Episode 24: Expat Christmas in Spain

Living in Spain is a great way to learn Spanish, but knowing the words and understanding how people actually use them are two very different things! This week, Catherine and Paul look at the everyday expressions, slang and little filler words that can make all the difference. They get into the tone behind certain phrases and how the strength of a swear word can change from language to language! Whether you’re new to Spain or have been here for years, you’re bound to pick up something useful!If you enjoy the episode, don't forget to subscribe and share it with someone who is thinking about moving to Spain or already calls Spain home. Here is our referral link for Lobster: ⁠⁠⁠Referral | Lobster⁠⁠⁠ And finally here is the link to our Facebook Group! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠(2) Spainfully Honest Community | Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠

What happens when a Canadian food creator brings his own ideas to Spanish cuisine? In this episode of Spainfully Honest, we chat with Dre Pao, better known as the Paella King, about food, creativity and making a life in Murcia. Dre shares how he went from creating food content on social media to experimenting with Spanish dishes, earning a nickname that has sparked plenty of conversation along the way. We talk about his unconventional paella recipes, the backlash that can come with doing things differently, and his experience on MasterChef Canada. We also get into what it's like building a life in Spain, learning the language, cultural differences and finding your place in a new community. Dre shares some of his favourite local food discoveries in Murcia, his plans for the future and his advice for anyone thinking about moving to Spain. If you love Spanish food, enjoy seeing traditional recipes given a new twist, or are curious about what it takes to build a life doing what you love in Spain, this one's for you. Check out Dre Pao's content on the following links:Dre Pao - 🇨🇦 Foodie in Spain (@drepaoofficial) | TikTokInstagramDre Pao Official Website If you enjoy the episode, don't forget to subscribe and share it with someone who is thinking about moving to Spain or already calls Spain home. Here is our referral link for Lobster: ⁠⁠Referral | Lobster⁠⁠

Thinking about moving to Spain and feeling slightly overwhelmed by the paperwork? You’re definitely not alone. In this episode of Spainfully Honest, we’re joined by Alba Fernandez, a sworn translator who specialises in Spanish visas and immigration documents. Alba takes us through some of the most common mistakes people make when preparing their visa applications, from getting documents legalised incorrectly to ordering translations they don’t actually need. We also talk about document validity, police certificates, bank statements and why leaving everything until the last minute can cause serious problems. We also clear up some of the confusion around sworn, certified and notarised translations, and look at some of the visa advice doing the rounds online that isn’t necessarily as straightforward as it sounds. And importantly, Alba explains where the role of a sworn translator ends. While they can help make sure your documents are correctly translated, they cannot decide whether you are eligible for a particular Spanish visa or immigration route. If you would like to contact Alba directly here are the details: Alba Fernández Carrasco Sworn English-Spanish Translator Email: [email protected] Phone / WhatsApp: +34 645 654 998 Website: https://www.sworntranslationspain.com If you enjoy the episode, don't forget to subscribe and share it with someone who is thinking about moving to Spain or already calls Spain home.Here is our referral link for Lobster: ⁠Referral | Lobster⁠ And finally here is the link to our Facebook Group! ⁠⁠⁠⁠(2) Spainfully Honest Community | Facebook⁠⁠

Autumn doesn't always mean crisp mornings and jumpers in Spain. In many parts of the country, September and October can still feel very much like summer, while the evenings start to cool down and the seasons slowly change. In this episode of Spainfully Honest, we talk about what autumn is really like in Spain, based on our own experiences of more than 50 years of living here between us. We also talk about some of the dates to remember during the autumn, including Spain's National Day, All Saints' Day, Constitution Day and the Immaculate Conception. So if you're wondering what happens in Spain once the summer crowds start to disappear, come along with us as we head from beach days and chiringuitos towards chestnuts, stews and the first signs of winter. No hype, no horror stories for clicks. Just our honest experiences of life in Spain. If you enjoy the episode, don't forget to subscribe and share it with someone who is thinking about moving to Spain or already calls Spain home.

This week on Spainfully Honest we're talking to Claudia, a former immigration officer and founder of The Expat Suite, who shares her insider knowledge on Spanish immigration, visas and some of the paperwork that comes with living in Spain. We get into some of the questions that regularly come up for expats, including the difference between an NIE and a TIE, whether you can apply for an NIE before your visa is approved, and what happens if your visa or residency situation changes. Claudia also explains some of the everyday admin that can leave you scratching your head, from digital certificates and Cl@ve to empadronamiento, the volante and the padrón certificate. We also look at some of the residence options that can be applied for from Spain, including routes for highly qualified professionals, digital nomads and entrepreneurs, and talk about what “administrative silence” actually means. And because living in Spain isn't just about getting the paperwork sorted, we chat about learning the language, integrating and avoiding the isolation that can come with living somewhere without feeling fully connected to it. There are plenty of practical tips in this one, for people thinking about moving to Spain, who are in the middle of the process or who have been here for years and are still trying to work out what piece of paper you actually need.