Spanish Loops

Besides wine and beer, probably the most common aperitif in Spain is vermouth. A fortified wine, not indigenous from Spain, but so popular that there is a ritual and a time for it. A gathering with friends, prior to lunch, or why not, just by yourself with a small nibble, is the perfect excuse for a break and a nice time. Learn the history and let us know your inputs. Salud!

In this controversial chapter, our friends explains the origins and evolution of something that started 2 millenniums ago as a sport, and now is part of the culture in many countries of the world. One of the most beautiful wild animals in the world is the focus of this podcast where a man, can dominate and order what to do... or not. Please, listen carefully to the disclaimer at the beginning of t...

What is happening TODAY in Spain? In this "almost live" episode, our friends are sharing what is happening in this corner of the world with updated news in some aspects. Royalty, (gossip guaranteed), sports, weather, and by all means politics. After the general elections Spain had a couple of weeks ago, them both believe the need to share their thoughts with you all. Enjoy your time list...

July 25th was Saint James day. Spain is a secular country and most of the traditions comes from religious homage. Is a big day in Spain. Into the Catholic world, is the Patron Saint of this country. Legends, historical traditions, borders and geo-political strategies have marked the myth and facts of this Saint to what it is today. Our friends give us their perspective based in facts and popularit...

In this final series chapter, our friends Fran and Jorge let us know how life evolved in Spain once the Civil war was over. WWII was rumbling on early stages, pressures to the dictator from the fascist Germany and Italy at the time, expecting to have favours returned, while the population was struggling to survive with families divided due to the conflict. Them both also share with us personal sto...

After last week´s episode, our friends teach us the developing of those three devastating years. Battle after battle, while population suffered tremendous attacks and thouthands of civilians were assesinated, tirany was gaining territories in a horrific way. It all ended when the goverment surrended for the sake of no more killing of innocent people. It was the begining of four decades to forget a...

Chapter 1 out of 3. Fran and Jorge inform us how this country was involved into a civil war. In this Prelude chapter, they introduce us into all aspects around the facts involved in the process to the tragedy lived by that generation. Politics, citizens' unhappiness and wealthy people all mixed in a maze with an explosive (and sad) dive into the History of Spain. Send them any questions you ma...

Mankind has faced along centuries several hard times regarding health. From the Black plague, Colera, Spanish Flu... About this last one, did you know it had nothing to do with Spain? Find out about this curiosity and where it started with our two friends, Jorge and Fran in this new episode of Spanish Loops! Happy listening!

Although the fans are not originated in Spain, they have become world famous for their designs, handiness, style, and the most important, they are considered as "portable air conditioning". From the real origins, till today, going through facts that made them popular among the society and later on to everybody, including men. Some fun facts, personal histories, and a secret "languag...

Fran and Jorge, Jorge and Fran. Them both want to share with you in this chapter their two favourite trips they did and made an impact in their lives. They certify the world out there is to be seen for those who have the chance and opportunity. Each trip in this podcast has their own point of view due to the differences in cultures visited. Obviously, them are very personal but they decided to sha...

As a portion of land that hosted many cultures along history, Spain's today's legacy is so immense, no one can ignore the cultural and DNA print in our lives. One of the big impacts left through the centuries was the large number of Jewish people as part of the population, among other cultures. Jorge and Fran do their best to explain briefly what happened with them in different time frames...

Toledo is one of the must places to visit in Spain. Due to the proximity to Madrid, barely one hour south, there are many visitors taking advantage to visit the city in a day trip. If you have the chance to sleep in this medieval site, the magic will be incredible. As usual in these city specials, our friends Fran and Jorge gives you an insight in how to get there and what to do, eat and visit. Ha...

Velazquez, Picasso, El Greco, Sorolla... Four different artists with their unique and different styles. They have left masterpieces recognized by experts of all times as the best works ever done by any artist at their times. As usual, our friends Fran and Jorge talk about them with the passion them both feel as part of their everyday work. Their intention is to transmit that passion to you by list...

Our friends today are focused in the city that has something special. Santiago de Compostela is one of the most visited cities in the world, regarding pilgrimage. Despite religions, the vibe of the city is incomparable, the atmosphere one can breath around is..., there is no words to describe. You have to make it, you have to live it, you have to feel it. Let us know your thoughts on this chapter...

This chapter is about their legacy in Spain and how the still played a "hidden" role within their members. Not only in clues at famous places all over, but gastronomy, legends and some confusing facts that might make you think they not correspond with the time it was supposed to be. Third of three. Our friends also share in this episode some personal moments related to places where these...

Last week, our friends introduced to us the Templars, an order ruling in almost all European continent. The rise. This week they let us know how the beginning of the end started and how it happened. Again, another cliff-hanger left at the end of this chapter to keep you hooked to next week's. Learn how human nature can change from one status to another when several facts are joined together driven...

The history of the Templars in Europe is breathtaking. Obviously, the left a huge print in Spanish history. Our friends Fran and Jorge are releasing a series of three chapters where they explain everything you need to know about them. A kind of Emporium created by a group of men with the pretention to protect. Later on, things changed. Spoiler alert, this episode ends on a cliffhanger that you wil...

Question: "What do you do for a living?" Answer: "I am a tour guide" Reply: "How nice, you travel all the time!" As tour guides have to "travel" with the responsibility of taking care of tour members, behind the scenes, there are moments many people do not believe it could be happening. Those moments are always taken as challenges and in this episode, our fr...

The city of Tarragona is located about one hour south of Barcelona. UNESCO site with loads of history to admire from her founders, the Romans, until today. Our chums explains everything you need to know in case you travel solo, and also how to get there, what to do, eat, see... Enjoy this chapter by traveling there while you hear their comments. Happy listening!

Our friends bet you all, that in one way or another, you have heard, seen, danced and enjoyed pieces from these Spanish celebrities. Their talent was so great, that it surpassed their origins and USA made them feel at home. Surprising facts that our friends are sharing in this funny chit chat. They hope you enjoy this chapter as much as they do by sharing their wonderful fun facts. See you soon!

Yes, the title of this episode is correct. This wonderful country is in a different time zone as she should be. The initial reason is beyond your thoughts. Later, convenience and political reasons made what today is in most of European countries. With their natural sense of humour and relaxed conversation, our friends explains all reasons, included the controversy of remaining as we are now or get...

Legend says Hannibal conquered the city. Romans stablished in the area as a trading point. The fertile land made the site of Helmántica the passage to the westernmost point of Continental Europe. Our friends discover in this city specials a glance of some things you need to know in order to visit this historical place. As usual, happy listening!!

After 4 centuries, a woman comes to be the first Queen ruling Spain in a difficult period, not only politically in and out of Spain, but also in her personal life. Mid 1800's, She fought the standards of society.  Her Majesty had to deal with imposed taboos and also left some legacy, today valued by historians. She really was a woman of her time!

What is going on in Spain today?  Updated review on Spain´s life. Weather, politics, sports...  In this review, like in the news, our friends let us know what is happening today in this country. A little bit of everything to keep the audience on track on what is going on.  Spanish improvised news report! Ladies and Gentlemen. Spain Today with Francisco and Jorge!!

One of the Jewels of the Crown, (literally!), and most precious values of Spain today, is the Health care.   Implemented at the end of the 19th century, the system had an evolution. Jorge and Fran explains it all in this chapter, letting us know some curiosities in their peculiar way, making this another entertaining chapter about Spanish culture. Happy listening!