I wanted a biscuit to enjoy with my coffee. But this week instead of heading to a supermarket for a run of the mill cookie, I went on a more mysterious shopping expedition to satiate my sweet fix. Yes, I went to see a nun. Well, actually not see, because like all nuns who bake beautiful biscuits and mouthwatering sweets, they're cloistered and hidden away in convents all across Spain, having taken a vow not to have contact with the outside world. Hear my religious biscuit buying experience in this episode, as I take us into Madrid's 'Convento de Corpus Christi de las Carboneras in the historic heart of old Hapsburg part of the capital.

It's a little tricky to find the anonymous wooden door. But once you're buzzed in, a series of corridors and courtyards lead you to a wooden serving hatch or 'tourno'. It's a curious transaction. The muffled voice of a nun, strained human interaction, the clank of the revolving hatch and then you escape back into the 'real' world with a box of biccies.

When I went, the nuns had run out of everything except 'Mantecados de Jerez'. Sherry wine shortbread dusted with sugar and with a hint of lemon. Yum!

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WHAT IS WHEN IN SPAIN?

The When in Spain show is a weekly podcast show, recorded in Madrid (and other parts of Spain) where l talk about my ‘warts and all’ observations and insights on life and culture on the Iberian peninsular.

I cast an eye on everyday life, people, places, politics, culture and history and attempt to give an honest opinion from a Brit who has a love-frustration relationship with Spain. I shall attempt to dispel or indeed confirm Spanish stereotypes through my ramblings and see if I can delve into the Spanish psyche.

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WHO THE HELL IS WHEN IN SPAIN?

I'm Paul Burge, former BBC journalist, Hispanophile and Manchego lover. A Brit, born in Oxford and living in Spain for almost 5 years. I currently live in the centre of Madrid.

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CONTACT [email protected]