries of history etched int...

How much does it really cost to live in Spain? In this episode of Ah Spain! , we get into the nitty-gritty of our monthly expenses as we navigate daily life in the sun-drenched city of Valencia. We’re pulling back the curtain on our budget and walking you through exactly what it costs for two people to live here — from rent and utilities to groceries, public transport, and spontaneous café con lec...

In this episode of Ah, Spain: Poco a Poco , we slice into the world of Jamón, Spain’s most iconic cured meat. We explore the traditions, breeds, and flavors that make jamón a national treasure. We discuss the differences between Jamón Serrano and Jamón Ibérico, uncovering how breed, diet, and geography influence taste and texture. We also explain the various classifications of Jamón Ibérica - Bell...

In this lively and entertaining episode of Ah Spain!, Tania and Gaetano dive into 10 quirky Spanish superstitions that are still alive and well across the country today. From lucky grapes at New Year’s to the mysterious powers of Tuesday the 13th, they explore the strange, surprising, and sometimes hilarious ways superstition is woven into everyday Spanish life. You’ll laugh, learn, and maybe even...

In this episode of Ah, Spain: Poco a Poco , we take a closer look at the life and legacy of Joaquín Sorolla, one of Spain’s most celebrated painters. Known for his luminous, sun-drenched canvases, Sorolla captured the essence of Mediterranean life with remarkable warmth and sensitivity. We explore his early years in Valencia, his rise to international fame, and the distinctive style that earned hi...

Moving into a Spanish home can be full of surprises for newcomers. In this episode, we explore the unique features of Spanish houses that often catch expats off guard. From solid concrete and stone construction designed for durability and climate control, to the surprising lack of central heating or air conditioning in many homes, we dig into how Spanish architecture reflects the local environment...

In this episode of Ah, Spain: Poco a Poco , we explore one of Spain’s most exciting cultural and commercial traditions: Rebajas, the official Spanish sales seasons that happen every winter and summer. From the history of Rebajas in Spain to what’s typically on sale — including fashion, electronics, home goods, and more — we cover everything you need to know about these popular Spanish shopping eve...