Spanish Practices – Living in Spain: Real Life, Real Spain

Spanish Practices is taking a short summer break, so enjoy another FREE audiobook from The Marlborough Court Mysteries. In Dead Air, Horace Finch investigates murder, payola and pirate radio in swinging 1960s Britain. As Radio Rebecca battles to stay on air, a firebomb attack, a suspicious death and a chart record with a hidden secret lead Finch into one of his most dangerous investigations yet. P...

Spanish Practices is taking a short summer break... but I didn't want to leave you without something to enjoy! So, for the next few weeks, I'm giving you a  FREE audiobook  –  The Marlborough Court Mysteries . Join former Scotland Yard detective  Horace Finch  as he investigates a baffling murder beneath the streets of 1960s London in  The Vicar's Last Confession . Expect classic British detective...

Spanish Practices is taking a short summer break... but I didn't want to leave you without something to enjoy! So, for the next few weeks, I'm giving you a  FREE audiobook  –  The Marlborough Court Mysteries . Join former Scotland Yard detective  Horace Finch  as he investigates a baffling murder beneath the streets of 1960s London in  The Vicar's Last Confession . Expect classic British detective...

Spanish Practices is taking a short summer break... but I didn't want to leave you without something to enjoy! So, for the next few weeks, I'm giving you a FREE audiobook – The Marlborough Court Mysteries . Join former Scotland Yard detective Horace Finch as he investigates a baffling murder beneath the streets of 1960s London in The Vicar's Last Confession . Expect classic British detective story...

Spanish Practices is taking a short summer break... but I didn't want to leave you without something to enjoy! So, for the next few weeks, I'm giving you a FREE audiobook – The Marlborough Court Mysteries . Join former Scotland Yard detective Horace Finch as he investigates a baffling murder beneath the streets of 1960s London in The Vicar's Last Confession . Expect classic British detective story...

Spanish Practices is taking a short summer break... but I didn't want to leave you without something to enjoy! So, for the next few weeks, I'm giving you a FREE audiobook – The Marlborough Court Mysteries . Join former Scotland Yard detective Horace Finch as he investigates a baffling murder beneath the streets of 1960s London in The Vicar's Last Confession . Expect classic British detective story...

This summer, Spanish Practices takes a different turn. Join me for the first of The Marlborough Court Mysteries , a series of bite-sized 1960s detective stories featuring private investigator Horace Finch. From Cold War conspiracies beneath London to pirate radio murders and the first package holidays to Spain's Costa del Sol, these atmospheric mysteries blend real history with classic British cri...

What really happens in Spain after San Juan? In this episode of Spanish Practices , I explore the great Spanish summer getaway — from midnight sea rituals and bonfires on the beach to empty town halls, vanished officials, delayed paperwork, Amazon delivery chaos, packed beaches and fiestas everywhere. A funny, affectionate look at why Spain seems to shut down for summer… and why normal life doesn'...

Have you ever felt that the customer is always wrong? In this episode of Spanish Practices, I explore the fascinating, frustrating and often hilarious world of customer service in Spain. From a refrigerator that was dropped down a flight of stairs, to a missing-key tuna tin that somehow found its way back onto a supermarket shelf, these are real stories of refunds, complaints, bureaucracy and cons...

Need a phone charger, a frying pan, a garden hose and a plastic flamingo during siesta? In Spain, there's a shop for that... If you've ever wandered into an ALE-HOP for a phone charger and emerged twenty minutes later carrying a flamingo-shaped lamp, a beach towel and a notebook you didn't need, this episode is for you. This week I explore two of the most familiar sights in modern Spain: the famou...

Why is jamón ibérico considered one of the world's finest foods? In this episode of Spanish Practices, I explore the fascinating 2,000-year history of Spain's most prized ham, from the Celts and Romans to the Reconquista and modern luxury dining. Discover why the famous black Iberian pig produces such extraordinary flavour, how hams are cured in mountain villages like Trevélez, the role pork playe...

Barcelona wants to phase out thousands of tourist apartment licences by 2028, but is this really the end of Airbnb in Spain's most visited city? In this episode of Spanish Practices, I explore the truth behind the headlines, the growing backlash against overtourism, and what record visitor numbers mean for property owners and investors. I also look at whether holiday let investing still makes sens...

Is marijuana really legal in Spain? Why do so many Spaniards still smoke cigarettes? And how big is the illegal tobacco trade from Morocco? In this episode of Spanish Practices, I explore Spain's complicated relationship with smoking. From packed café terraces and rising cigarette prices to cannabis clubs, marijuana laws, health risks, cigarette smuggling, and the devastating wildfires caused by d...

PAELLA ON TRIAL! This week I put three legendary British TV chefs before the Spanish culinary courts for possible crimes against Paella. Mary Berry goes elegant but dangerously oven-friendly… Jamie Oliver commits the ultimate Spanish sin by adding chorizo… while Keith Floyd cooks dangerously close to authenticity with wine in hand and chaos in the pan. But who creates the MOST authentic Paella? I...

Benidorm is famous for sunshine, cheap beer and wild nightlife — but beneath the neon lights lies a darker side. In this episode of Spanish Practices, I explore the reality of drugs, muggings, organised prostitution and tourist scams in Benidorm's notorious English Zone and "The Strip." I also take a look at Spain's unusual prostitution laws, the rise in police raids, drink spiking concerns, and w...

OFFICIAL ALHAMBRA TICKETS - https://tickets.alhambra-patronato.es   Discover the magic of the  Alhambra in this insider's guide to one of Spain's most breathtaking landmarks. In this episode of Spanish Practices, I explore the stunning Nasrid Palaces, the peaceful Generalife Gardens, the ancient fortress of the Alcazaba and why the Alhambra is considered a true wonder of the world. I also reveal p...

I remember Judith Chalmers and the golden age of Spanish package holidays? In this special edition of Spanish Practices, I take a nostalgic trip from the prawn cocktail resorts of the 1970s to today's luxury infinity pools, boutique hotels and Instagram-ready Spain. From Benidorm and Torremolinos to Mallorca and the Costa del Sol, discover how Spain became Britain's favourite sunshine escape — and...

In this episode I explore the fascinating and sometimes frightening history of earthquakes along the Costa Tropical and Granada province. From the devastating 1804 Motril earthquake to the constant small tremors still detected today, I look at why southern Spain is one of the most seismically active regions in Europe. Discover the science behind the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, the recent...

Spain has shifted politically — and Andalucía may never look the same again. In this Special Edition of Spanish Practices , I explore the shock election results in Andalucía, the collapse of the PSOE in its historic heartland, and the growing influence of the far-right Vox party. Could Conservative PP's Juanma Moreno now be forced into a deal with Vox? And what might that mean for British and Iris...

Drug-boats on Spain's Costa Tropical?   In this episode of Spanish Practices , I explore the recent surge of high-speed drug smuggling boats — known as narcolanchas — appearing around Almuñécar and La Herradura . You'll hear how increased policing around Tarifa may be pushing traffickers further along the Andalusian coast, why the rugged coastline offers perfect hiding places, and what the Guardia...

It was the very first Spanish Soap Opera. I am on a journey through Spain exploring the hilarious world of  Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes — reimagined as a dramatic Spanish soap opera. I explore the history behind Spain's most famous novel, the legendary windmill battle, Sancho Panza's endless suffering, impossible romance, and why Don Quixote remains one of the funniest and most important ch...

In this episode of Spanish Practices , I explore how authentic Spanish cooking really is when it passes through the hands of celebrity chefs. From Keith Floyd 's unexpected take on Gambas al Ajillo , to Mary Berry 's "Smoky Spanish Hot Pot," and Jamie Oliver 's version of Crema Catalana , I compare their recipes with the real flavours of Spain . Along the way, I share some behind-the-scenes encoun...

Wild boars— jabalíes —are no longer just creatures of Spain's forests. In this episode, I explore how these powerful animals have moved into cities like Barcelona and the Costa del Sol, why they're losing their fear of humans, and the growing خطر they pose—from street encounters to deadly traffic accidents. I look at the history of wild boar in Spain, their role in hunting and food culture, and wh...

Spain is heating up—fast. In this episode, I explore the growing risk of a Super El Niño summer and what it could mean for life, travel, and extreme heat in Spain. With record-breaking temperatures, longer heatwaves, and rising night-time heat, is this the new normal? Plus, the best times to visit Spain—and practical tips to survive the summer like the locals. 🌞

Spain is rolling out major changes to how Brits travel, and airport queues are right at the centre of it. In this episode, I break down the new Entry/Exit System (EES), what biometric data you'll need to provide, and why you can't register in advance. I also explain how the new ETIAS travel authorisation—costing €20 for three years—will affect UK travellers heading to Spain and across Europe. With...