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

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.

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

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.

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 what's driving their aggressive behaviour today. Plus, what you should do if you come face to face with one. If you live in Spain—or plan to visit—this is a story you need to hear.

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 staff shortages at Spanish airports and no plans to increase border control numbers, will these new systems really speed things up? And why is Spain expecting record tourism numbers despite global tensions that could impact aviation fuel and flights? A clear, slightly humorous look at post-Brexit travel, airport queues, and what it really means for Brits visiting sunny Spain. Follow Simon Calder here: TIKTOK

What is Calima — and why does it turn rain into mud in Spain? In this episode of Spanish Practices, we explore the Saharan dust storms that sweep across Spain, turning skies orange, coating homes in red grime, and impacting air quality. From the dramatic March 2022 "mega-Calima" to the strange reality of "mud rain," this is Spain's dirty little secret explained. Learn what causes Calima, the health risks, how to clean up afterwards, and why these dust events may be becoming more frequent.

A sweet, sticky, and slightly ridiculous history of Spanish desserts—featuring Romans, Moors, nuns, churros, and the iconic piononos of Granada. Like, follow and comment - it really helps this Podcast.

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