Showing titles in Travel Writing & Commentary

Step into Valencia’s Jardins del Real (aka Viveros) and prepare to look at this peaceful park very differently. In this Ah Spain Podcast: Poco a Poco episode, we dig beneath the orange trees to uncover a forgotten royal palace, Islamic gardens, and a 600-year power center hiding in plain sight. From Moorish orchards and medieval monarchs to Napoleonic destruction and modern archaeology, this episode also explores Valencia’s tug-of-war between history and progress. Expect surprising twists and buried secrets! Follow us on: ahspain.com https://www.youtube.com/@AhSpainPodcast https://...

Hi, we are Tania and Gaetano... two foreigners raising families here in Spain. We are sharing our joys and missteps of this amazing experience!

How much does it really cost to live in Spain? In this episode of Ah Spain!, we get into the nitty-gritty of our monthly expenses as we navigate daily life in the sun-drenched city of Valencia. We’re pulling back the curtain on our budget and walking you through exactly what it costs for two people to live here — from rent and utilities to groceries, public transport, and spontaneous café con leche breaks that turn into three-hour people-watching sessions. We break down how much you can expect to pay for housing, what is the cost of healthcare for expats, and why your electricity bill ...

Spain’s soups are more than just gazpacho. In this episode of Poco A Poco, we travel through Spain’s regions, exploring how history, climate, and humble ingredients shaped beloved dishes—from Andalusia’s chilled gazpacho and Córdoba’s creamy salmorejo to Galicia’s hearty caldo gallego, Castilla y León’s garlicky sopa castellana, and Asturias’ legendary fabada. Discover the ancient roots, cultural traditions, and flavors that make Spanish soups symbols of comfort and identity.

Support this show: https://cm0t5h4lp02xq01u956bbdgje.firstory.io/join Leave a comment and share your thoughts: https://open.firstory.me/user/cm0t5h4lp02xq01u956bbdgje/comments 《#就是i愛雜學 | #JustiLuv Philomath》不僅是是一個Podcast，更是一個屬於你的知識冒險空間！🌍 🚀加入【實踐家方案】人生底氣成長導航系統 ⚓️👉 [https://iluvsmile.firstory.io/join] ☕️ 請 #i愛微笑 喝杯咖啡 😉 價格隨你心意 👉[https://iluvsmile.firstory.io/join] 💞 #知識無界，#但你的時間有限。我負責挖掘那 1% 的冷門顯學，...

In this episode of Ah, Spain: Poco a Poco, we explore the deep connection between Ernest Hemingway and the country that captured his heart. From the sun-drenched streets of Pamplona to the cafes of Valencia, Hemingway immersed himself in Spanish traditions, bullfighting culture, and the rhythms of everyday life. We trace how Spain shaped his writing, from The Sun Also Rises to For Whom the Bell Tolls, and how his romantic yet unflinching gaze helped define Spain for readers around the world. Along the way, we’ll share stories, historical context, and a few surprising tidbits about the man ...

Flamenco takes center stage in today’s episode. Learn about the origins of flamenco in Andalusia, shaped by Romani, Moorish, Jewish, and Andalusian influences, and how it developed into a deeply expressive art form. A symbol of Spanish identity, flamenco is more than music—it's raw emotion, rhythm, and resistance. We unpack the history, passion, and cultural fusion behind cante (song), toque (guitar), and baile (dance), tracing flamenco’s journey from the margins to the global stage. Whether you're a lover of Spanish music, fascinated by cultural traditions, or just curious about the ...

Most tour operators know they need to stand out. Very few are willing to say something specific enough to actually do it.Yulia Denisyuk has been running trips to Jordan for a decade — longer than the industry standard, slower than most, and deliberately missing a few of the highlights that appear on every other operator's itinerary. She's also a journalist, a content creator, and someone who has watched the travel industry cheerfully market itself through some genuinely difficult years. She and Mitch don't spend much time on tactics. They spend most of this conversation on the harder ...

In this Poco A Poco episode, we’re talking about Valencia’s Turia Garden—once an unpredictable, wandering riverbed, now a lush 9-kilometer park that snakes through the heart of the city. Along the way, you’ll pass playgrounds, bike paths, shady palms, the City of Arts and Sciences, the Palau de la Música, and even a giant Gulliver you can climb on. Discover how a devastating flood led to a bold transformation, and why locals still affectionately call it “the river.” It’s a story of resilience, reinvention, and a little Valencian pride.

In Spain, grocery shopping is like visiting different friends. One chain is where you go for the best bread, another for the freshest produce, and another for that one snack you can’t find anywhere else. In this episode of Ah Spain, we unpack the charming quirks of Spanish supermarkets—from oddly specific aisle layouts to the unspoken rule that one store can never have everything. Expect tales of crossing town just for your favorite salsa, discovering random gourmet treasures, and laughing about how eggs are never where you expect them to be. Along the way, we compare notes on our most ...

Get ready for a sizzling new Ah Spain Podcast: Perspectivas episode as we sit down with Kenneth, an Argentinian expat and owner of the specialty beef boutique Bistec Valencia. We learn about his journey from Argentina to Spain, what it takes to open a business in Valencia, and how he navigated spanish bureaucracy. If you too have the entrepreneurial spirit this might just be the episode for you! Kenneth shares the highs, hurdles, and rewards of building a boutique food business abroad, plus insights for EU and non-EU dreamers eyeing Spain. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to turn a ...

We dive into the bold, flavorful world of Spanish beverages. From the daily rituals of Spanish coffee culture to the party-ready cocktails that define summer in Spain, this episode is a fun, honest, and slightly boozy tour through how Spain really does drinks. We explore the fiery and popular Valencian cremaet, compare café solo, cortado, and other local coffee favorites, and unpack the difference between Tinto de Verano and sangria (spoiler: we have opinions). We also get into Agua de Valencia—a sparkling citrus cocktail that’s as strong as it is celebratory—and laugh over the ...

In this episode of Ah, Spain: Poco a Poco, we explore one of Spain’s most exciting cultural and commercial traditions: Rebajas, the official Spanish sales seasons that happen every winter and summer. From the history of Rebajas in Spain to what’s typically on sale — including fashion, electronics, home goods, and more — we cover everything you need to know about these popular Spanish shopping events. Discover how Spanish retailers and shoppers prepare for Rebajas, when to find the best discounts, and how this tradition reflects Spanish lifestyle and culture. Whether you’re planning a...

Today we take you through the real process of preparing our kids for the big move to Spain, and easing the transition once we arrived! From discussing the decision with them and calming their nerves to making sure they were excited about starting life in a new country, we share how we got everyone on board for this family adventure. Did we visit first? How did we get our friends, extended family, and even teachers on board to support our kids for the unknown? Tune in as we talk about the ups and downs of getting our little ones (and ourselves!) ready for life in Spain. Plus, hear about how ...

Alice Gully of Aardvark Safaris takes a journey back in time to São Tomé and Príncipe. Music: © Barney & Izzi Hardy

In this lively and entertaining episode of Ah Spain!, Tania and Gaetano dive into 10 quirky Spanish superstitions that are still alive and well across the country today. From lucky grapes at New Year’s to the mysterious powers of Tuesday the 13th, they explore the strange, surprising, and sometimes hilarious ways superstition is woven into everyday Spanish life. You’ll laugh, learn, and maybe even start to question your own daily rituals. More than just a list, this episode offers cultural context, personal anecdotes, and a fun conversation that brings each superstition to life. Whether ...

Thinking about moving abroad? In this episode, we break down the top 10 things you need to do before making the big move to Spain. From sorting out visas and healthcare to downsizing your belongings, planning finances, and finding the right housing, we’ll cover the essential steps to make your transition smoother and less stressful. We also talk about preparing emotionally, building a support network, and understanding local culture so you can settle in with confidence. Whether you’re moving solo, with family, or even with pets, these tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and start your...

Ginevra ci aveva procurato tutti i piaceri che può offrire una domenica trascorsa in un paese protestante: una passeggiata sul lago, un meraviglioso tramonto sul Monte Bianco, diventato tutto rosa come la Sierra Nevada di Granada, vista di sera dal salon dell’Alameda, e un incantevole spettacolo forense sotto begli alberi e un cielo stellato. Non ci restava altro che partire. Dapprima avevamo voluto viaggiare con un vetturino, non fosse altro che per vedere se il vetturino della “Chasse au Chastre” fosse ugualmente scrupoloso; ma fortunatamente ci chiesero dei prezzi così esorbitanti...

We are taking a break from all the Fallas chaos to talk about the weather on the Mediterranean coast. They lied in the brochures, its not sunny 365 days a year! Dare we say it, but there may even be four seasons here, ok three... We aren't complaining, just observing so you will remember to pack a sweater or two. Follow us on: ahspain.com https://www.youtube.com/@AhSpainPodcast https://www.instagram.com/ahspainpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/ahspainpodcast/ Loving our show as much as we do? You can help us create more content like this by supporting us on Ko-fi at https://ko-fi.com/...

A single moment can erase a whole future and leave a family doing math with memories. I’m Lizzette Perez, and this week I have two friends with me that share a story, that’s heavy but necessary: two mothers, two sons, two different states, and the same ending. Natasha Betancourt my childhood best friend (From The Bronx, in NYC) opens up about losing her son Nicholas Vargas Jr. to gun violence in New York. Erica O’Brien (originally from the Bronx, now in Orlando) shares how she moved to Florida to give her son Phil a better life, and still lost him to gun violence in Florida. If you’...