Category Archives: Money
2013 Spain’s Christmas Lottery El Gordo
They say Spain’s annual Christmas Lottery is the richest in the world, distributing more than 2 Billion Euros, or 3 Billion U.S. Dollars, all taking place this coming Sunday, 22nd of December. TVE1 coverage starts at 8am and the whole … Continue reading
No More Self-Serve Olive Oil Dispensers in Spain
In many ways Spain is still a very quaint country, retains many old-world charms, and puts higher value on quality of life rather than the quantity of life or the size of your bank account. But this is sadly changing. … Continue reading
UPDATE: Spanish Residency with Home Purchase
NEW DEVELOPMENTS! A lot of interest has been generated since I wrote “Permanent Residency in Spain with Home Purchase” back in November 2012. Because of it, I’ve received numerous emails and questions/comments on that previous blog entry, everyone wanting updates. … Continue reading
Doing Neighborhood No-Car Shopping in Madrid
Wasn’t it great living in the USA, driving from pillar to post, parking less than 50 meters away from any given store, leaving all your multi-stop purchases in your trunk while going out for more? Ahh… THOSE were the days … Continue reading
2012 Spain Christmas Lottery – El Gordo
It’s that time of year again. “El Sorteo de Navidad“, Spain’s Christmas Lottery, and “El Gordo“, is upon us – which, frankly, makes it a bit hard to breathe. (ba-dum-dum!) It’s hard to breathe because the lottery is on everyone’s … Continue reading
Madrid Stores Can Stay Open 24/7/365
The USA Shopping Experience comes to Madrid! Want to buy your groceries at 3am? Now you can do it. Want to get new shoes on a Sunday evening? Now you can do it. Want to shop for new furniture at … Continue reading
15 Year Anniversary for MadridMan.com
Today, 20 July 2012, is MadridMan.com‘s 15-Year Anniversary. MadridMan.com is now a maturing teenager, but still has a lot of growing up to do. JUST WAIT until he gets into his 20s! The domain name was registered on this date … Continue reading
Madrid Tio Pepe Sign Will Find New Home in Puerta del Sol
News that the famous, HISTORIC, landmark, neon Tío Pepe sign, synonymous with Madrid’s Puerta del Sol as much as the “Oso y el Madroño” statue, won’t return to the address Puerta del Sol, 1, causes nothing but discomfort in one’s … Continue reading
BIG Price Raise in Madrid Public Transportation
Starting 1 May 2012, end-users of Madrid’s Public Transportation System will feel the sting of the sharpest price raises in 10-years. This raise takes place at the same time as the prices of gasoline, electricity and natural gas go up … Continue reading
Spain’s General Labor Strike Today
Today is a General Labor Strike in Spain against labor reform. That’s not to say no one is going to work, but enough so you’d notice. Some small shops and restaurants are closed because they don’t have the personnel to … Continue reading
Puerta del Sol Madrid Demonstrations, Elections 2011
Politics & religion are two issues they say never to discuss when traveling abroad as they’ll only cause problems. Discussion and debate, while necessary, is also exhaustive and requires effort and patience. The tens of thousands of people in … Continue reading
Fake Spanish Saffron: Buyer Beware
According to THIS El País Newspaper article, posted a couple days ago in their NEW El País In English edition, the vast majority of exported saffron labeled as “Made in Spain” IS NOT, in fact, made in Spain. The article … Continue reading
New Madrid Tourist Bus – No More Madrid Vision
The 10-year old hop-on hop-off bus operated by “Madrid Vision” has become a horse of different color. Actually, it’s the same color but with a big metal sign covering the original name. As of today, 31 January 2011, the city … Continue reading
New Apple Store in Madrid Puerta del Sol
Folks, it’s official. They’ve signed the lease. The much-rumored New Apple Store in Madrid, Spain will likely be inaugurated at the end of 2011 or beginning of 2012. It will be located in the emblematic Puerta del Sol, specifically at … Continue reading