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

How to Weather the Storm: Spain, Floods, Drought and the New Normal - Expat Life in Andalusia

Spain is facing a new reality of extreme weather — from sudden flooding to the growing threat of summer drought. In this episode of Spanish Practices, I look at the recent storms affecting Spain, including Storm Leonardo and the approaching Storm Marta, and asks what these events tell us about climate change, infrastructure, and life in modern Spain. Reflecting on the legacy of the Valencia DANA floods, the episode explores how Spanish emergency services have improved their response to extreme weather, why many towns and cities struggle with storm drainage, and how Spain's historic relationship with water is being tested by today's climate. Why can Spain experience flooding in winter yet still face drought in summer — even with dams full to overflowing? How do other countries, such as Singapore, manage stormwater differently? And what long-term solutions could help Spain address its growing water challenges? Thoughtful, grounded, and ultimately hopeful, this episode looks at how Spain is learning to adapt — and how communities are learning to weather the storm.

Five Brain Goals for a Calmer, Healthier Life in Spain

What happens when you don't just move countries — but move brains? In this episode of Spanish Practices, I explore how moving to Spain quietly rewires your brain, especially if you arrive tired, overstimulated, and worn down by modern life. From walkable towns and Mediterranean food to better sleep, slower thinking, and everyday social connection, this episode shares five simple brain goals for anyone starting a new life in Spain — or dreaming of one. This isn't about optimisation, biohacking, or becoming a "better version" of yourself. It's about becoming more human again. You'll discover: Why daily walking in Spain beats gym culture for brain health How Spanish food rhythms calm your nervous system Why sleep is treated as infrastructure, not indulgence How language, history, and slowness build mental resilience Why frequent small social interactions matter more than deep friendships Perfect for expats in Spain, those planning to move to Spain, or anyone craving a slower, healthier, more connected life. Spain won't fix your brain — but it might give it the space to remember what it was built for. 🎧 Spanish Practices — understanding Spain, one lived experience at a time.

Lucius and the Stink of Rotting Fish, Expat life Spain

What did the Romans ever do for Almuñécar? Apart from inventing takeaway food, apartment living, public baths, complaining about politicians… and making the entire town smell like fermented fish. In this episode of Spanish Practices, we travel back to Roman Sexi (modern-day Almuñécar) to follow one entirely unremarkable man: Lucius. He is not a general, senator or emperor. He is a garum worker — which means his job is stirring rotting fish in the sun and smelling so bad even his own family stands upwind. Through Lucius's aching back, noisy apartment block, chaotic streets and daily visits to Roman "takeaways", we discover that ordinary life in Roman Spain looks suspiciously like expat life in modern Spain. People live in cramped flats. Neighbours argue loudly. Bureaucracy is baffling. Everyone eats out. The bars are noisy. The water is questionable. And everyone is convinced society is in decline. There are fish guts. There is urine-based laundry. There are public baths with better gossip than hygiene. There are gladiators, amphitheatres, dodgy wine, and a reminder that tourism is really just garum with better marketing. From Roman food factories to modern beachfront apartments, this episode explores how little the rhythm of Spanish life has changed in 2,000 years — and why Almuñécar has always known how to turn sunshine into a living. History, humour, and the unmistakable stink of fermented anchovies.

Spain is Full! Or: 97 Million Tourists and No One Can Find a Sun Bed!

Spain welcomed a record 97 million tourists — and now the country is bursting at the seams. In this episode, we look at failing infrastructure, overcrowded cities, and why Spain might need a breather in 2026. Plus: lesser-known regions to visit and better ways to experience Spain beyond beaches, booze, and burnout. Three Places, mentioned to visit: Extremadura  https://www.turismoextremadura.com/en/index.html Teruel  https://turismo.teruel.es/en/ Galicia - search interior https://www.turismo.gal/inicio/?langId=en_US  

The Adamuz Spanish Rail Crash - what happened and is it safe to travel by train in Spain? ExPat Life in Andalusia

A detailed investigation into the Adamuz train crash in Spain, examining what happened, what investigators believe caused the derailment, and the warnings about track defects raised before the tragedy. I explore the human stories behind the disaster, including the loss of 41 lives and the death of a 27-year-old train driver, and how families and communities were affected. Finally, we look at rail safety in Spain, public confidence in high-speed trains, and the questions this tragedy raises for travellers and authorities alike.