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

Moving to Spain? Don't buy that dream home just yet! 🇪🇸

Could AI save you from making an expensive mistake when buying property in Spain? John Metson discovers how AI can investigate Spanish estate agents, solicitors, directors, reviews, town halls, local news, planning issues and even the Spanish bureaucracy.

But there's a catch: AI can be spectacularly wrong.

So how do you use AI for Spanish property research and due diligence without getting fooled by the machine — or the estate agent?

Before you send that deposit, let AI do your homework.

A quick EU compliance note before we begin. The introduction to this episode deliberately uses an AI-generated version of my voice, created using ElevenLabs. The words, opinions and content are mine — the voice you hear just in this introduction has simply been generated using AI.

🔥 Could a donkey help save your Spanish home from a wildfire?

Spain is facing a new generation of wildfires — hotter, faster and increasingly impossible to fight in the traditional way. So what happens when climate change, abandoned countryside and 40°C+ summers collide?

And if you're dreaming of buying a home in Spain, should any of this change your plans?

In this episode of Spanish Practices, I'll take a look at Spain's terrifying new era of mega-fires, why some fires are now creating their own weather, and the surprising return of an old Spanish hero: the donkey.

🐴 Could millions of grazing animals actually help prevent wildfires?

🏡 Should Americans still be buying property in Spain?

🔥 And why might prevention, rather than firefighting, be the only realistic answer?

It's a serious problem — but, as usual, there's a wonderful Spanish twist.

And it involves a donkey having breakfast.

In this special report, we look at the escalating crisis in Ceuta, the conflicting reports over how many migrants remain, violence on the beaches, people-smuggling boats, Spain's €25 million response, the planned Ceuta Day protests, and the complicated relationship between Spain and Morocco.

But what does any of this mean if you're thinking about buying property in Spain?

Thinking of leaving America for the perfect life in Spain? Cheap healthcare, endless sunshine, affordable living and a slower pace of life? Think again.

After nearly ten years living in Spain, I will reveal the reality behind the romantic Spanish dream — from 230-volt disasters and language barriers to nudist beaches, Spanish bureaucracy, healthcare, shopping, customer service and a very different attitude to life.

Spain can be wonderful. But it isn't America with tapas and better weather.

Before you move to Spain, listen to this.

AI disclosure: none used

Why Does My Spanish Bathroom Smell? The Plumbing Mystery Explained

There comes a moment when you realise you've properly moved to Spain.

It's not your first fiesta. It's not ordering a café con leche in Spanish. It's standing in your beautifully clean bathroom, sniffing suspiciously and asking:

"Why does that smell of drains?"

Welcome to the peculiar world of Spanish plumbing.

In this episode of Spanish Practices, I go beneath the tiles to investigate one of those little differences about living in Spain that nobody thinks to mention before you move here.

Where's the U-bend under the sink? What's that mysterious round plate in the bathroom floor? Why can an unused shower suddenly start sharing the aroma of the sewer system with the rest of the house? And why does everything start gurgling ominously when the heavens open?

We'll discover the Spanish central floor trap, what happens when its water evaporates in the summer heat, why flushing one thing can occasionally upset another — and why the Spanish solution to a smelly drain can sometimes be little more complicated than: "Sí, claro. Hay que echar agua."

Then there's the rain.

When a proper Spanish downpour arrives, drains gurgle, streets become rivers, communal bins begin migrating downhill and your bathroom suddenly seems emotionally involved in the weather.

But perhaps Spanish plumbing isn't necessarily bad plumbing.

Perhaps it's plumbing designed for a different climate, a different style of building and a time when nobody imagined quite so much rain.

It's another lesson in adapting to real life in Spain.

So lift the mysterious round plate, pour some water down the drain and join me for The Great Spanish Plumbing Mystery.

Because sometimes living in Spain smells faintly of the underworld.

Spanish Practices – Real Life, Real Spain.

Revised repeat - EU AI disclosure - none used

Live Rent-Free in Spain? The Motorhome Loophole That Isn't

Buy a motorhome. Drive to Spain. Park beside the Mediterranean. Open the door, make a coffee and congratulate yourself on discovering the ultimate way to live in Spain without paying rent.

Simple.

Except Spain may have a few questions.

Motorhome and campervan living is booming, fuelled by rising property prices, scarce rental accommodation and the irresistible idea of swapping the mortgage for a home on wheels.

But can you really just park somewhere beautiful and… live there?

In this episode of Spanish Practices, I investigate the increasingly popular world of van life in Spain — and the rather important legal difference between parking and camping.

Put out your chairs? Camping. Extend the awning? Camping. Start turning a peaceful beachfront car park into a small branch of Glastonbury with chemical toilets? The local Ayuntamiento may take an interest.

We'll look at why Spanish coastal towns are tightening the rules, why campsites are increasingly packed, what happens when the Guardia Civil comes knocking and whether living in a motorhome actually saves as much money as you might think.

And there's another small problem.

Living in a van doesn't make immigration law disappear. If you're actually living in Spain rather than holidaying here — particularly if you're British and subject to post-Brexit rules — visas, residency, healthcare and paperwork still matter.

So is motorhome life the ultimate Spanish lifestyle hack?

Or is it simply a very committed holiday involving a chemical toilet and the occasional 7am knock on the window?

Welcome to van life, Spanish style.

Spanish Practices – Real Life, Real Spain.

Revised Repeat - EU AI disclosure - none used.

Three thousand years of Spanish history. Ten minutes. What could possibly go wrong?

In this episode of Spanish Practices, I'm attempting the almost certainly foolish task of explaining the history of Spain without drowning you in kings, dates or men with impressive facial hair pointing at maps.

Instead, we're following the ordinary people who didn't make history — they simply had to survive it.

Meet Tarek, an Iberian farmer from a town unfortunately called Arse, worrying about his goats in 500 BC. There's Lucius, a Roman laundryman cleaning togas with urine; Aisha, cast out from the splendour of the Alhambra; a nervous merchant in Seville discovering that nobody really does expect the Spanish Inquisition; and a Republican woman learning to whisper after Franco's victory.

Along the way we'll squeeze in Iberians, Romans, Visigoths, Al-Andalus, the Reconquista, Columbus, the Spanish Empire, Napoleon, Civil War, dictatorship and Spain's remarkable transition to democracy.

Because Spain's history isn't really a neat procession of kings, conquerors and empires.

It's a messy 3,000-year story of ordinary people adapting, enduring and surviving while somebody else changes the flag.

And somehow, after invasions, empires, civil wars and dictators, Spain is still standing — and still finding an excuse for a fiesta.

Spanish Practices – Real Life, Real Spain.

Revised Repeat EU AI disclosure final music AI generated Envato/Shutterstock

Spain Wants Digital Nomads – But Is It Really That Simple?

Imagine swapping the commute for a laptop overlooking the Mediterranean. Spain has become one of the world's most attractive destinations for remote workers — and its Digital Nomad Visa offers non-EU professionals a legal route to actually live here while working abroad.

But before you pack the laptop and sunglasses, there's rather more to it than sunshine and fast broadband.

In this episode of Spanish Practices, I look at how Spain's Digital Nomad Visa works, who can apply, the income requirements, bringing your family and the possible route from temporary residence to making Spain your permanent home.

We also tackle the bit some glossy relocation websites don't put next to the photograph of somebody working beside a swimming pool: tax.

When do you become Spanish tax resident? What is the so-called Beckham Law? What happens if you're self-employed? And why might the words Modelo 720, social security and Spanish bureaucracy eventually have you reaching for something stronger than café con leche?

I'll also look at some of the best places to base yourself — from Málaga, Valencia, Barcelona and Madrid to the Canary Islands and Spain's smaller towns — and the realities of housing costs, paperwork and the language barrier.

Spain offers sunshine, lifestyle, excellent connectivity and the possibility of building a completely different working life.

But it's still Spain — gloriously attractive, occasionally bewildering and never quite as straightforward as the brochure suggests.

Spanish Practices – Real Life, Real Spain.

Visa and tax rules can change and individual circumstances vary, so always take current professional immigration and tax advice before making financial or residency decisions.

Revised Repeat AI disclosure: final music is AI generated Envato/Shutterstock

OR - The Bikini That Changed Spain: How the Package Holiday Conquered the Costas!

OR - Bikinis, Benidorm & Brits Abroad: How Tourism Changed Spain

How did Spain go from a buttoned-up dictatorship suspicious of bikinis to one of the world's great holiday destinations — and have we now loved it a little too much?

In this summer repeat of Spanish Practices, I travel back to the birth of the great British package holiday, when guaranteed sunshine, cheap sangria and a week on the Costa suddenly became affordable to ordinary British families.

There's the extraordinary story of the Mayor of Benidorm, a Vespa and the bikini that helped change Spanish tourism; memories of those tantalising 1970s holiday brochures; my own childhood disappointment at swapping the promised glamour of Majorca for a trip to Maldon; and the unstoppable rise of the Brits-abroad package holiday.

But then we come back to Spain today.

More than 90 million visitors, packed cities and beaches, holiday rentals, housing shortages and increasingly vocal protests against overtourism. Has the industry that transformed modern Spain finally become too successful?

From Franco to foreign tourists, Butlin's to Benidorm and the Costa del Bikini to "Tourists Go Home" — it's the extraordinary story of how the package holiday changed Spain, Britain and our relationship with the summer sun.

Spanish Practices – Real Life, Real Spain.

Revised repeat. AI disclosure - no AI used in this episode.

Ever wondered why Mercadona is often called one of the most profitable supermarkets in the world? In this light-hearted episode of Spanish Practices, we explore its fascinating history—from a humble family butcher's shop in Valencia to a retail powerhouse across Spain.

We dive into how Mercadona has reinvented the supermarket experience with energy-efficient stores, hot takeaway food, and even places to sit and eat. Plus, we uncover the story behind the famously catchy Mercadona jingle (sí, that one stuck in your head) and the voice behind it.

Expect humour, insights into Spanish shopping culture, and plenty of relatable moments if you've ever gone in for milk and come out with a full basket.

Perfect for expats, Spain lovers, and anyone curious about everyday life in Spain.

The Mercadona Jingle, composed by Lluís Miquel Campos, vocalist Mamen García, reproduced under UK Fair Dealing Law 1988 Sections 29/30

Revised repeat EU AI Disclosure the final long form music is AI generated by Envato/Shutterstock

What was it like watching television in Franco's Spain? In this episode of Spanish Practices – Real Life, Real Spain, John looks back at the early days of Spanish TV and the surprising influence of British favourites including Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet, The Avengers, The Prisoner and Doctor Who.

Plus, a personal encounter with Thunderbirds creator Gerry Anderson — and the day Lady Penelope and Parker turned up in a London radio studio.

A nostalgic and humorous journey through Spanish television, British TV in Spain and life in 1960s Spain.

A glamorous London television presenter. A deadly accident. Or the perfect murder? Your holiday audiobook from Spanish Practices.

When a visit to the exclusive Lady Dorothy Boutique Hair Salon ends with a daytime television star being electrocuted, private detectives Horace Finch and Violet Hart are drawn behind the bright lights of Metrovision, London's weekday television station.

Ruled by the charming cigar smoking Lord Arthur, Metrovision is a world of soaring egos, ruthless ambition and carefully guarded secrets. As the suspects multiply, Finch and Hart discover that everyone is performing a role... and someone is prepared to kill to protect the biggest secret of all.

The Shocking Beehive is a gripping 1960s British detective mystery packed with vintage television nostalgia, suspense, humour and unexpected twists. Perfect for fans of classic crime fiction, cosy mysteries, radio drama, Poirot and The Thursday Murder Club.

A glamorous London television presenter. A deadly accident. Or the perfect murder? Your holiday audiobook from Spanish Practices.

When a visit to the exclusive Lady Dorothy Boutique Hair Salon ends with a daytime television star being electrocuted, private detectives Horace Finch and Violet Hart are drawn behind the bright lights of Metrovision, London's weekday television station.

Ruled by the charming cigar smoking Lord Arthur, Metrovision is a world of soaring egos, ruthless ambition and carefully guarded secrets. As the suspects multiply, Finch and Hart discover that everyone is performing a role... and someone is prepared to kill to protect the biggest secret of all.

The Shocking Beehive is a gripping 1960s British detective mystery packed with vintage television nostalgia, suspense, humour and unexpected twists. Perfect for fans of classic crime fiction, cosy mysteries, radio drama, Poirot and The Thursday Murder Club.

A glamorous London television presenter. A deadly accident. Or the perfect murder? Your holiday audiobook from Spanish Practices.

When a visit to the exclusive Lady Dorothy Boutique Hair Salon ends with a daytime television star being electrocuted, private detectives Horace Finch and Violet Hart are drawn behind the bright lights of Metrovision, London's weekday television station.

Ruled by the charming cigar smoking Lord Arthur, Metrovision is a world of soaring egos, ruthless ambition and carefully guarded secrets. As the suspects multiply, Finch and Hart discover that everyone is performing a role... and someone is prepared to kill to protect the biggest secret of all.

The Shocking Beehive is a gripping 1960s British detective mystery packed with vintage television nostalgia, suspense, humour and unexpected twists. Perfect for fans of classic crime fiction, cosy mysteries, radio drama, Poirot and The Thursday Murder Club.

A glamorous London television presenter. A deadly accident. Or the perfect murder? Your holiday audiobook from Spanish Practices.

When a visit to the exclusive Lady Dorothy Boutique Hair Salon ends with a daytime television star being electrocuted, private detectives Horace Finch and Violet Hart are drawn behind the bright lights of Metrovision, London's weekday television station.

Ruled by the charming cigar smoking Lord Arthur, Metrovision is a world of soaring egos, ruthless ambition and carefully guarded secrets. As the suspects multiply, Finch and Hart discover that everyone is performing a role... and someone is prepared to kill to protect the biggest secret of all.

The Shocking Beehive is a gripping 1960s British detective mystery packed with vintage television nostalgia, suspense, humour and unexpected twists. Perfect for fans of classic crime fiction, cosy mysteries, radio drama, Poirot and The Thursday Murder Club.

A glamorous London television presenter. A deadly accident. Or the perfect murder? Your holiday audiobook from Spanish Practices.

When a visit to the exclusive Lady Dorothy Boutique Hair Salon ends with a daytime television star being electrocuted, private detectives Horace Finch and Violet Hart are drawn behind the bright lights of Metrovision, London's weekday television station.

Ruled by the charming cigar smoking Lord Arthur, Metrovision is a world of soaring egos, ruthless ambition and carefully guarded secrets. As the suspects multiply, Finch and Hart discover that everyone is performing a role... and someone is prepared to kill to protect the biggest secret of all.

The Shocking Beehive is a gripping 1960s British detective mystery packed with vintage television nostalgia, suspense, humour and unexpected twists. Perfect for fans of classic crime fiction, cosy mysteries, radio drama, Poirot and The Thursday Murder Club.

Production Note: The continuity announcer, Alistair Beauchamp-Smythe, is performed using AI voice technology. This has been disclosed in accordance with the transparency requirements of the EU AI Act.

What was life really like inside Franco's Spanish prisons?

As Busman's Holiday reached its dramatic conclusion, we step away from the beaches of the Costa del Sol and behind the walls of one of the darkest chapters in modern Spanish history.

In this special episode of Spanish Practices, we explore the harsh reality of Spanish prisons under General Franco's dictatorship. Discover how political prisoners and ordinary criminals were treated, the role of the Catholic Church inside the prison system, the brutal interrogation methods reported by former detainees, and the terrifying reality of facing the death penalty in Franco's Spain.

You'll also learn about the infamous garrote vil—Spain's historic method of capital punishment—and why tourists enjoying sunshine holidays in the 1960s rarely saw this hidden side of the country.

This episode provides historical context for the gripping finale of our audio drama, Busman's Holiday, and reveals the Spain that existed beyond the holiday brochures.

⚠️ Listener Discretion Advised: This episode contains historical descriptions of torture, prison conditions and capital punishment that some listeners may find distressing.

Spanish Practices – Real Life, Real Spain.

Spanish Practices is taking a short summer break, so enjoy another FREE audiobook from The Marlborough Court Mysteries.

In Busman's Holiday, Horace Finch, Violet Hart and Leslie Brown swap London's fog for the sunshine of Spain when a seemingly ordinary package holiday to Torremolinos takes an unexpected turn. Beneath the glamour of the Costa del Sol, espionage, murder and Anglo-Spanish secrets await, leading the trio from bustling beach resorts to the shadow of the Rock of Gibraltar.

Perfect for fans of classic British mysteries, 1960s travel nostalgia, vintage Spain and intelligent detective adventures.

Can Horace Finch solve the case before the holiday is over, or will this prove to be his first and most dangerous trip abroad?

Warning contains historical descriptions of executions.

Spanish Practices is taking a short summer break, so enjoy another FREE audiobook from The Marlborough Court Mysteries.

In Busman's Holiday, Horace Finch, Violet Hart and Leslie Brown swap London's fog for the sunshine of Spain when a seemingly ordinary package holiday to Torremolinos takes an unexpected turn. Beneath the glamour of the Costa del Sol, espionage, murder and Anglo-Spanish secrets await, leading the trio from bustling beach resorts to the shadow of the Rock of Gibraltar.

Perfect for fans of classic British mysteries, 1960s travel nostalgia, vintage Spain and intelligent detective adventures.

Can Horace Finch solve the case before the holiday is over, or will this prove to be his first and most dangerous trip abroad?

Spanish Practices is taking a short summer break, so enjoy another FREE audiobook from The Marlborough Court Mysteries.

In Busman's Holiday, Horace Finch, Violet Hart and Leslie Brown swap London's fog for the sunshine of Spain when a seemingly ordinary package holiday to Torremolinos takes an unexpected turn. Beneath the glamour of the Costa del Sol, espionage, murder and Anglo-Spanish secrets await, leading the trio from bustling beach resorts to the shadow of the Rock of Gibraltar.

Perfect for fans of classic British mysteries, 1960s travel nostalgia, vintage Spain and intelligent detective adventures.

Can Horace Finch solve the case before the holiday is over, or will this prove to be his first and most dangerous trip abroad?

Spanish Practices is taking a short summer break, so enjoy another FREE audiobook from The Marlborough Court Mysteries.

In Busman's Holiday, Horace Finch, Violet Hart and Leslie Brown swap London's fog for the sunshine of Spain when a seemingly ordinary package holiday to Torremolinos takes an unexpected turn. Beneath the glamour of the Costa del Sol, espionage, murder and Anglo-Spanish secrets await, leading the trio from bustling beach resorts to the shadow of the Rock of Gibraltar.

Perfect for fans of classic British mysteries, 1960s travel nostalgia, vintage Spain and intelligent detective adventures.

Can Horace Finch solve the case before the holiday is over, or will this prove to be his first and most dangerous trip abroad?

Spanish Practices is taking a short summer break, so enjoy another FREE audiobook from The Marlborough Court Mysteries.

In Busman's Holiday, Horace Finch, Violet Hart and Leslie Brown swap London's fog for the sunshine of Spain when a seemingly ordinary package holiday to Torremolinos takes an unexpected turn. Beneath the glamour of the Costa del Sol, espionage, murder and Anglo-Spanish secrets await, leading the trio from bustling beach resorts to the shadow of the Rock of Gibraltar.

Perfect for fans of classic British mysteries, 1960s travel nostalgia, vintage Spain and intelligent detective adventures.

Can Horace Finch solve the case before the holiday is over, or will this prove to be his first and most dangerous trip abroad?

Let me take you back sixty years to some of the first Package Holiday's to Spain, Malaga airport is nothing more than a terracotta roofed whitewashed building a rusty Pegaso coach takes you to your hotel, your bed is weirdly firm and breakfast is just coffe, rolls and jam. So much has changed. This is an introduction to another FREE Audiobook, while we take a little break, maybe walk across the non-existent border to Gibralter and get a meal deal from Morrisons.

This story is called Busman's Holiday and it starts this Wednesday for five sizzling episodes.

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.

Perfect for fans of classic British mysteries, vintage broadcasting and 1960s nostalgia.

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.

Perfect for fans of classic British mysteries, vintage broadcasting and 1960s nostalgia.

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.

Perfect for fans of classic British mysteries, vintage broadcasting and 1960s nostalgia.

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.

Perfect for fans of classic British mysteries, vintage broadcasting and 1960s nostalgia.

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.

Perfect for fans of classic British mysteries, vintage broadcasting and 1960s nostalgia.

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.

Perfect for fans of classic British mysteries, vintage broadcasting and 1960s nostalgia.

© 2026 Creative Radio Partnership Ltd. All rights reserved. The Marlborough Court Mysteries and all associated characters, stories and audio productions are the intellectual property of Creative Radio Partnership Ltd and may not be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form without prior written permission. Ai has been used to create artwork only. The plot, writing and audio recordings are all Hi (Human Intelligence)

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 storytelling, Cold War intrigue, hidden conspiracies and plenty of Swinging Sixties atmosphere.

Perfect listening by the pool, on the beach, or wherever your Spanish summer takes you. Normal Spanish Practices returns after the summer.

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 storytelling, Cold War intrigue, hidden conspiracies and plenty of Swinging Sixties atmosphere.

Perfect listening by the pool, on the beach, or wherever your Spanish summer takes you. Normal Spanish Practices returns after the summer.

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 storytelling, Cold War intrigue, hidden conspiracies and plenty of Swinging Sixties atmosphere.

Perfect listening by the pool, on the beach, or wherever your Spanish summer takes you. Normal Spanish Practices returns after the summer.

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 storytelling, Cold War intrigue, hidden conspiracies and plenty of Swinging Sixties atmosphere.

Perfect listening by the pool, on the beach, or wherever your Spanish summer takes you. Normal Spanish Practices returns after the summer.

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 storytelling, Cold War intrigue, hidden conspiracies and plenty of Swinging Sixties atmosphere.

Perfect listening by the pool, on the beach, or wherever your Spanish summer takes you. Normal Spanish Practices returns after the summer.

© 2026 Creative Radio Partnership Ltd. All rights reserved. The Marlborough Court Mysteries and all associated characters, stories and audio productions are the intellectual property of Creative Radio Partnership Ltd and may not be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form without prior written permission.

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 crime. Perfect listening by the pool, on the beach, or wherever your Spanish summer takes you.

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-6a3000a0-b39c-83eb-bd98-b67a98d786a1-3" data-turn-id-container= "request-6a3000a0-b39c-83eb-bd98-b67a98d786a1-3" data-testid= "conversation-turn-8" data-turn="assistant">

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't really return until autumn.

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 consumer rights on the Costa Tropical.

I also take a look at Spain's consumer protection systems, including the OMIC (Oficina Municipal de Información al Consumidor) and the famous Hoja de Reclamaciones, the official complaint form that every business is required to provide.

Along the way you'll hear tales of impossible refunds, luxury car dealerships, recalled water heaters, telephone contract nightmares and the mountains of paperwork that can appear when only a few euros are at stake.

A humorous look at what happens when Spanish bureaucracy meets everyday consumer problems—and how things may finally be changing for the better.

#Spain #SpanishLife #ConsumerRights #ExpatLifeSpain #CustomerService #OMIC #HojaDeReclamaciones #LivingInSpain #CostaTropical #SpanishPractices

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 famous black-and-white cow standing outside every ALE-HOP store and the seemingly magical Chinese bazaars that somehow stock absolutely everything.

Why has a family-owned business from Alicante become one of Spain's biggest retail success stories?

Who came up with the idea of putting a full-sized cow outside the front door?

And how did Chinese-owned stores become the place Spaniards turn to when they need a light bulb, a bucket, a birthday card or a garden hose during siesta time?

Along the way, I uncover the fascinating story of Chinese migration to Spain, why so many families chose entrepreneurship, and how these businesses became such an important part of everyday Spanish life.

Plus, I explain why a childhood encounter with a small shark permanently cured me of any desire to go sea fishing—and why I nevertheless found myself considering the purchase of fishing tackle in a Chinese bazaar.

It's a story of cows, commerce, immigration, entrepreneurship and the peculiar shopping habits we all develop after moving to Spain.

In this episode:

🐄 The surprising origins of ALE-HOP

🛍️ Why you never leave with only what you came in for

🇨🇳 The rise of Spain's Chinese bazaars

😴 How they became the heroes of siesta time

📈 The growth of Spain's Chinese community

🎣 The fish story that put me off sea fishing for life

And a question that still puzzles me:

How can one shop sell literally everything?

#Spain #SpanishLife #LivingInSpain #ALEHOP #ChineseBazaar #SpanishCulture #ExpatLife #SpainPodcast #CostaTropical #SpanishPractices #LifeInSpain #SpanishRetail #MovingToSpain #ExpatPodcast #SpainStories

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 played in Spanish religious identity, and the artistry involved in carving the perfect slice. Plus, I look at animal welfare, wine and cheese pairings, and why visitors to Spain are often astonished to find entire ham legs hanging in supermarket aisles.

A delicious journey through Spanish history, culture, food, and tradition.

#Spain #JamonIberico #SpanishFood #SpanishCulture #Trevélez #Andalucia #FoodHistory #SpanishPractices #SpainPodcast #Tapas #SpanishHam #LivingInSpain #ExpatLifeSpain #SpanishTraditions

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 sense in and around Barcelona, the legal risks buyers should understand, and the towns with strong transport links that are attracting attention as alternatives to the city centre.

Whether you're a property investor, Airbnb host, expat, or simply fascinated by Spain's changing tourism landscape, this episode explains what's happening and where the opportunities may lie next.

#Spain #Barcelona #Airbnb #PropertyInvestment #HolidayLets #SpanishProperty #Overtourism #ExpatLife #TravelSpain #RealEstateInvesting

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 discarded cigarette ends, this is a fascinating look at a habit Spain just can't seem to quit.

I also examine the bizarre hospital explosion in Torrevieja allegedly caused by a patient lighting a cigarette near his oxygen cylinder, along with other remarkable smoking-related incidents from across Spain.

Will Spain ever become smoke-free, or will cigarettes and cannabis remain part of Spanish life for generations to come?

#Spain #Marijuana #Cannabis #Smoking #SpanishLife #ExpatLife #TravelSpain #SpanishCulture #WeedInSpain #Health

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 explore the fascinating history of Spain's most famous rice dish, ask whether Paella is REALLY the national dish of Spain, reveal the secrets of authentic Valencian cooking, explain the battle between gas, induction and open-fire cooking, and uncover why Spaniards are fiercely protective of their beloved socarrat.

Plus: • What equipment you REALLY need for authentic Paella • How to spot terrible tourist Paella • The truth about seafood vs Valencian Paella • The best places in Spain to eat it • Why Jamie Oliver caused outrage in Spain

If you love Spanish food, cooking, travel and a bit of culinary controversy, this episode is for you.

#Paella #SpanishFood #Spain #Valencia #JamieOliver #MaryBerry #KeithFloyd #SpanishCooking #FoodPodcast #TravelSpain

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 why some visitors now avoid "Muggers Alley" altogether. Plus, why Benidorm Old Town offers a very different side of the Costa Blanca resort.

A fascinating and sometimes shocking look at one of Spain's most famous holiday destinations.

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 practical travel tips including the best time to visit, opening hours, how to travel from Port of Motril, and the truth about the Alhambra ticket scandal affecting tourists in 2026. Learn how to avoid fake ticket websites, secure access to the famous Nasrid Palaces and why booking early is essential.

Plus, I share a useful local tip about CaixaBank discounts and ATM ticket collection points in Andalucía.

If you are planning a trip to Granada, visiting Spain, arriving on a Mediterranean cruise, or simply love Spanish history, Moorish architecture and Andalusian culture, this episode is packed with advice and inspiration.

#Alhambra #Granada #SpainTravel #Andalucia #CostaTropical #SpanishPractices #NasridPalace #Generalife #MoorishSpain #TravelPodcast #VisitSpain #GranadaSpain #AlhambraTickets #SpanishHistory

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 why millions still return year after year.

An affectionate tribute to the legendary Wish You Were Here presenter Judith Chalmers who introduced generations of families to sunny Spain." RIP

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 research suggesting the Iberian Peninsula is slowly "twisting", and what life may have been like during one of the most terrifying days in Motril's history.

I also explain what to do during an earthquake, how emergency alerts work in Spain, and whether a major quake could strike the Costa Tropical again.

A mixture of history, geology, local stories and life in southern Spain.

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 Irish expats living in southern Spain?

I take a look at migration politics, "Spanish First" policies, housing pressures, rising public frustration over wages and affordability, and whether life could genuinely become tougher for foreign residents in Andalucía.

With Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez under pressure at home despite his strong international image, is Spain entering a new political era?

A must-listen episode for anyone living in Spain, planning to move to Andalucía, or worried about the future political climate for expats on the Costa del Sol and Costa Tropical.

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 Civil are doing to fight back. I also explore the positive side of the Costa Tropical — its history, tourism boom, beautiful beaches, and why Almuñécar remains one of southern Spain's most fascinating destinations.

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 characters in Spanish culture. Expect humour, Spanish history, literary chaos and plenty of dramatic guitar music.