<![CDATA[Postcard from Spain]]>964b6558-f8bd-54fe-a0a1-7beeef6cd814Tue, 06 Oct 2026 07:11:16 +0000Captivate.fmVernon Pearcehttps://artwork.captivate.fm/229ce62a-a3d5-4c22-84fa-1dacf6e9534f/AI-Spanish-flag4.pngPostcard from SpainVernon PearceVernon PearceA magazine programme I record for Hospital Radio Basingstoke about life in Spain to where I retired 19 years ago, covering many interesting facts about my adopted country and aspects of day-to-day life for a non-Spaniard. If you are planning to buy a holiday home or retire here, you will find lots of useful background information but I will not be covering the complex visa or residency rules. https://soundcloud.com/vernon-92422639/sets/postcard-from-spainfalseepisodicnopodcastSpanish idiosyncrasiesSpanish idiosyncrasiesI talk about some of the idiosyncrasies I have encountered after living in Spain for almost 20 years - some are amusing, others you need to know if you want to live happily here!

]]>I talk about some of the idiosyncrasies I have encountered after living in Spain for almost 20 years - some are amusing, others you need to know if you want to live happily here!

]]>247ffd09-e784-47cd-98fc-53b1f7d5474eTue, 06 Oct 2026 09:10:00 +020007:09falsefullThe Cavell Verd - The Green HorseThe Cavell Verd - The Green HorseAnother podcast about the history and legends surrounding the area in which I live – the Girona valley and the Vall de Laguart in the Costa Blanca North. In this podcast I’m relating the history and legends of the Cavell Verd or Green Horse.

]]>Another podcast about the history and legends surrounding the area in which I live – the Girona valley and the Vall de Laguart in the Costa Blanca North. In this podcast I’m relating the history and legends of the Cavell Verd or Green Horse.

]]>b82b7ff3-986a-41cb-9e3e-1ec7722455eaSun, 04 Oct 2026 14:15:00 +020009:41falsefull'Where Fontilles Holds Its Stories' - a poem'Where Fontilles Holds Its Stories' - a poemIn a recent episode I talked about the history of Fontilles, originally a leper colony as it was called at the time but now a hospital for the elderly and a worldwide centre of excellence in the treatment of leprosy. A very talented lady called Julie who lives in my village of Orba has written a beautiful poem which, even if you have never visited Fontilles, will paint a wonderful picture of the place.

Listen to the original podcast about the setting up and history of Fontilles at https://player.captivate.fm/episode/79054b90-5925-4f22-815b-dfa1194570d7/

]]>In a recent episode I talked about the history of Fontilles, originally a leper colony as it was called at the time but now a hospital for the elderly and a worldwide centre of excellence in the treatment of leprosy. A very talented lady called Julie who lives in my village of Orba has written a beautiful poem which, even if you have never visited Fontilles, will paint a wonderful picture of the place.

Listen to the original podcast about the setting up and history of Fontilles at https://player.captivate.fm/episode/79054b90-5925-4f22-815b-dfa1194570d7/

]]>fce6cffd-2243-4277-a81f-b1125a973a1bTue, 29 Sep 2026 11:20:00 +020004:30falsefullCueva de las CalaverasCueva de las CalaverasAn interesting podcast about the Cueva de las Calavaras - the Cave of Skulls - in Benidoleig. Fact or fiction - the skulls of 12 medieval Muslim agricultural workers discovered in 1768, the legend of a Moorish king with his 150 concubines, together with hidden treasure, or evidence of use by cavemen in the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods? of Skulls

You can listen also listen to all the Postcard from Spain podcasts on Spotify – search for ‘Postcard from Spain Vernon Pearce’

]]>An interesting podcast about the Cueva de las Calavaras - the Cave of Skulls - in Benidoleig. Fact or fiction - the skulls of 12 medieval Muslim agricultural workers discovered in 1768, the legend of a Moorish king with his 150 concubines, together with hidden treasure, or evidence of use by cavemen in the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods? of Skulls

You can listen also listen to all the Postcard from Spain podcasts on Spotify – search for ‘Postcard from Spain Vernon Pearce’

]]>2dfc5e5c-a71b-4701-8206-7991d3cd7e27Tue, 22 Sep 2026 10:55:00 +020005:44falsefullThe Isbert DamThe Isbert DamThe story of the mountain that swallowed water - a failed reservoir project from the first half of the 20th century.

You can listen also listen to all the Postcard from Spain podcasts on Spotify – search for ‘Postcard from Spain Vernon Pearce’

]]>The story of the mountain that swallowed water - a failed reservoir project from the first half of the 20th century.

You can listen also listen to all the Postcard from Spain podcasts on Spotify – search for ‘Postcard from Spain Vernon Pearce’

]]>db7ed7b3-77da-4b97-9254-8242dcece4c3Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +020004:55falsefullFontilles leprosy colonyFontilles leprosy colonyThe fascinating history of the Fontilles leprosy colony, established in the Vall de Laguar in Alicante province in 1909, from a place of refuge for sufferers shunned by society in the early 1900s to what is now a world-renowned centre of research for the treatment of this disease.

You can listen also listen to all the Postcard from Spain podcasts on Spotify – search for ‘Postcard from Spain Vernon Pearce’

]]>The fascinating history of the Fontilles leprosy colony, established in the Vall de Laguar in Alicante province in 1909, from a place of refuge for sufferers shunned by society in the early 1900s to what is now a world-renowned centre of research for the treatment of this disease.

You can listen also listen to all the Postcard from Spain podcasts on Spotify – search for ‘Postcard from Spain Vernon Pearce’

]]>79054b90-5925-4f22-815b-dfa1194570d7Wed, 09 Sep 2026 14:15:00 +020014:32falsefullValencians to New YorkValencians to New YorkA fascinating story which describes how thousands of citizens of the Valencia region in Spain emigrated in the early part of the 20th century to North America to find work, following the failure of the local grape harvest. The podcast includes an interview with Teresa Morell, author of the book "Valencians to New York"'.

You can listen online to the original Valley FM radio programme, complete with music at https://on.soundcloud.com/BOuIJ1mBIP88RqK3lw

You can listen also listen to all the Postcard from Spain podcasts on Spotify – search for ‘Postcard from Spain Vernon Pearce’

]]>A fascinating story which describes how thousands of citizens of the Valencia region in Spain emigrated in the early part of the 20th century to North America to find work, following the failure of the local grape harvest. The podcast includes an interview with Teresa Morell, author of the book "Valencians to New York"'.

You can listen online to the original Valley FM radio programme, complete with music at https://on.soundcloud.com/BOuIJ1mBIP88RqK3lw

You can listen also listen to all the Postcard from Spain podcasts on Spotify – search for ‘Postcard from Spain Vernon Pearce’

]]>2b2af78e-566e-4da2-92e5-1d6dfc4bf364Mon, 07 Sep 2026 13:40:00 +020017:57falsefullTapas and painted pigeons!Tapas and painted pigeons!In my September podcast you can discover the origins of tapas, hear the latest unemployment, population and inflation figures, news of recent earthquakes near Granada and the amusing story of 'painted pigeons'!

You can listen also listen to all the Postcard from Spain podcasts on Spotify – search for ‘Postcard from Spain Vernon Pearce’

]]>In my September podcast you can discover the origins of tapas, hear the latest unemployment, population and inflation figures, news of recent earthquakes near Granada and the amusing story of 'painted pigeons'!

You can listen also listen to all the Postcard from Spain podcasts on Spotify – search for ‘Postcard from Spain Vernon Pearce’

]]>7b338707-1430-491b-9af6-d04aea3b9eaaTue, 01 Sep 2026 09:40:00 +020018:44falsefullAugust PostcardAugust PostcardThis month's podcast includes a short and amusing item about confusing words in Spanish, a couple of current news items about how Spain goes on holiday in August, a short, thought-provoking poem about the attitude to Spanish culture from an immigrant's point of view and some important information for American citizens moving to Spain on the difficulty of obtaining a Spanish driving licence.

You can listen to recent episodes of the full Postcard from Spain radio programme, including Spanish music, at https://soundcloud.com/vernon-92422639/sets/postcard-from-spain

]]>This month's podcast includes a short and amusing item about confusing words in Spanish, a couple of current news items about how Spain goes on holiday in August, a short, thought-provoking poem about the attitude to Spanish culture from an immigrant's point of view and some important information for American citizens moving to Spain on the difficulty of obtaining a Spanish driving licence.

You can listen to recent episodes of the full Postcard from Spain radio programme, including Spanish music, at https://soundcloud.com/vernon-92422639/sets/postcard-from-spain

]]>07695191-2fba-4434-a7f5-52baa8f3d53cTue, 04 Aug 2026 09:45:00 +020014:13falsefullJuly PostcardJuly PostcardSome current news items which you may find useful if you are planning to move to Spain or buy property here. Amongst other things, I cover the new measures the Spanish government are taking to resolve the country’s housing shortage, issue warnings to British holidaymakers in particular about how to avoid falling foul of some of the laws in Spain, warn of an increase in Barcelona’s tourist tax and highlight a report showing a tendency for Spanish young people to drink less alcohol.

You can listen to recent episodes of the full Postcard from Spain radio programme, including Spanish music, at https://soundcloud.com/vernon-92422639/sets/postcard-from-spain

]]>Some current news items which you may find useful if you are planning to move to Spain or buy property here. Amongst other things, I cover the new measures the Spanish government are taking to resolve the country’s housing shortage, issue warnings to British holidaymakers in particular about how to avoid falling foul of some of the laws in Spain, warn of an increase in Barcelona’s tourist tax and highlight a report showing a tendency for Spanish young people to drink less alcohol.

You can listen to recent episodes of the full Postcard from Spain radio programme, including Spanish music, at https://soundcloud.com/vernon-92422639/sets/postcard-from-spain

]]>711311a2-3c73-4947-8dfb-1a5dad339313Tue, 07 Jul 2026 09:40:00 +020010:37falsefullThe Costa Blanca NorthThe Costa Blanca NorthSpain is a huge country and it's always difficult to know where to move to. Here is my description of the north of the Costa Blanca and why we chose to retire here

You can listen to recent episodes of the full Postcard from Spain radio programme, including Spanish music, at https://soundcloud.com/vernon-92422639/sets/postcard-from-spain

]]>Spain is a huge country and it's always difficult to know where to move to. Here is my description of the north of the Costa Blanca and why we chose to retire here

You can listen to recent episodes of the full Postcard from Spain radio programme, including Spanish music, at https://soundcloud.com/vernon-92422639/sets/postcard-from-spain

]]>2ce9a9e6-fcdc-46cc-a778-ee722599cfdeTue, 30 Jun 2026 11:25:00 +020010:42falsefullSome interesting Postcard 'snippets'Some interesting Postcard 'snippets'Geographical facts about Spain, the results of a recent cost of living, should I bring my r/h drive car with me if I move to Spain and the driving and road tax differences, Spanish surnames and the origin of the Spanish black bull symbol.

You can listen to recent episodes of the full Postcard from Spain radio programme, including Spanish music, at https://soundcloud.com/vernon-92422639/sets/postcard-from-spain

]]>Geographical facts about Spain, the results of a recent cost of living, should I bring my r/h drive car with me if I move to Spain and the driving and road tax differences, Spanish surnames and the origin of the Spanish black bull symbol.

You can listen to recent episodes of the full Postcard from Spain radio programme, including Spanish music, at https://soundcloud.com/vernon-92422639/sets/postcard-from-spain

]]>81c78f0d-0138-4a99-8b18-6e5231b777c6Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:20:00 +020009:39falsefullMuslims in SpainMuslims in SpainThe fascinating, true story behind the Moors and Christians parades celebrated in many parts of Spain, as written by journalist Samantha Kett

You can listen to recent episodes of the full Postcard from Spain radio programme, including Spanish music, at https://soundcloud.com/vernon-92422639/sets/postcard-from-spain

]]>The fascinating, true story behind the Moors and Christians parades celebrated in many parts of Spain, as written by journalist Samantha Kett

You can listen to recent episodes of the full Postcard from Spain radio programme, including Spanish music, at https://soundcloud.com/vernon-92422639/sets/postcard-from-spain

]]>e3a2f79c-c930-40f8-aa21-e47438ff4d7fWed, 24 Jun 2026 12:50:00 +020013:21falsefullRetiring to SpainRetiring to SpainRetirement isn’t just an ending of a career - it’s a new beginning! Spain is a great country in which to spend the last years of your life but you need to plan the best ways to do it.

You can listen to recent episodes of the full Postcard from Spain radio programme, including Spanish music, at https://soundcloud.com/vernon-92422639/sets/postcard-from-spain

]]>Retirement isn’t just an ending of a career - it’s a new beginning! Spain is a great country in which to spend the last years of your life but you need to plan the best ways to do it.

You can listen to recent episodes of the full Postcard from Spain radio programme, including Spanish music, at https://soundcloud.com/vernon-92422639/sets/postcard-from-spain

]]>abf87d0d-a5ba-41db-a451-8075a304dcb1Tue, 23 Jun 2026 09:45:00 +020017:52falsefullMistakes and how to avoid themMistakes and how to avoid themIn this podcast I explain some of the common mistakes which people make in moving to Spain and how to avoid them

You can listen to recent episodes of the full Postcard from Spain radio programme, including Spanish music, at https://soundcloud.com/vernon-92422639/sets/postcard-from-spain

]]>In this podcast I explain some of the common mistakes which people make in moving to Spain and how to avoid them

You can listen to recent episodes of the full Postcard from Spain radio programme, including Spanish music, at https://soundcloud.com/vernon-92422639/sets/postcard-from-spain

]]>750586f8-718b-48eb-b9f9-bbc14ee5fcd7Tue, 23 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +020008:59falsefullSpanish FiestasSpanish FiestasAn episode describing popular and colourful but sometimes crazy Spanish fiestas such as fallas, moros y cristianos, tomatina and more!

You can listen to recent episodes of the full Postcard from Spain radio programme, including Spanish music, at https://soundcloud.com/vernon-92422639/sets/postcard-from-spain

]]>An episode describing popular and colourful but sometimes crazy Spanish fiestas such as fallas, moros y cristianos, tomatina and more!

You can listen to recent episodes of the full Postcard from Spain radio programme, including Spanish music, at https://soundcloud.com/vernon-92422639/sets/postcard-from-spain

]]>c1b904db-7b6f-416c-a113-cd3bc700a09eSun, 21 Jun 2026 13:45:00 +020011:16falsefullFood and drinkFood and drinkIn this episode I'll be talking about Spanish wine, how the country is now no. 8 in the league table of beer drinkers, the famous Iberico ham and finally the affordable 'menu del dia'.

You can listen to recent episodes of the full Postcard from Spain radio programme, including Spanish music, at https://soundcloud.com/vernon-92422639/sets/postcard-from-spain

]]>In this episode I'll be talking about Spanish wine, how the country is now no. 8 in the league table of beer drinkers, the famous Iberico ham and finally the affordable 'menu del dia'.

You can listen to recent episodes of the full Postcard from Spain radio programme, including Spanish music, at https://soundcloud.com/vernon-92422639/sets/postcard-from-spain

]]>b96edd66-4b89-44d4-a56c-987a775fdec7Sat, 20 Jun 2026 17:15:00 +020010:14falsefullA happy 'expat'A happy 'expat'A view of Spain from the perspective of a Brit who has lived here very happily for 18 years

You can listen to recent episodes of the full Postcard from Spain radio programme, including Spanish music, at https://soundcloud.com/vernon-92422639/sets/postcard-from-spain

]]>A view of Spain from the perspective of a Brit who has lived here very happily for 18 years

You can listen to recent episodes of the full Postcard from Spain radio programme, including Spanish music, at https://soundcloud.com/vernon-92422639/sets/postcard-from-spain

]]>f7c12c55-4bf3-4503-8abd-ce204a6f562cSat, 20 Jun 2026 13:35:00 +020006:50falsefullBuying property in SpainBuying property in SpainSome advice that your Real Estate Agent may not give you - from someone who has been there!

You can listen to recent episodes of the full Postcard from Spain radio programme, including Spanish music, at https://soundcloud.com/vernon-92422639/sets/postcard-from-spain

]]>Some advice that your Real Estate Agent may not give you - from someone who has been there!

You can listen to recent episodes of the full Postcard from Spain radio programme, including Spanish music, at https://soundcloud.com/vernon-92422639/sets/postcard-from-spain

]]>c671b893-d9ae-47fb-b9dc-84414ef09d81Sat, 20 Jun 2026 13:05:00 +020007:09falsefullIntroductionIntroductionWhy Spain is best and advice on buying a property!

You can listen to recent episodes of the full Postcard from Spain radio programme, including Spanish music, at https://soundcloud.com/vernon-92422639/sets/postcard-from-spain

]]>Why Spain is best and advice on buying a property!

You can listen to recent episodes of the full Postcard from Spain radio programme, including Spanish music, at https://soundcloud.com/vernon-92422639/sets/postcard-from-spain

]]>fc0ffe38-c8fc-4c5d-8775-e2a8dba8f2dfSat, 20 Jun 2026 11:40:00 +020006:15falsefull