HOLA! welcome to our journal.

In this magazine, we want to share with you a little bit of our land. Our intention is to invite  as many friends as possible to write about Spain, so we have different points of view.  We would love to hear from you, so please feel free to leave us your oppinion. And if you like any of our articles, please share them!

Debunking the Myth: Do Spaniards Really Have a Lisp?

Debunking the Myth: Do Spaniards Really Have a Lisp?

The question of whether us, Spaniards from Spain, have a lisp when we speak is a topic that has sparked curiosity and debate for centuries.While some may believe that the Spanish accent is characterized by a lisp, others argue that this is merely a misconception.Who...

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Welcome to the Camino

Welcome to the Camino

You know by now how much I love the CAMINO. This pilgrimage is bigger than us, it is a way to reconnect with our ancestors. You must understand that if you have any European DNA in your blood somebody from your family has walked this path before you. The knowledge of...

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Camino Tour Questions

Camino Tour Questions

Let me write this week about the CAMINO TOUR. As this tour is the one that welcomes more questions, I will try to answer this week all of them, and next week I will describe the tour. If you have any questions regarding the Camino tour, please do not hesitate to...

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LET´S GO PRIVATE

LET´S GO PRIVATE

The last post has brought many questions about my tours for this year, so let me go over them and let´s see if I can answer all the questions. Let´s start with the PRIVATE TOUR. What are these? If you are a group of at least 6 people, I can organize a made to measure...

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Covid Update in Spain- February

Covid Update in Spain- February

Every three months I try to write an update on the COVID situation here in Spain. The vaccination rate is going super well, we have 86% of the population with the double shot and 51% with the buster. Starting this week people with health issues will get their 4th and...

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Don´t touch my Bulls!

Don´t touch my Bulls!

One of my first traveling memories has to be the 8 boring hours that it took to drive from Pamplona to Benidorm, a city by the Mediterranean Sea where my grandparents had a small apartment, the place where my family used to spend one month every summer.   That...

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Just love somebody

Just love somebody

It is almost February 14th  ,Valentine’s day, so might as well talk about love or at least about love related issues in the Basque Country.   Let me remind you about the story behind Valentine's day. We need to go back in time to the 3rd century when in the Roman...

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Spanish Siesta

Spanish Siesta

There is a national sport here in Spain that everybody loves, it is what we call Spanish siesta, or as Americans say POWER NAP.   The origin of the word siesta comes from the sixth hour of the ancient Roman calendar, they called it “sextum” and it marked the...

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The amazing French Basque Coast

The amazing French Basque Coast

La Cote Basque is considered as one of the most beautiful places in France. Just to locate yourself, I am talking about the southern coast line in the west part of France. It stretches from the river mouth of “La Nive” river, near Bayonne, all the way south to the...

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Really Too late to Eat?

Really Too late to Eat?

One of the things that shocks most of the tourists when visiting Spain is how late we eat.   Spain’s normal lunch time is at 2:00pm. Most of our restaurants will not be open before 1:30pm. At night we sit at the table no earlier than 9:00pm. I know that going to...

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Basques drink from “botas”

Basques drink from “botas”

If I ask you to mentally picture a Basque, it will probably come to you an image of a man dressed in white and red, drinking some wine from a wine skin. Well I guess it is mostly true. The outfit is correct, especially on festive days, but the wine skin (we call it...

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Now I can see

Now I can see

Every year at the end of December, I like to go over the highlights and the shadows of the year that is about to end. Guess what!  This 2021 will definitely not be in the top ten years of my life. There have been many more shadows than lights.   We started 2021...

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History of Nativity Scenes in Spain

History of Nativity Scenes in Spain

The first Nativity scenes date back to the second century, obviously second century after Christ as they represent the birth of Christ. We find this first Holy Family scene painted at the catacombs in Priscila (Italy)     We have to wait till early XIII century...

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My life as a Tour guide – Vol. 4

My life as a Tour guide – Vol. 4

In this series of my adventures and misadventures as a tour guide I try to share some of the “fun” moments I have encountered in my 20 years as a guide. As I have done in “My life as a tour guide” volumes 1, 2 and 3, I will change the names of my guests in order to...

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The best churros in Spain

The best churros in Spain

When in Spain you need to try churros. It is a humble fried dough topped with sugar, never cinnamon, that is the Mexican way, also good, but not the Spanish way.   It is said that churros were created by shepherds who spend long times isolated in the mountains...

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The art of SOBREMESA

The art of SOBREMESA

So, what on earth is a SOBREMESA? It literally means “on top of the table”. But what it really means, is about the tradition we have to talk over the lunch table after a big meal. This fun conversation can go up to 4 hours, or maybe until dinner time.   As you...

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Thanksgiving Special

Thanksgiving Special

One of the treasured memories from the time I lived in the USA ?? has to be Thanksgiving. You have to understand that for us, Europeans, this celebration is just something we watched on TV. According to Hollywood, Thanksgiving is either the weekend to present your...

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Covid in Spain

Covid in Spain

I personally think that Spain is doing pretty well with the vaccination process against COVID 19. At this point we have 80% of the population vaccinated with two doses. The third one (the booster) has already started and 90% of our population who are over 75 years...

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Jamon Serrano, Spain at its best

Jamon Serrano, Spain at its best

Jamón (ham), is probably, not the first thing that pops in your brain when you think about Spanish food. You might think about PAELLA, or TAPAS, some people will think about WINE or SANGRIA. But trust in me, once you try our ham, you will be hooked for life.  ...

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Bilbao is a miracle

Bilbao is a miracle

In the 1980’s the city of Bilbao was a total disaster, not the kind of city you wanted to visit. Incredibly high unemployment rates, street violence, drug dealing in every corner and to top all of these, ETA (the now extinct Basque terrorist band) embraced Bilbao for...

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The 5 best San Sebastian Tapas bars

The 5 best San Sebastian Tapas bars

When we talk about food tourism, to many people the first destination that comes to their mind is San Sebastian. It is the city in the world with more Michelin stars per capita. You have probably heard about Arzak or Berasategui… But if you don’t have 300€ to spend in...

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Café Iruña in Pamplona

Café Iruña in Pamplona

At the end of XIX century Pamplona was a small town ready to grow. The economy was boosting, modern times were coming, new ideas spread coming from Europe. It was the moment to watch and be watched. This is the moment when fancy cafes all around Europe were created as...

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The Bullfighting controversy.

The Bullfighting controversy.

I was born in Spain in the 1970's , General Franco was still the dictator of Spain. His administration controlled almost everything, specially they controlled the TV. So growing up, there were just two things to watch. It was either soccer or bullfights. Today I will...

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The 5 perfect classical music albums

The 5 perfect classical music albums

Classical music has the power to transport us to any place in the world or to any time in history. It can also transform our mood. Some pieces help us concentrate, others appease us, and yet others reinvigorate us.  Let me share with you my ultimate Playlist of...

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How to eat tapas in COVID times

How to eat tapas in COVID times

All around the world now it is fashionable to go to tapas bars, but guess what!! It all started here in the Basque Country and Navarra. Tapas, or “pinchos” as we say in the Basque Country, is not just food, it is so much more. Lonely Planet has said that San Sebastián...

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The Camino is a very special Road

The Camino is a very special Road

I have seen pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela walking right in front of my parents’ doorway since I was a kid. In fact, the short walk from my parents’ home to my high-school is on the Camino to Santiago. I have shared my daily morning walks to school...

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My life as a tour guide. Vol. 2

My life as a tour guide. Vol. 2

As you can imagine, when tour guides get together we “never” talk about our clients… Well maybe a little bit once in a while. Here are some anecdotes of my life as a tour guide! I have changed the names and nationalities of my guests. This time I am going to share a...

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San Sebastian, the Pearl of the Basque Country

San Sebastian, the Pearl of the Basque Country

If you ask me to choose one beach in Spain I would have to say “La Concha” in San Sebastian. In fact the Travellers’ Choice Awards has selected it as one of the top 20 most beautiful beaches in the world. San Sebastian’s beach has to have something special because it...

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No means NO

No means NO

One of the things that shocks most of the tourists when they come to the Running of the Bulls festival in Pamplona is that although there is a lot of alcohol involved in the party, there is almost no violence. Locals have always been proud of this. The vibe in town is...

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The bullfighter’s dress is a piece of art

The bullfighter’s dress is a piece of art

Summer is already here, and it is the time when all around Spain we celebrate bull festivals. No matter how small the village is, for sure there will be a bull related festivity to honor the local Saint.  It might be the world famous  running with bulls or just a...

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My life as a tour guide – Vol. 1

My life as a tour guide – Vol. 1

As you can imagine, when tour guides get together we “never” talk about our clients… Well maybe a little bit once in a while. Here are some anecdotes of my life as a tour guide! I have changed the names and nationalities of my guests. In four days we should have...

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Understanding Spain before Guernica

Understanding Spain before Guernica

Our article last week has arised many questions. I always say that  the Guernica painting is a very complex work of art that touches each person on a different level.  In order to go deeper in the understanding of the paintingI have put together a list of books and...

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Guernica the ultimate Anti War Icon

Guernica the ultimate Anti War Icon

Before getting into Guernica, the painting, let me give you a short introduction to the worlds political climate. It was April 26th 1937, it was the middle of the Spanish Civil War. The country was divided in two political sides, the Republicans (the liberal party)...

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Basque Country based books

Basque Country based books

Summer is coming, and we are finally  going to take some days off.  It has been two years without visiting the beach ( I hate COVID).  This is normally the time of the year when I read the most. I love laying my towel on the sand and letting myself go in the tales...

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Sangria is a must in Spain

Sangria is a must in Spain

Spring has arrived in Spain, the days are becoming longer and temperatures are beginning to rise. It is the time of the year to welcome friends at home, and you want to welcome them with a fresh glass of sangria.   Whenever you visit Spain, you might think that...

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Puente la Reina a bridge in the Camino

Puente la Reina a bridge in the Camino

The Camino to Santiago has always been a bridge for cultures. Starting on the VIII century this pilgrimage route has conected all Europe.  It has been a comercial and spiritual  route that brings Europe together. Here at the entrance of Puente de la Reina all the...

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The camino virtual Tours

The camino virtual Tours

The Camino de Santiago is one of the most popular Christian pilgrimages in the world. As we are based here in the Camino, we are covering many of the most iconic cities in this spiritual path. We want to share with you all the videos we have done so far. We hope you...

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Bells around the world

Bells around the world

When we stroll through the old quarters of Europe, one of the most charming sounds that fills the air is the constant bell ringing. They give us the time as well and remind us to go to mass. We have seen bells in churches, and tend to think that they are just a...

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The Community works toguether

The Community works toguether

Here in the Basque Country, the sense of community is very strong. We say we do things in the auzolan way. It doesn't have an exact translation, but it kind of means that everybody who can help in the community, does. We construct houses, clean the forest, fix the...

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Our 5 favorite TAPAS bars in Pamplona

Our 5 favorite TAPAS bars in Pamplona

All around the world now it is fashionable to eat at tapas bars. Guess what!! It all started here in the Basque Country and Navarra. By the way, here we call them pintxos But, what is a tapa?A tapa in the rest of the world is a small bite. That is what it is, although...

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Once you run with the bulls!

Once you run with the bulls!

Running with the bulls in the city of Pamplona is one of those bucket list items that many people want to  “tick” off.  In a previous article I wrote about how to run with the bulls. But have you ever wondered what happens once the rush  you get from running in front...

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Saint Ignatius, the man who changed the world

Saint Ignatius, the man who changed the world

Saint Ignatius is one of those historic characters who resonate with me, in a very personal way.  I don't think he touches me simply because he is Basque like me, and I understand his heritage. He is not just Basque, he is a universal figure. Maybe it is because he...

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Books to understand Spain

Books to understand Spain

At the end of the 1800s, Spain lost all its remaining colonies (Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Philippines). The dream of being an Empire ended, and Spain fell into a moral and economic depression. King Alfonso XIII pretended to be an absolutist monarch in a society that...

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Spring in the Basque Country

Spring in the Basque Country

Basque is a primitive culture that dates back to pre-Roman times. Set in the north west region of the Pyrenees mountains, this is an ancient culture that  celebrates old rituals related to nature.  One of these traditions is associated with  the Joaldunaks - which...

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Powerful Queens of Navarre: Trio of Queens

Powerful Queens of Navarre: Trio of Queens

So, what happened to the Navarrese Monarchy after 1512?  This was the year when the Chatholic Kings annexed Navarra to Spain, but only  the part of the kingdom of Navarra in the south part of the Pyrenees. The Queens in navarra set their print in the world. Well, as...

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POWERFUL QUEENS OF NAVARRA: LEONOR

POWERFUL QUEENS OF NAVARRA: LEONOR

Navarre is the region I call home. Situated on the western side of the Pyrenees, the mountain range that separates Spain from France, the Kingdom of Navarre has been a key player in the history of Spain since the Middle Ages. You have to understand that we controlled...

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POWERFUL QUEENS OF NAVARRE: TODA

POWERFUL QUEENS OF NAVARRE: TODA

Navarre is the region I call home. Situated on the western side of the Pyrenees, the mountain range that separates Spain from France, the Kingdom of Navarre has been a key player in the history of Spain since the Middle Ages. You have to understand that we controlled...

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Fashion on the change!

Fashion on the change!

It seems that this pandemic has its days numbered, soon we will be back to normal, or at least back to a “new normal”. But what will this idea of a new normal look like? All along in history after a crisis of this magnitude, be it a world war or a global pandemic,...

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Art on the change!

Art on the change!

It seems that this pandemic has its days numbered, soon we will be back to normal, or at least back to a “new normal”. But what will this idea of a new normal look like? All along in history after a crisis of this magnitude, be it a world war or a global pandemic,...

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Literature on the change!

Literature on the change!

It seems that this pandemic has its days numbered, soon we will be back to normal, or at least back to a “new normal”. But what will this idea of a new normal look like? All along in history after a crisis of this magnitude, be it a world war or a global pandemic,...

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Just another Love Story

Just another Love Story

As far as I can remember, it was in the spring of 1986 when I fell in love for the very first time.  I was 16 years old,  and her name was Ma… well let's call her Kathy.She was the love of my life!Back then, I was going to an only boys’ Catholic school. I was a very...

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La Perla Hotel. Home away from Home

La Perla Hotel. Home away from Home

Hotel La Perla is by far, the best hotel in Pamplona. If we talk about location, it is unbeatable. Located in Plaza del Castillo number 1, La Perla is at the heart of the city. If we talk about comfort, it touches perfection. It´s 44 rooms combine history and modern...

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5 movies based on Hemingway´s books

5 movies based on Hemingway´s books

One of America’s most prolific and celebrated writers to change the literary landscape is undeniably Ernest Hemingway. His roots in fictional writing were based on his strengths as a journalist—factually stated, to-the-point, and impactful words carefully crafted to...

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Spanish driving license

Spanish driving license

2020 has been the strangest year ever. It started as any other year, but in March it all changed. In my family we have had more changes, in this case, driving changes. My 84-year-old father in law has returned his driving license, while my 18 years old daughter just...

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Truffle, the black gold

Truffle, the black gold

If there is a mushroom that deserves to be in all history books, that should be the Truffle. We have records from the Mesopotamian Empire (3000 BCE) where the Sumerians would eat truffles. In Egypt, there are hieroglyphs talking about offering them to the Gods. Greeks...

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Traveling in COVID times

Traveling in COVID times

I guess this COVID 19 issue is going to be around for a while, and we better get used to this “new normal”. To tell you the truth I don't like it. In fact, I hate it! Right now, we (tour guides) should be in our high season but unfortunately this year we are just...

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Polvorón, a very Spanish Xmas Candy

Polvorón, a very Spanish Xmas Candy

It is Xmas time and all around the world we start looking in our grandma´s recipe book for the traditional and super loved family recipes.   In Spain we cook POLVORON.  The first time any one wrote about polvorón was on the XVI century, it was an inventory of...

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Is it really looking a lot like Christmas?

Is it really looking a lot like Christmas?

Home is finally decoratedand looks like Christmas. The Nativity scene is in the middle of the living room, the tree cannot welcome any more ornaments and we even have some snow in the streets. As every year in December, the Advent calendar opens every single morning...

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Olentzero, the Basque Santa

Olentzero, the Basque Santa

Olentzero Night in the Basque country - AITA (dad), WHERE IS MY BERET? - I don´t know, I left it on your bed along with your black shirt, the ship skin and your blue bandana. Lucas, you better find the beret fast, I am leaving in five minutes. Girls are you ready? -...

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5 beauty products for a male traveler.

5 beauty products for a male traveler.

Let me make this clear, if you are a girl you should stop reading this article right now. This post is not for you, this is for the men in your life. Thanks for sharing with them. We are going to be talking about male beauty products. Hi guys, don´t you think it is...

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Spanish educational system

Spanish educational system

Education in Spain has been a big thing for the last 40 years. By law, a kid  has to attend school from the age of 6 until 16. By the time they have finished these mandatory 10 years, they are required to have attained a minimum level in Mathematics, World History and...

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THE AMAZING LIFE OF SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER

THE AMAZING LIFE OF SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER

My mother and my grandmother were born in the village of Javier. Saint Francis´ birth place. Some time ago, I asked my mom to write about her love for Saint Francis Xavier. Here is what she handed me. I love it!! I spent all the summers of my childhood in Javier,...

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Pamplona´s Cathedral

Pamplona´s Cathedral

At the highest point in Pamplona (Spain), we find the magnificent city Cathedral, an amazing temple from the 15th Century, consecrated in honor of the Holy Mary. Her name is Santa María la Real (The Royal Holy Mary) The façade is probably not the most impressive part...

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My Aunt was a Witch!

My Aunt was a Witch!

When we think about a witch, what normally comes to mind is an ugly, old woman with a wart on the tip of her nose, casting spells over a boiling pot. At least, this is the way Hollywood has portrayed them. It is 100% different from what we consider a witch in the...

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The 5  best movies to understand Spain

The 5 best movies to understand Spain

Here you can find 5 movies that will help you understand Spanish history. I have organized them in historical order, rather than by date of release. Click on the links to watch the trailer or an excerpt from the movie.Movie #1   EL CIDIf anybody from Spain sees that I...

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Democracy in Spain

Democracy in Spain

The word democracy comes from the ancient Greek word demokratia, “demos” means people + “kratos” means rule. So, democracy means a government ruled by the people. Here in Spain, Democracy is a new word for us. We have only lived in a democracy since 1975.  ...

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OTAZU THE BEST WINERY IN THE NORTH OF SPAIN

OTAZU THE BEST WINERY IN THE NORTH OF SPAIN

The Roman Empire gave so much to Spain. Besides art, history and language, they brought the pleasure of wine-making. We have 96 different appellations of origin (in Spain, we say Denominación de Origen, or D.O.), and each one of them has its own personality. You find...

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Walking the CAMINO will change your life

Walking the CAMINO will change your life

What is the Camino de Santiago? Where does it start? Who was Santiago? What is the motivation to pilgrimage for over 600 miles? ....  So many questions!  I am going to tell what I have learned about it. I have walked it twice, and as soon as I can, I will go there...

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Try to survive the running of the bulls

Try to survive the running of the bulls

Ok let´s face it, when you think about Pamplona, the first thing that comes to mind is the non-stop party that we have between July 6th and July 14th, but your second thought should be, how on earth, you do the running of the bulls. I hope you don´t need any advice in...

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COVID19 strange times

COVID19 strange times

This COVID 19 has changed many things in the way we relate to people. It has created social distancing. Has made the world wear facemasks, now we don´t get to see facial expressions any more. I hate all of these things. I guess I am very Mediterranean, and I need...

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At Traveling Steps, we are traveling green

At Traveling Steps, we are traveling green

We’re doing our best to make Traveling Steps an environmentally friendly company. Let´s try traveling green! What will happen if pollution continue growing at this rate? The rubbish is already a tremendous problem for our planet. That’s why, at Traveling Steps we feel...

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