105 - Integrating in Spain with Natasha Kennedy

Lauren Aloise started leading food tours in Madrid during the Great Recession, and had soon turned Devour Tours into a thriving business. Learn how Lauren went from recipe blogger to travel entrepreneur, her favorite regional Spanish foods, what she thinks about the future of Spanish tourism (and the risk posed by anti-tourism protests) and more.Book a food tour in Madrid, Barcelona or elsewhere at https://expatmadrid.com/devour/Walking tours and unique experiences with Devour's sister company, Walks Tours here: https://expatmadrid.com/walks/Or check out the recipe blog that started it all, it's called Spanish Sabores and it's at https://spanishsabores.com/

It's been a while since I've done "a day in the life", but the news this week sucks and I don't feel like making top 10 lists. So here's a few things going on in Barcelona, from your favorite gym bro / spiritual seeker / history nerd. Donate to the podcast here: https://expatmadrid.com/donate/You can also support the project by signing up for tours (in Spain or elsewhere) with one of the following.Devour Food Tours in Spain, Italy, etc: https://expatmadrid.com/devour/Walks Tours for unique walking tours around Europe, including the Private Prado Museum tour I did last year: https://expatmadrid.com/walks/

Who are some famous Spanish people? Here you'll find some information about Spanish actors, athletes, musicians, and much more. Donate to the cause at https://expatmadrid.com/donate/Sign up for a food tour in Madrid, Barcelona, San Sebastián or Sevilla at https://expatmadrid.com/devour/Or a walking tour in Spain, Italy, or elsewhere at https://expatmadrid.com/walks/And don't forget bike tours in various parts of Spain at https://biketourinspain.com/

Do Spaniards hate expats? Are they tired of Americans? It's a bit complicated. US-Spanish relations didn't start yesterday, and expats (whoever they are) have been moving to Spain since at least the 70s. Here's my take on the expat vs immigrant debate, as well as anti-American (and anti-expat) sentiment in Spain. Donate here: https://expatmadrid.com/donate/

An update with a few random thoughts about things going on in Barcelona and Spain. First, a bit of petty crime in my life. Then the official update about the causes of the massive Spanish blackout from two weeks ago. Finally, another anti-tourism protest with squirt guns... ¡Vaya!Support this podcast right here: https://expatmadrid.com/donate/

In this episode I explain several aspects of the housing crisis here in Spain. It's a big issue, with multiple factors like rising rent prices, absurd housing laws, okupas, youth unemployment and more. Also, I talk about some possible solutions, and the national blame game about who's ultimately responsible. More on the web here: https://expatmadrid.com/housing-crisis/Donate to the cause at https://expatmadrid.com/donate/

The big scandal in Spain last week involved the government trying to cancel a contract for 15 million bullets it ordered from Israel. Are your bullets ethically sourced? More on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/fifteen-million-bullets/Donate to the cause here: https://expatmadrid.com/donate/

Here are some of my favorite books about Spain. My tastes are a bit less mainstream, so you've got some books here that aren't on the typical list. Check out the links on https://expatmadrid.com/best-books-spain/Donate to the cause at https://expatmadrid.com/donate/

These days, a lot of people move abroad because of the glamour. It sure does look fun on Instagram! But there's a reality to living in Spain or elsewhere that you should know about before moving. Is Spain overrated? Find out in today's episode. Donate to the cause here: https://expatmadrid.com/donate/More on the web https://expatmadrid.com/Learn Spanish with Daniel on YouTube: https://youtube.com/learnspanishwithdaniel

I talked to Natasha Kennedy, an entrepreneur who's started an educational empire in Madrid, about integrating into Spanish society and much more. Natasha is the founder of the TT Madrid TEFL school as well as the BLC Spain satellite university teaching business skills and Spanish language fluency. More from her at https://theblcgroup.com/Donate to the cause here at https://expatmadrid.com/donate/