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

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

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

Written by: John Metson
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Living in Spain: real life, real stories, and real misadventures. After swapping a grand Victorian house in leafy Essex for a tiny flat in a wild Andalusian village, we've spent the last ten years navigating the joys, shocks and absurdities of life in Spain. I'm a former London radio producer (not a very good one). I once sacked Richard Hammond for not knowing enough about cars, was spectacularly rude to J.K. Rowling and threw away her early children's book, and told the man behind Amazon UK that nobody would ever buy books online. Then I ran away to Spain with my other half and our big ginger cat. This podcast explores expat life in Spain, Andalusian culture, Spanish traditions, village life, language mishaps, bureaucracy, food, fiestas, and what really happens when the holiday fantasy wears off. Along the way, there are tales from my radio days, occasional celebrity encounters, and reflections on starting again in midlife. Honest, funny, occasionally surreal — this is real life in Spain, with some events lightly fictionalised to protect the innocent (and the guilty).Copyright Creative Radio Partnership Ltd 2026 Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • The Biggest Mistake Visitors Make at the Alhambra in 2026

    The Biggest Mistake Visitors Make at the Alhambra in 2026
    May 27 2026

    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
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    13 mins
  • "Wish You Were Here" – From Prawn Cocktail Spain to Infinity Pools - Judith Chalmers

    "Wish You Were Here" – From Prawn Cocktail Spain to Infinity Pools - Judith Chalmers
    May 23 2026

    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
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    12 mins
  • Why does Granada keep shaking? The Hidden Fault Line beneath the Costa Tropical

    Why does Granada keep shaking? The Hidden Fault Line beneath the Costa Tropical
    May 23 2026

    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.
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    11 mins
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