Meet an Expert: Spain

09/7/09  Print This Post Print This Post    10 Comments   Popular   Written by Hal Amen
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In my favorite bar in Spain (Capileira) / All photos: El Lobo

This week’s featured destination expert wants you to jump in with both feet.

If you’ve ever heard of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, you know taking on Spain with two feet can be a profound experience. But this popular trek isn’t the only walking opportunity the country affords.

Just ask Matador’s destination expert for Spain, El Lobo.

Arabesque in Andalucia

For the past 11 years, he’s been leading “cultural walking tours” through Andalucia (southern Spain) during the summer.

It’s a sweet gig, says El Lobo, because it lets him “get back there once a year to drink in the culture, which is seductive, intoxicating, and vibrant.”

To find out more about the tours, visit the website for Olé Spain.

And here’s some more about this week’s expert:

I’m fired up on: writing, drawing, flamenco, bullfights, traveling with my wife and kids, hoops, las playas de España
Why I travel: It’s a rush. The people are so kind. New beverages to imbibe. The heat.
About me: I am also always on the lookout for a standout Spanish basketball player, as I also teach Spanish and coach the varsity basketball team back home in Charm City.

What can El Lobo do for you? All you have to do is ask. As he says,

I’m eager to help travelers who have questions about Spain.

So what are you waiting for? Get on over to his Matador profile and fire away!

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About the Author

Matador ID: halamen

Freelance writer and Trips co-editor Hal Amen is currently in the midst of a volunteer year in South America. Find tales of this and other adventures on his personal travel blog, WayWorded.

10 Comments... join the discussion!

  • Carlo Alcos replied on September 7, 2009

    I would love to make the Camino de Santiago one day. We have an idea of moving to Spain one day for a while…will hit you up for some advice El Lobo!

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  • El Lobo replied on September 14, 2009

    Walking (or driving or biking) the Camino is an incredible experience, Carlo. Let me know if you’re ever heading to Spain.

    Lobo

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  • Amy O'Neill replied on September 15, 2009

    I had the good fortune to travel in Andalucia with “El Lobo” as one of my guides on an Ole Spain tour. He and his partner guide are amazing. Their passion, knowledge, unbridled enthusiasm and attention to every detail assured that the trip was INCREDIBLE! It was my first visit to Spain. I can’t imagine any better way to be introduced to that extraordinary country. Go on an Ole Spain tour!!!!!!!! It will change your life, really.

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  • Wil Leon replied on September 18, 2009

    Hello, I’ve read your stuff & it makes me want to move to Spain that much more. I’m currently looking for teaching positions over there & am finishing up my teacher credential. Any tips or help you could offer would be greatly appreciated. I would like to teach english over there for a year. Thank you for you time

    -Wil

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    • El Lobo replied to Wil Leon on September 21, 2009

      Wil,

      Are you American? It’s very difficult to get a teaching job without actually being in Spain ever since the creation of the EU (Brits can get jobs since they have European papers). That said, small institutes and camps are always looking for natives to teach English. Any city in Spain with a university has tons of students around looking for English classes. I’d say pick a city (Granada would be my first pick, and then Salamanca second, and then Sevilla third), walk around the university area and post signs offering your services. You’ll be able to buy a mobile phone once you’re in Spain so that people can call you. Offer private classes until you can find an institute that will hire you, or just build your practice little by little. Send me your e-mail if you’d like to discuss this more. I taught English in Granada for almost a year . . . .

      Lobo

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      • Wil Leon replied to El Lobo on September 21, 2009

        Yes I’m an American & have been doing a little bit of research of how to go about the process, but some things are a little vague & contradicting. I actually looked into Granada, but that situation is a little different. Here’s my email & would really appreciate further advice & I have more questions as well.

        kidlares@yahoo.com

        Thanks in advance,
        Wil

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  • Mary Cox replied on September 22, 2009

    My first trip to Spain was with “El Lobo” as one of my guides on an Ole Spain tour. The experience was absolutely wonderful. The hotels and dining were first rate (and I’m very picky), but there was another component which took me by surprise. The tour was punctuated by storytelling, poetry, and music conveying the history of Andalucia in such a compelling way that I remember it still. Imagine making history fun! Thank you “El Lobo” for a trip of a lifetime!!

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  • Dina replied on October 26, 2009

    Hey everyone!

    I am actually planning right now to head over to Spain to teach English. I am going to go through a school there that guarantees employment and gives you a much-needed visa! Here’s the website: http://www.ttmadrid.com/index.php

    I am so excited, I can’t wait. I lived in Sevilla for 3.5 months and fell in love with the country. I may try to go back there after I get my certification. If for no other reason to go back to this little bar called “Lo Nuestro” on Calle Betis… I had the time of my life there dancing to the sevillanas and drinking “tinto.”

    Of course, I loved Madrid too, so I may just stay there. It’s such a beautiful country and I can’t wait to go back again!

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    • El Lobo replied to Dina on October 26, 2009

      Dina:

      LOVE the Betis. I lived not far from there in 1992 (during the Expo) in Triana. And Seville? Don’t get me started. I met my wife there (and we’re still making gazpacho, dancing sevillanas, and now have three kids). We go to Spain every summer.

      Thanks for your great tip. Also, if you aren’t considering Granada as a place to live, do it now. My favorite city in Spain and a most excellent place to live the good life.

      ¡Buena suerte!

      Lobo

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