In this episode at least two reasons among many why we left our leafy Essex town and beautiful four bedroomed bay-fronted Edwardian House and ran off to sunny Spain.

So to the ghosts two arrive from my past. One is a, to be, famous children's author to whom I was spectacularly rude, after which I threw away the first edition of her book about a boy who didn't know he was a wizard.

The other is a man who once started a little online bookshop with a ridiculous name, well I thought it was when they launched in the UK — Amazon — though confusingly, his name was, I think Jeff, not Amazon.

Is the new and mandatory in Spain from the start of 2026, Beacon a Beacon of safety or a silly dim flashing light that tracks your car to the Government?

Yes its the controversial V16 Beacon that we have all had to buy, or rather try to buy, amongst the Temu rip offs that aren't a certified beacon. Is it a major step forward in road safety.. Let's find out.

In this episode I am talking about Christmas.

I'm going to look at British Christmas versus Spanish Christmas, and then zoom out to see where Spain quietly shares traditions with the rest of the world… often in surprising ways.

So pop the kettle on, pour a glass of Spanish sherry — depending on which country you emotionally identify with today — and let's dive in.

In this short episode a clear, realistic, non-salesy view of where the smart money is going in Spain in 2025–2030—and whether property is still the best bet.

I am not a Financial Expert, do not take this episode as any kind of financial advice. I have collated together trends and data from financial institutions, banks and financial companies.

Spain's GDP grew by 3.5% in 2024 and is forecasted to grow by 2.9% in 2025.

The growth is being driven by strong domestic demand, particularly household consumption and investment, which is outpacing the euro area.

Is this the time to invest in Spain?

From Mosiquitos to spiders and snakes, there is something lurking or flying around here in Spain that has you on their lunch menu.

How to cope with those tiny assassins and avoid being bitten or worse is what this episode is all about.

This is our real life, in real Spain. Ten years of adventures since swapping our glorious Victorian House in leafy Essex for a tiny flat in a wild Andalusian village. I was once a Radio Producer in London, not a great one.

Feel free to comment, like and of course follow - it really helps the show.

If you've ever stubbed your toe in Spain, you'll know that the locals don't just swear — they stage a one-man opera of profanity. Spanish swearing is a glorious symphony of blasphemy, body parts, and creative bowel movements.

There are a lot of rude words in the episode so please, if you are easily offended, scroll on to the next episode.

Franco was responsible for the "Spanish Miracle," in a recent survey 21 % of Spaniards said that the years of Francisco Franco's rule - 1939 to 1975 were "good" or "very good."

Is Spain yearning to return to a time when one person possesses absolute power here in this country?

Real Life - Real Spain

What kind and how many people are living under the wire, classed as "irregular" without paperwork living here in Spain.

How does Spain treat the nomads, the minorities and the people who come here without any money or housing?

This is our real life, in real Spain. Ten years of adventures since swapping our glorious Victorian House in leafy Essex for a tiny flat in a wild Andalusian village. I was once a Radio Producer in London, not a great one.

Feel free to comment, like and of course follow - it really helps the show.