Spanish Loops

A city with unique light, atmosphere, food... Just a gem!  The oldest city in Europe stablished by Phoenicians more than 2700 years ago.  Imagine the heritage. It has been hard for Jorge and Francisco to picture in words this chapter. They really hope you get to visualize a tiny portion of it.  With that wish, they say goodbye until next week! Adiós!

1992 was a crucial year for Spain. Challenges to show the world we were part of it. It might sound weird to anyone, but a final step needed to be taken to be noticed in world panorama. Instead of one, three steps where the country showed she was capable to hold these three happy events. To learn about it, tune in and let us know where were you in those days. Happy listening!

In 1982,  at the 3rd democratic elections in modern Spain, the Socialist Party wins. The course of the country changed radically making that political party to be back after more than fifty years of convulsive (and dangerous) times. Listen how Jorge and Francisco bring back memories from their teens when they lived first hand those days. Where were you at in those days, and did you ever heard...

A hot topic. Politics! But Francisco and Jorge know perfectly how to handle this. Besides, this chapter is only a recap resuming the seven Presidents since the political transition started.  Keeping in mind some very, very difficult times Spain has gone through the transition, one way or another, all have managed to pass by their elected times with some unexpected hic-ups.  Want to know...

You haven't probably heard about this site before. For sure you have heard about "El Cid".  This land has so much history around... People really get surprised in how come this town is not so much included in itineraries.  In a way is excellent she still remains the way it is. Jorge and Francisco, well, mainly Fran, gives an insight about this "not to miss" place if you have the chance....

It's winter. It's cold. You are outdoors doing chores. Suddenly, you smell something familiar... OMG, Churros! Where are them? And there you go for a comforting cup of hot chocolate with that delicacy made since hundreds of years ago. Partly, is tradition, sometimes a must that you are craving for. It is inevitable to fall into it. Enjoy with Jorge and Francisco this virtual and delicious snack an...

The three Wise men bring kids all presents, like they did with Baby Jesus. Is the night when magic happens. All girls, boys and grown ups receive their presents the night from 5th to 6th of January. Tradition, illusion, surprises and why not, some tears of joy. Jorge and Francisco share in this chapter their favourite presents from the past, brought to them from these "Reyes Magos". (Wise Men) Enj...

December 28th in Spain is a day you have to be aware. Pranks, jokes, people teasing you... Yes, is the day of the Innocents Saints. From a religious mourning mixed with pagan tradition, this day has become along the years, to a point where the sense of humor has a great impact in people's life. Expect anything and think twice before processing what is happening around you. Listen to Jorge and Fran...

Overwhelmed by Lis Lister's and Helen Houston's generosity, Francisco and Jorge are honoured in this episode by the virtual presence of Scottish Blethers making their first crossover podcast. A groups of friends sharing their firsts steps in the waves, anecdotes, fun facts and some histories behind the curtain of making a podcast. The only intention was to bring some entertain and have a great tim...

An extra episode as a Christmas treat for you all.  This time, Francisco interviews Jorge about his hometown. The city's history, how to get there, where to stay, where to eat, (of course), and all you need to know when in Málaga. Some facts will be surprising due to the heritage kept behind everything you'll hear in this podcast. Jorge's passion when talking about his hometown is really felt...

In this week's episode, our friends teach us why this Christmas tradition is rooted deeply into almost every home. History, fun facts and curiosities brought from Jorge and Francisco with their usual sense of humour and detailed information. Join them once more to learn another little piece from Spain. Feliz Navidad!! - Happy Christmas!!

Next December 3rd, is the festivity of Saint Francisco Javier. In this amazing episode, Fran exposes the exiting and thrilling life of this person who changed the course of religious standards. Co-host Jorge participates as the interviewer challenging Fran about his devotion and passion about this man who became a Saint. The facts behind, are unbelievable and jaw dropping! Join in, buckle up, and...

A must destination country, Spain, having so many sites designated by Unesco. Being in the top 3 list, it could be a good reason to visit. Some places are world known, some others not so popular but yet remarkable and worth to be into the list.  Maybe it could be your reason to come and see some of them. Listen to Jorge and Francisco how passionate and proud they are about some of these place...

Yes, they went on a live video broadcast over Facebook. Can you believe how cheeky these two guys are? But... They had a good reason, they wanted to celebrate with you all, the upcoming big Festivity known as Thanksgiving. Just a short review of this traditional Holiday and some comparison with Europe at the time the celebration started. This recording is the raw sound of the live show. To watch t...

Yes. As the title of this episode says, Spain is the largest producer of Olive Oil in the whole world.  Jorge and Francisco, again impress us with this fact, unknown to most of the people. There are traditional facts that made this country find one of its pillars of the national economy.  Learn the trick to get "real" Spanish oil at your local store, and listen to all curiosities they al...

People´s attitude in Spain is different. They look at life from a different perspective. Enjoying life is the priority and there are some facts, that might no be observed from an outsider, but are "must to" for locals.  As usual, our friends Jorge and Francisco teach us from their personal point of view what their inputs are in this matter. Believe or not, there are many differences depending...

It's Halloween. It's scary... How come people can travel once they die? Everything is possible. Believe it or not, our beloved friends Jorge and Francisco found a connection among this tradition so much rooted in many countries, and some Historical personalities from Spain. Sounds creepy but the curiosities are jaw dropping.  Trick or treat? Happy (and scary) listening!

Did you know Spain is the largest wine producer in the world? Jorge and Francisco reveals this little known fact with all of us. Sure is a surprise! Behind the scenes of the extremely quality there is a story. Historical facts, together with actual facts, brings Spanish wines to the top of the list in many world recognized summeliers. Something unthinkable only a few years ago. Toasting with you,...

Christopher Columbus. Controversial, for some people a hero, for others a tirant. There are so many things to learn about this episode of History... Jorge and Francisco are expressing here historical facts, leyends and some gossips of the time in a period of history thar marked a before and after of world facts. Let them know what you knew about it and your surprises finding out by listening to th...

Season 2 of Spanish Loops is here! and what a way to start. Francisco and Jorge are, again, giving us tips and bits of the hidden gem in North of Spain. The city of Bilbao. Once the New York Times headlined an article "The Bilbao Effect". It shows how a city can be transformed from a slam, to one of the most glamourous places in the world. Obviously, all had a process but the icing on the cake was...

Almost one year ago, one of our friends convinced the other to do something challenging for both. The result is what you hear today, last week and what comes in the future. They thank you all for the loyalty on this first season and hopefully enjoy season 2. Happy listening!

And finally, Francisco and Jorge comes to explain th end of one of the most extensive periods of domination of a culture in a conquered land, where still today, 532 years after, remains part of that way of life. The legacy left behind is so valuable, that makes today´s history, unique. With the hope you have enjoyed this mini-series of history, our friends keep waiting for you until next week. Hav...

1212. The Battle of the "Navas de Tolosa". A crucial step on that period. Only one risky chance to continue for the Christians. All or nothing. To know the consequences, learn with Jorge and Francisco what happened until 1492 when... Well, if you listen to this episode, you will know. Let us know your thoughts and happy listening. Our friends really hope you enjoy!.

Following from last week's, our friends make a review in time to teach the consequences and facts of a border line that marked the future of the creation of a country. Happy listening!

Year 711 till 1492. Almost 8 centuries of Arabic domination in a portion of land. Not only in genetics, but in way of life, cultural, architecture, farming..., the print left behind from that culture, is still today part of Spain's way of being. Francisco and Jorge release a series of four chapters dedicated to this important period of this land's History. Today's is dedicated to the invasion and...