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

In this episode of  Spanish Practices , I explore how decades of unchecked development, urban sprawl and coastal "litoralisation" have reshaped — and in some cases damaged — Spain's Mediterranean coastline. From high-rise hotels built on dunes and illegal developments to disappearing beaches, fake sand, replenishment schemes, over-tourism in the Balearics and Costa del Sol, and the environmental i...

In this episode of Spanish Practices , we travel back to 13th-century Granada to explore the Alhambra Palaces through the eyes of Aisha, a young servant girl living and working under the Nasrid dynasty during the reign of Sultan Muhammad II. VISIT The Alhambra Palaces and Generalife Gardens HERE Moving beyond guidebooks and grand history, this immersive historical storytelling episode reveals dail...

Spain is facing a new reality of extreme weather — from sudden flooding to the growing threat of summer drought. In this episode of Spanish Practices , I look at the recent storms affecting Spain, including Storm Leonardo and the approaching Storm Marta, and asks what these events tell us about climate change, infrastructure, and life in modern Spain. Reflecting on the legacy of the Valencia DANA...

What happens when you don't just move countries — but move brains? In this episode of Spanish Practices , I explore how moving to Spain quietly rewires your brain , especially if you arrive tired, overstimulated, and worn down by modern life. From walkable towns and Mediterranean food to better sleep, slower thinking, and everyday social connection, this episode shares five simple brain goals for...

What did the Romans ever do for Almuñécar? Apart from inventing takeaway food, apartment living, public baths, complaining about politicians… and making the entire town smell like fermented fish. In this episode of Spanish Practices , we travel back to Roman Sexi (modern-day Almuñécar) to follow one entirely unremarkable man: Lucius. He is not a general, senator or emperor. He is a garum worker —...

Spain welcomed a record 97 million tourists — and now the country is bursting at the seams. In this episode, we look at failing infrastructure, overcrowded cities, and why Spain might need a breather in 2026. Plus: lesser-known regions to visit and better ways to experience Spain beyond beaches, booze, and burnout. Three Places, mentioned to visit: Extremadura  https://www.turismoextremadura.com/e...

A detailed investigation into the Adamuz train crash in Spain , examining what happened, what investigators believe caused the derailment, and the warnings about track defects raised before the tragedy. I explore the human stories behind the disaster , including the loss of 41 lives and the death of a 27-year-old train driver, and how families and communities were affected. Finally, we look at  ra...

This week, we had two power cuts. That led to Bruce our rescue dog getting diarrhea! A biblical lightning strike, a bodged Endesa repair, and one warm fridge too far — welcome to Spanish electrics. In this wry expat tale, two power cuts lead to a flooded studio, philosophical acceptance, and an unfortunate canine outcome. Living in Spain teaches resilience, patience, and one golden rule: never tru...

A wry, true-to-life look at Spanish plumbing quirks every expat eventually encounters — mysterious drain smells, missing U-bends, and bathrooms with opinions. From central traps and sewer "breathing" to rain-induced gurgling chaos, this episode explores why Spanish drains work differently. Packed with humour, cultural insight, and lived expat experience of life in Spain and Andalusia. Spanish Prac...

In this episode of Spanish Practices - As we start 2026 Spain faces a demographic crunch. A 2025 forecast says the country needs 2.4 million foreign workers by 2035 to sustain its pension system — just as millions apply for Spanish citizenship under the Grandchildren's Law.