Speaking of Spain with the Gazpachomonk Paul Read

If someone were to shout out that the mayor of your town was a corrupt so and so, and should be investigated for syphoning public funds into his Swiss bank account what would be your reaction? Would it be to call for a thorough investigation into the accusations or would it be to call up the accuser and ask why he had not had his shoes cleaned recently? Would it be to interview the mayor about the foreign bank account or would it be to question the accuser about his choice of haircut? Then, were his replies about hair styles not to your satisfaction, you would be forgiven for dismissing his claims against the mayor, because, after all, anyone who walked around with dusty shoes couldn't possibly speak with authority about serious issues.
Well this, to many, is how Spanish Politics are being conducted right now. As new political formations are being formed and new calls for regional identity the Gazachomonk goes in search of answers and comes up with not only an insight into why Spain is in so much in pain right now, but also a handy remedy for dusty shoes too.

Chapter One from the Slow Route Home: Narrated by Paul Read.
Miguel has sold his truck and bought a mule. Everyone in the village believes he is crazy, but Miguel follows a wisdom far greater than those that mock him. Miguel's neighbours, his dog and the strange neighbour with the burnt trees are about to learn the benefits of going slow.

This short story is based on Gandhi's desire to 'live the change you wish to see in the world' and takes place amongst the Olive Groves of Andalusia. Miguel's desire to live the way he thinks the world should be may confound his neighbours, but his simple philosophy and way of life symbolise another path open to us all.

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www.speakingofspain.com: What was the relationship between George Orwell's writings and Spain in 1936? How far was Animal Farm and 1984 his final attempt to tell the story of the lost revolution in Spain? And why are the seeds of that revolution sprouting once more in Spain today? Visit the website for posters, podcasts and more.

This is an update on the podcast for 2014 with an explanation of where it is going for the year ahead. Its also a reminder to come over to Youtube channel: Speaking of Spain with the Gazpachomonk to see the spain history series as well as future videos.

Part 2 of the Forgotten First Republic series. See last episode for Part 1.

150 years after the first Republic was declared in the heart of Andalusia, the Gazpachomonk replays the original resurrection canoeing across the lake of Iznajar, and hiking thought the desert landscape with a group of misguided historians in search of meaning in an otherwise meaningless era. Discover the ordeals and absurdities, discover the truth about the king's moustache and listen to the music, the poems that accompany this historic walk in search of Spain's republican past.

Many students of Spanish history will know of the 2nd Republic in Spain, some may have indeed heard of the 1st republic, but few will have heard of the Forgotten First Republic of Bread And Cheese.
Now, Cuba, China and Russia may spring to mind when the word 'revolution' is bandied about in street demonstrations, but rarely did the name of Loja ever come up in one of Fidel's, Hugo Chavez's or Putin´s marathon speeches. It appears the world has never heard of the 'Bread and Cheese Revolution' of 1861.