Ah Spain!

In this episode of Ah, Spain, Tania and Gaetano share how they spent the summer of ’25, traveling with their families (and one with a dog in tow!) through Andalucía, Tarragona, Zaragoza, and Montpellier. One went south by train for a relaxed Andalusian adventure, while the other packed into the car for a road trip across Spain and into France. Along the way, there were siestas and pastries, grand monuments and quiet towns, smooth moments and a few surprises. It’s a lighthearted look at summer rhythms, family travels, and the little lessons that come from exploring familiar places in new ways.

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.

Thinking about moving to Spain with kids? Or just curious how schools work here? In this episode, we untangle the quirks of Spanish education—from public, private, and concertado schools to uniforms, buses, lunches, and why math suddenly looks like it came from another planet.

We share what surprised us most (the good, the confusing, and the “wait… what?!”), plus tips on navigating new approaches to learning, extracurriculars, and even where to score school supplies. Whether you’re gearing up for one year abroad or hoping your child leaves fluent in Spanish and fractions, we’ve got you covered.

In this episode, we step inside one of Madrid’s most dazzling landmarks — the Royal Palace. We take a leisurely stroll through its history, from its 18th-century beginnings to the role it plays today, and explore some of its most impressive architectural details. Along the way we highlight a few of the palace’s most striking rooms and features, and share why this monumental building continues to be such a centerpiece of Spanish culture. It’s history, grandeur, and a dash of cheek — all served up poco a poco.

In this episode of Ah... Spain!, we chat about the joys and quirks of Spanish healthcare — from the mysterious SIP card to why so many expats end up juggling both the public and private systems. We compare our experiences with US insurance to Spain’s surprisingly affordable coverage, explain why “just go to urgencias” is often the go-to advice, and share tips on navigating GPs, specialists, and that DIY approach to preventive care. Along the way, we cover pharmacies (where meds are so cheap it feels like a scam), the oddities of dental and vision care, vaccines, mental health access, and the cultural differences that mean you’ll probably need Google Translate and a little patience. If you’re an expat wondering how healthcare here actually works, consider this your reassuring — and humorous — guide to why Spain’s system really isn’t so scary after all.

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 behind the myth.

In this lively episode of Ah... Spain!, Tania and Gaetano take you on a tour through 20 colorful Spanish proverbs — expressions packed with wit, wisdom, and a touch of mischief. You’ll learn why dressing a monkey in silk doesn’t change much (la mona, aunque se vista de seda, mona se queda), what shoemakers should stick to (zapatero, a tus zapatos), and how centuries-old sayings still shape conversations in modern Spain.

We share each proverb’s literal translation so you can enjoy the quirky imagery, as well as the real meaning so you’ll know when (and when not!) to use it. You’ll also find out which ones are our personal favorites, and why some make us laugh while others feel surprisingly profound.

In this episode of Ah Spain! Poco a Poco, we take a flavorful journey through the world of Spanish cheeses. We explore the basics—from the fresh, soft tiernas to the rich, aged curados—and touch on how different regions shape their unique styles. It’s the perfect primer for cheese lovers and curious listeners alike, setting the stage for deeper dives into individual cheeses in future episodes.