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Spain Info

Helping You To Get The Most Out Of Your Visit To Spain

This Spain Info section is the place where I write articles on aspects of the country that don't really fit anywhere else. As usual it's 'Work in Progress' but I intend to to take a closer look at the Spanish people - what they're like, why they're like they are and some of the wonderful things they do.

I'm sure I'll include some tourist information as well, but let's see how it goes!

In This Section

Recommended Books

Obviously, a Spain Info section gives me the chance to tell you about the books, CDs and DVDs that I have enjoyed over the last 20 years. I'll be making lots of recommendations and I can promise that I've read, listened to or watched them all - Spanish culture is truly amazing!

My first recommendation is John Hooper's 'The New Spaniards' - it influenced my thinking 20 years ago and remains a masterpiece. It will really help you understand why Modern Spain is the way it is.

John Hooper's 'The New Spaniards' is quite simply one of the greatest books ever written about the Spanish people. Hooper was a journalist in Madrid during the time of Spain's Transition to Democracy - he writes with profound insight and his love and understanding of Spain and its people shines through. This was one of the first books I read when I arrived here and I've read every new edition since. Obviously new information has been added but the book still focuses on that defining moment when Spain turned its back on its recent past and became the modern vibrant progressive country that it is today.

You can get the 2006 edition on Amazon.co.uk by clicking on the picture. Non-Europeans should CLICK HERE FOR AMAZON.COM

Physical Features

One of the things I most love about Spain is its harshness - the mind-numbing brightness of the sun, the way a lovely day can go completely black and bring a torrential downpour in a matter of seconds, the jagged edges of the mountains, the stark contrast between land and sea, the change from greenery to semi-desert over the brow of a hill.

It's beautiful, inspiring but yet somehow disquietening - and I'm convinced that Spain's geography and climate have influence the character of the Spaniards - open yet blunt, kind but also cruel, intelligent and intellectual but sometimes so downright dumb.

It's been a pleasure and a privilege to live amongst without being considered different these last 20 years, so when I describe the physical features of the land or the climate, I will also comment on how I feel it might affect the psychology of the people.

I really hope I don't offend anyone - it's not my intention.

Spanish Culture

Apart from when I look at my wife and daughter, my soul knows that I am in love with Spain when I read its books, catch the Arabic lilt of its music or stare into the deep light of its paintings.

Spanish culture is something I am passionate about and I have not ceased to read or listen or visit art galleries since I've been here. I have to admit that I'm not much of a film buff but my wife normally drags me along when a new film comes out, so I've got plenty to say.

I'd better be careful - you might start thinking I'm not a typical football fan. I wouldn't be if this was England but Spain is different!

Tourist Information

If you are travelling to another country, it's pretty obvious that things are not going to be just like back home. It seems that tourists are increasingly aware of this but I suspect that many visiting football fans have some catching up to do.

As this Spain Info section develops, I intend to cover the essentials - how things are done in Spain, things to watch out for, what to do if something goes wrong, who to contact and where to get help.

I Couldn't Resist . . .

As I mention in other parts of the site, I've got two real passions - football and music. When I was back in England it was Nottingham Forest and The Clash.

These days football-wise it's definitely Barça. I don't think any band ever will come close to The Clash but there are some Spanish bands that - for me, at least - come very close.

My favourite Spanish band of all time is El Último de la Fila (The Last in Line). Led by two stroppy Catalans - Manolo García, who was born a couple of streets away from my wife in Poblenou, Barcelona and Quimi Portet, who I met a couple times when I used to spend a lot of weekends in Vic (my favourite little town in Catalonia).

I love them so much because it's rock but it's so Spanish - those Arabic nuances and punky ethics couldn't have been produced anywhere else. The words are always brilliant - incisive, intelligent, critical of everything that's mundane in the world. And the videos! Well have a look for yourself - they're irreverant, surreal and a little bit art school. They make me laugh and I love 'em.

The first track is 'Llanto de Pasión' - 'Cry of Passion'

ENJOY!!!!

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