Ah Spain!

Think mayonnaise is French? Think again! In this episode of Poco A Poco, we uncover its tasty Spanish backstory on the island of Menorca, where “mahonesa” was born during the 18th-century siege of Port Mahon. From classic mayonesa to its garlicky cousin alioli, we explore how these sauces became staples of Spanish kitchens and tapas tables. Join us for a fun dive into food history, regional twists, and the Spanish side of the world’s favorite condiment.

Raising kids in Spain might sound affordable, but hidden costs add up fast—especially in Valencia. We dive into the real price of schools, uniforms, field trips, tutors, and extracurriculars from fútbol to ballet (and even horse riding). Plus, we cover braces, birthday parties, babysitters, and those lifestyle extras that sneak up on families. From bargain rec-center gymnastics to orthodontics that rival a car payment, we share our surprises, laughs, and tips for budgeting smart as expat parents in Spain.

Madrid is a city packed with art, history, and more than 40 museums—but where do you even start? In this episode, we dive into Madrid’s famous “Golden Triangle of Art”: the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza, three world-class museums all within walking distance. From Velázquez and Goya to Picasso’s Guernica and Van Gogh’s vibrant masterpieces, these collections span over 700 years of creativity. But the art adventure doesn’t stop there—we’ll also share some of Madrid’s hidden gems, like the Costume Museum, the Naval Museum, and even the quirky Ratón Pérez. Whether you’ve got one day or a whole week, we’ll give you the strategy, pro tips, and fun facts to make the most of Madrid’s museum scene.

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 new adventure on the right foot.

Modern chess didn’t just appear out of thin air—it had a dramatic rebirth in 15th-century Valencia. Here, a slow, plodding game was supercharged with bold new moves, and the queen took center stage. In this episode of AH Spain Poco a Poco, we dive into how a city buzzing with Renaissance energy helped reinvent the game forever. It’s a story of poetry, power, and play that changed the way the world thinks about chess.

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.