Quick simple traditional Andalusian recipes to tantalize the tastebuds — As the weather warms up, there is nothing more refreshing than a cold creamy soup to cool the cockles. Gazpacho, perhaps the most famous of the Spanish chilled soups, is a popular summer go to, but its lesser-known siblings are just as delicious and certainly worth the little effort involved. …

A pilgrimage to the Queen of the Marshes. — British writer and Hispanophile, Gerald Brenan wrote an enthusiastic letter to his friend Ralph Partridge in 1958 about his recent adventure at the El Rocio festival. He gushed: “And now I must really sit down and write you an account of the Romeria of the Virgen del Rocio, the Virgin…

The food and festivities of Madrid’s patron saint. — If you’re planning a trip to Madrid in mid-May, you’ll find yourself in the midst of the Comunidad’s patron saint fiestas, San Isidro Labrador. To clear up any confusion about the canine sounding name, the verb “labrar” means “to work the land”. …

My 4 favourite vlogs that inspire only positivity. — Anyone who’s ever scrolled through the comment section on Twitter, You Tube or Facebook knows that there are some angry, misguided and borderline psychotics out there. Which is why it’s refreshing to come across channels and accounts that seem to attract and bring out the best in people. …

The Top Ten Traditions Listed by UNESCO — Most people have heard of the Cultural Heritage Sites of UNESCO that are protected for having historical, cultural, natural, or scientific significance and value to humanity. Sites in Spain include the Alhambra, Burgos Cathedral, the Caves of Altamira, Doñana National Park, and many more. …

A brief respite from working, in the form of a 300-word whinge. — I’d always imagined the process of writing to be like speeding down an Italian coastal road in a convertible, hair flying in the wind, sun shining on my face. But it’s actually more like trying to drive a beat up manual (stick shift for any US readers) with an oil…

Penance, Piety (and Party!) of the Passion of Christ — Once the whiff of pagan smoke from the Fallas Festival has cleared and the feathers and sequins of Carnival have been hosed down the drains, Spain once again throws itself into party mode with renewed fervour. …

White man’s introduction to native food in Australia. — The first settlers landed in Australia in 1788 and were met with an awe-inspiring and rather frightening cacophony of birdsong, cloying heat and giant hopping rats the size of a small man. …

A Flaming Fiesta of Art, Colour, Noise and Fire — My first introduction to Spain in the late 90s was getting off the train at Barcelona and immediately having my wallet lifted from my coat pocket. The city was dusty and the hostel where I was staying, dirty and shady. Needless to say, I wasn’t impressed and my sour mood…