Spanish Practices – Living in Spain: Real Life, Real Spain
John Metson, a former London radio producer, shares his real-life adventures after moving from a Victorian house in Essex to a tiny flat in an Andalusian village. He recounts his encounters with celebrities like Richard Hammond and J.K. Rowling, and offers a brash, colorful perspective on life in Spain. The podcast blends personal anecdotes with observations about Spanish culture, sometimes fictionalizing events for effect.
Episodes
FREE AudioBook - THE BUSMAN'S HOLIDAY - Episode 4 - A Bus Tale
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 aw
FREE AudioBook - THE BUSMAN'S HOLIDAY - Episode 3 - Liar Liar
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 aw
FREE AudioBook - THE BUSMAN'S HOLIDAY - Episode 2 - The Mijas Drop
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 aw
FREE AudioBook - THE BUSMAN'S HOLIDAY - Episode 1 - Sun Sea and Sir Basil
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 aw
Package Holidays, then and now! ExPat life in Spain Andalusia
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 n
FREE AudioBook - DEAD AIR - Episode 5 - The Finale
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. P
FREE AudioBook - DEAD AIR - Episode 4 - Roll Out The Barrel
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. P
FREE AudioBook - DEAD AIR - Episode 3 - A Tender Moment
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. P
FREE AudioBook - DEAD AIR - Episode 2 - You Hurt Me!
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. P
FREE AudioBook - DEAD AIR - Episode 1 - Tulipa from Amsterdam
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. P
FREE AudioBook - DEAD AIR - The Prologue
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. P
FREE AudioBook -The Vicar's Last Confession Episode 5 - The Finale
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 storyte
FREE AudioBook -The Vicar's Last Confession Episode 4
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 storyte
FREE AudioBook -The Vicar's Last Confession Episode 3
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 storyte
FREE AudioBook -The Vicar's Last Confession Episode 2
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 storyte
FREE AudioBook -The Vicar's Last Confession Episode 1
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 storyte
Sunshine, Secrets and Carnaby Street Sleuths
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 crim
The Great Spanish Summer Getaway
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 lif
The Customer Is Always Wrong in Spain? Tales of Fridges, Refunds and Red Tape
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 cons
Why Is There a Cow Outside Every ALE-HOP? And Who Owns Spain's Chinese Stores?
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 famou
In praise of ibérico ham - ExPat life in Spain
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 playe
Barcelona Is Killing Airbnb? Where Smart Holiday Let Investors Are Moving Next - Real ExPat Life - Real Spain
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 sens
Smoking in Spain: Cigarettes, Cannabis and Chaos
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 d
The Great Paella Scandal – Spain vs Jamie Oliver!
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
The Dark Side of Benidorm, Drugs, Muggings and Prostitution
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 w
The Biggest Mistake Visitors Make at the Alhambra in 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 pra
"Wish You Were Here" – From Prawn Cocktail Spain to Infinity Pools - Judith Chalmers
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 does Granada keep shaking? The Hidden Fault Line beneath the Costa Tropical
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
Spain Just Shifted Right… Should British Expats In Andalusia Be Worried? Special Edition
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
Drug Boats on the Costa Tropical - Why smugglers are moving further along Spain's Coast
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 Ci
Don Quixote - Spain's First Soap Opera - ExPat life in Andalusia
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 cha
In Praise of Spanish Cooking and an encounter with three celebrity chefs
In this episode of Spanish Practices, I explore how authentic Spanish cooking really is when it passes through the hands of celebrity chefs. From Keith Floyd's unexpected take on Gambas al Ajillo, to Mary Berry's "Smoky Spanish Hot Pot," and Jamie Oliver's version of Crema Catalana, I compare their recipes with the real flavours of Spain. Along the way, I share some behind-the-scenes encounters, a
Killer Wild Pigs of Spain - ExPat life in Andalusia
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
Spain's Super El Niño Summer - how hot is it getting? ExPat life in Andalusia
Spain is heating up—fast. In this episode, I explore the growing risk of a Super El Niño summer and what it could mean for life, travel, and extreme heat in Spain. With record-breaking temperatures, longer heatwaves, and rising night-time heat, is this the new normal? Plus, the best times to visit Spain—and practical tips to survive the summer like the locals. 🌞
New Spain Travel Rules: What British Visitors Need to Know in 2026
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
USA Drops Nuclear Bombs Over Spain
Four nuclear bombs. One small Spanish village. In 1966, disaster fell from the sky over Palomares. From fear and secrecy under Franco to a missing bomb in the Mediterranean, this episode of Spanish Practices uncovers the human impact of a Cold War accident that still lingers today.
Spain's Dirty Little Secret – The filthy red dust from above
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 healt
Spain to Legalise 500,000 Workers – What It Means for Expats, Jobs & the Economy
Spain is set to regularise up to 500,000 undocumented people living here and possibly working under the radar — but is this really a bold new move, or just Spain being Spain? In this episode of Spanish Practices, we take a light, positive look at Spain's plan to bring hundreds of thousands of people out of the shadows and into the official system. These workers are already living, some illegally w
"A Brief, Sticky History of Spain's Sweet Tooth" ExPat Life in Spain
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.
Can you REALLY just park up and live in Spain in a motorhome? 🚐☀️
It sounds like the ultimate loophole… no rent, no paperwork, just sunshine and sea views. But is van life in Spain actually legal—or are you one knock from the Guardia Civil away from a fine? In this episode of Spanish Practices, I dive into the booming world of motorhome living across Spain. From Costa beach dreams to car park reality, we uncover the truth about parking vs camping laws, post-Brex
In Praise of Mercadona (…and that Jingle You Can't Escape) ExPat life in Spain
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 pla
"Easter: Sackcloth vs Chocolate" ExPat life in Spain
Why does Easter in Spain feel like a powerful historical drama, while in the UK it's closer to a chocolate-fuelled long weekend? In this episode of Spanish Practices, we compare the deeply traditional Semana Santa celebrations of Spain — with solemn processions, penitents, and powerful depictions of the crucifixion — against the more light-hearted British Easter of chocolate eggs, hot cross buns,
Spain Is a Doughnut: Empty Spain, Rural Exodus & Why Everyone Lives on the Coast
Why does Spain look like a doughnut on the map? In this episode of Spanish Practices, we take a slightly sarcastic (and surprisingly informative) deep dive into "Empty Spain" (España vaciada) — the vast, sparsely populated interior where villages are disappearing, schools are closing, and the local bar might be the only sign of life. Meanwhile, the coasts and major cities are bursting at the seams
How Brits Can Still Move to Spain (Yes, Even After Brexit)
Can Brits still move to Spain after Brexit? In this episode of Spanish Practices, I will break down exactly how UK citizens can live, retire, and even work in Spain in 2026. From the 90-day rule and visa requirements to the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) and Digital Nomad Visa, we explain the process in a clear, practical (and humorous) way. We also cover key essentials like the TIE card vs NIE number (
Why Spain Loves Octopus: In Praise of Pulpo
Octopus is one of Spain's most iconic foods—but should we really be eating such an intelligent creature? In this episode of Spanish Practices, we celebrate Spain's love affair with pulpo, from the famous Pulpo a la Gallega of Galicia to the dramatic open-fire octopus cooking traditions of Andalusia. Along the way we explore the surprising intelligence of octopus, their problem-solving abilities, t
Barcelona's Sagrada Família: The Church That Never Ends
What happened to the Sagrada Família after the death of Antoni Gaudí in 1926? In this episode of Spanish Practices, we follow the emotional story of two generations of builders in Barcelona — a young technical assistant who witnesses the destruction of Gaudí's workshop during the Spanish Civil War, and his son who helps rebuild the dream decades later. A moving, human story about patience, genius,
Spain Digital Nomad Visa 2026 – Tax, Residency & Why Spain Is the #1 Remote Work Destination
In this episode of Spanish Practices, I unpack the reality behind the headlines: the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, the income requirements, the infamous 183-day tax rule, the Beckham Law 24% flat tax regime, social security, IVA, and what nobody tells you about Spanish bureaucracy. We explore the best places to base yourself — from Málaga's Costa del Sol tech scene to Barcelona's creative buzz, Valenc
Spain in 10 Minutes: A Funny, Human History of Empires, Invasions & Survival
Can you really explain the history of Spain in just ten minutes… without starting a civil war at the dinner table? In this fast-paced, witty episode of Spanish Practices, I skip the dusty timelines and heroic statues and follow the ordinary people who didn't choose history — but got trampled by it anyway. From Iberian goat farmers in ancient Sagunto to Roman toga cleaners ankle-deep in ammonia… Fr
Six Houses a Minute: Inside Spain's Property Boom and the Rise of Cash Buyers
Spain is currently selling around six homes a minute — and nearly a third are bought in cash. So what's really driving Spain's property boom? In this episode of Spanish Practices, I take a wry, clear-eyed look at the Spanish real estate market in 2026: foreign buyers, remote workers, coastal hotspots like the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca, rising prices in Madrid and Barcelona, and the growing pr
A River of Blood the shocking story of Spain's Most Beautiful Village
Frigiliana is often called Spain's most beautiful village — a maze of whitewashed streets, Moorish architecture and sun-drenched terraces above the Costa del Sol. But beneath its postcard perfection lies one of the bloodiest chapters in Andalusian history. In this episode of Spanish Practices, I uncover the brutal 1569 Battle of El Peñón, when Christian forces crushed a Morisco rebellion in a sieg
