Nick O'Brien @NickLovesSpain Twitter profile

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Nick O'Brien

1 day

My audience’s top 20 town & village recommendations. That make Spain — The world's best country to spend your summer: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

A look at how Spain compares to the rest of the EU — The good, the bad, and the ugly. (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

2 months

A case for why Spain is the greatest country on Earth: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

29 days

Tomorrow marks 6 years since the world lost Anthony Bourdain. A chef, an author, and an enthusiast of Spain. Here are my 25 favorite insights — on food, life, and the country we love — from every episode he filmed in Spain: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

19 days

20 Spanish towns with names will make you laugh: 1. Poo (Asturias)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

Spain isn't just sunshine, tapas, and wine — It's a country of innovation. Here are 25 inventions made in Spain that changed our lives forever: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 year

Is Spain is the most beautiful country on Earth?

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

11 months

Asturias is Spain's best-kept secret. One of the most fascinating regions on Earth. It's hard to do a place like this justice, but here's my best shot: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

2 months

Today, Spain celebrates the Community of Madrid — Whose capital city is the the place I call home. If I someone were to ask me why Madrid is the greatest city on Earth, here’s what I’d say: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

2 months

A case for why Spain is the greatest country on Earth to eat & drink: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

2. Best Cities to Live in the EU 1. Málaga (Spain) 2. Alicante (Spain) 3. Valencia (Spain) 4. Madrid (Spain) 5. Lisbon (Portugal) 6. Barcelona (Spain) 7. Amsterdam (Netherlands) 8. Athens (Greece) 9. Stockholm (Sweden) 10. Luxembourg City (Luxembourg) (Forbes, 2023)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

Today, Spain celebrates the Canary Islands. One of the most fascinating places on Earth. It’s hard to do a place like this justice, but here’s my best shot: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

2 months

More than 10,000 castles have marked Spain across history. With 2,500 still standing today. Here are the 25 castles & fortresses that make Spain the most enchanting country on Earth: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

I asked my audience what contributes to Spain’s high life expectancy. The highest in the EU at 83.18 years between the sexes. Here are their responses — the serious, insightful, and outright hilarious: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

3. Most Beautiful Small Towns in the EU 1. Albarracín (Spain) 2. Bled (Slovenia) 3. Giethoorn (Netherlands) 4. Gordes (France) 5. Hallstatt (Austria) (Condé Nast Traveler, 2023)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

Starting with the good — 1. Highest Life Expectancy in the EU 1. Spain (83.18 years) 2. Sweden (83.16) 3. Malta (82.86) 4. Italy (82.80) 5. Luxembourg (82.75) 6. France (82.32) 7. Ireland (82.10) 8. Finland (81.93) 9. Belgium (81.89) 10. Netherlands (81.46) 11. Denmark (81.40)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 year

Northern Spain is a dream. And Santander is one of its best coastal cities. Here's all you need to know for your next visit: ( a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

2 months

A love letter to Sevilla: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

11 months

Before there was Rome. Before there was Athens. Before there was Cairo. There was Cádiz.

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

2 months

25 details that give Spain one of the most fascinating natural environments on Earth: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

2 months

Spain isn’t just beautiful for its towns & cities. The country is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes on Earth. Here are Spain's 16 National Parks, and what to expect in each one: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 year

Madrid is a miracle 🇪🇸

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

2 months

A look into the most colossal sites in Spain: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

6. Sunniest Cities in the EU 1. Málaga (Spain) 2. Alicante (Spain) 3. Murcia (Spain) 4. Catania (Italy) 5. Sevilla (Spain) 6. Córdoba (Spain) 7. Marseille (France) 8. Madrid (Spain) 9. Zaragoza (Spain) 10. Athens (Greece) 11. Palma de Mallorca (Spain) 12. Nice (France) 13. Rome

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

10. Most UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in the EU 1. Spain (53) 2. Italy (20) 3. France (16) 4. Germany (16) 5. Portugal (12)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

6 months

This month marks 8 years since I first stepped foot in Spain. A country that quickly became my favorite place on Earth. Here are the 30 aspects of Spanish culture I find the most fascinating: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

5. Best Restaurants in the EU 1. Disfrutar (Barcelona, Spain) 2. DiverXO (Madrid, Spain) 3. Asador Etxebarri (Spain) 4. Alchemist (Copenhagen, Denmark) 5. Lido 84 (Gardone Riviera, Italy) 6. Table by Bruno Verjus (Paris, France) 7. Reale (Castel di Sangro, Italy) 8. Steirereck

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

2 months

People often ask me about my enchantment with Spain. It’s hard to capture entirely with words, but for what it’s worth — Here are the 20 aspects of Spanish culture I find the most fascinating: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

4. Most Popular Cities to Visit in the EU 1. Paris (19 million foreign visitors) 2. Barcelona (10) 3. Amsterdam (8) 4. Madrid (6) 5. Athens (5.5) (Travel Tramp, 2024)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

23 days

A look into the most ancient sites, discoveries, and living things in Spain: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

11 of my favorite insights from researching Spain every day for the past year: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

25 days

The most comprehensive look into Spanish cuisine I've ever done — To prove that Spain is the greatest country to eat & drink on the planet: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 year

Madrid is a miracle of a city. I've been lucky to call it home for the last 5 years. Here's all you need to know for your next visit to the most underrated capital in Europe: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

28 days

Tomorrow, Spain celebrates the region of La Rioja. The birthplace of written Spanish — and a wine capital of the world. It’s hard to do a place like this justice, but here’s my best shot: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

2 months

25 features of Spain that no other country can offer: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

2 months

Perhaps the greatest adventure I’ve had in Spain was the Camino de Santiago — The most famous pilgrimage in all of Europe. For those hoping to follow my footsteps, here are 25 pieces of advice I wish I knew beforehand: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

9. Most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the EU 1. Italy (59) 2. France (52) 3. Germany (52) 4. Spain (50) 5. Greece (19) 6. Czech Republic (17) 7. Poland (17) 8. Portugal (17) 9. Belgium (16) 10. Sweden (15)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 year

Spain has one of the highest life expectancies in the world. Why do you think that is?

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

8. Best Bars in the EU 1. Sips (Barcelona, Spain) 2. Paradiso (Barcelona, Spain) 3. Little Red Door (Paris, France) 4. Line (Athens, Greece) 5. Salmon Guru (Madrid, Spain) 6. Drink Kong (Rome, Italy) 7. Baba au Rum (Athens, Greece) 8. Wax On (Berlin, Germany) 9. Röda Huset

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

29 days

1. On the Irresistible Allure of Spain — and Granada “Any reasonable sentient person who looks at Spain, comes to Spain, eats in Spain, drinks in Spain — they’re going to fall in love. Otherwise, there’s something deeply wrong with you. This is the dream of all the world. The

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

2 months

1. Andalusia Foods: - Salmorejo - Gazpacho - Rabo de Toro - Pescaíto Frito - Berenjenas Fritas con Miel - Carrilleras de Ternera - Carrilleras de Cerdo - Flamenquín - Gambas al Ajillo (Gambas al Pil-Pil) - Pringá - Cazón en Adobo (Bienmesabe) - Huevos a la Flamenca - Ajoblanco -

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

19 days

4. Penisville (Villapene) in Galicia

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

Tomorrow is International Wine Day. And I’ve got the perfect pairing — Here are the 31 BEST CHEESES in Spain and where to each one: (a short 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

7. Best Chefs & Sommelier in the EU Best Chefs: 1. Dabiz Muñoz (Spain) 2. Albert Adrià (Spain) 3. Ana Roš (Slovenia) 4. René Redzepi (Denmark) 5. Andoni Luis Aduriz (Spain) 6. Rasmus Munk (Denmark) 7. Orio Castro Forns - Eduard Xatruch Cerro - Mateu Casañas (Spain) 8. Joan Roca

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 year

5. Submarine Invented in 1888 by Spanish engineer and naval officer, Isaac Peral. The first fully operative military submarine.

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

20 days

I asked my audience what makes them proud to be Spanish. Here are my 20 favorite responses — The heartwarming, insightful, and outright hilarious: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

11. Best Food in the EU I disagree (of course!), but — 1. Italy 2. Greece 3. Portugal 4. France 5. Spain With 3 dishes in the World’s Top 100: 83. Lechazo 86. Gambas al Ajillo 94. Cordero Asado (TasteAtlas, 2023)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

12. Sexiest Accent in the EU 1. Irish 2. Italian 3. French 4. Spanish 5. Czech 6. Hungarian 7. Danish 8. Polish 9. Dutch 10. Greek (Seasia Stats, 2024)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

19 days

15. Dirty Man (Guarromán) in Andalusia

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

2 months

Spain isn’t just beautiful for its towns & cities. The country has more UNESCO Biosphere Reserves than anywhere else on Earth. A guide for those to visit in every region of Spain: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 year

Spanish is the most beautiful language on Earth. And its influence is undeniable. Here are the 20 countries across the world with Spanish as their official language: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

13. Most Tourists in the EU 1. France (79.4 million) 2. Spain (71.7) 3. Italy (49.8) 4. Germany (28.5) 5. Greece (27.8) (UN World Tourism Organization, 2022)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 year

6. Lollipop Invented by Enric Bernat in 1957 to design a sweet that didn't get kids' hands dirty. This would lead to the founding of the famous Spanish lollipop brand, Chupa Chups.

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

19 days

3. More Pigeons (Maspalomas) in the Canary Islands

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

27 days

Today, Spain celebrates the Region of Murcia. "Europe's Orchard" — known for its Warm Coast, cuisine, and historic past. A look into one of the most underrated areas of the country: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 year

2. Cigarette Although people have been smoking tobacco since 5000 BC, Sevillan beggars invented the first cigarettes. They would find discarded cigar butts, shred them, and roll the remains in scraps of paper.

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

19 days

2. Queen's Urinal (Meadero de la Reina) in Andalusia

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 year

15. Modern Rules of Chess Although Chess originated in India, the modern rules come from Spain. Either during the Islamic period or after the Christian reconquest of Toledo.

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

19 days

8. Don’t Go (Novallas) in Aragon

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

16. Best Road Quality in the EU 1. Netherlands 2. Austria 3. Portugal 4. Spain 5. Croatia 6. Denmark 7. Luxembourg 8. France 9. Finland 10. Germany (World Economic Forum, 2019)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 year

I'd rather visit Andalusia than most countries. One of Spain's most beloved regions. Here's all you need to know for your next visit to the South's 5 most popular cities: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

19 days

13. Kill the Beers (Matalascañas) in Andalusia

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 year

3. Spacesuit The first full-pressured space suit was designed and made by Emilio Herrera Linares in 1935. The Russians used a model of Herrera's suit during their initial space programs, followed by the United States.

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 year

Spain isn't just beautiful for its cities. The country is home to some of the world's most stunning landscapes. Here are Spain's 16 national parks, and what to expect in each one: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

15. Highest Literacy Rate in the EU 1. Poland (100%) 2. Lithuania (100%) 3. Slovenia (100%) 4. Latvia (100%) 5. Estonia (100%) 6. Italy (99%) 7. Spain (99%) 8. Romania (99%) 9. Czech Republic (99%) 10. Hungary (99%) (World Population Review, 2024)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 year

4. Mop Invented by Spanish engineer, Manuel Jalón Corominas in 1956. Until then, people got on their knees to clean the floor.

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

By popular demand — A fascinating look at how the 17 Autonomous Communities of Spain compare. The good, the bad, and the ugly. (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

19 days

14. Quotation Marks (Comillas) in Cantabria

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

19 days

5. Pair of Blondes (Parderrubias) in Galicia

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 year

Sevilla is one of the best cities on Earth. Here's all you need to know for your next visit: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 year

1. Classical Guitar Classical guitars derive from the Vihuela and Gittern Spanish instruments. However, the modern classical guitar was invented by Spanish luthier, Antonio Torres Jurado in the 19th Century.

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 year

10. Digital Calculator Spanish engineer and computer scientist, Leonardo Torres Quevedo's machines are considered to be the original digital calculators. First created in 1914.

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

17 days

Today, we celebrate World Tapas Day. To recognize one of the best ways to enjoy food on the planet. In honor of this celebration — an investigation into what tapas are, what they aren’t, where they came from, and more: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 year

7. Foosball First patented by Spaniard, Alejandro Finisterre in 1937. He credits his friend, Francisco Javier Altuna with the original idea.

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

19 days

6. Sewer (Alcantarilla) in the Region of Murcia

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 year

12. Disposable Syringe Invented by the same man who invented the mop, Manuel Jalón Corominas in 1978.

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

Cheers, everyone! I won’t post things like this frequently, but I know a lot of people reading this are from Spain, and I’d love to learn what I can from you. As always, it would be an honor to have you follow me @NickLovesSpain on X. I can’t thank you enough for the support.

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 year

8. Hot Chocolate Although the Mayans are credited with the invention of hot chocolate, their version was known to be spicy and bitter. Spanish conquistadors adapted the idea into the sweet version we love today.

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 year

@teamveganfta Who else loves steak?

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 year

11. Cable Car Also invented by Leonardo Torres Quevado, the inventor of the digital calculator. The first patent came in 1887, while the first cable car used for public transportation came in 1907 on San Sebastián's Monte Ulía.

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

5. The First World Currency The Spanish dollar, known as the Piece of Eight, became the first world currency by the 16th century. It was widely used in Europe, America, and the Far East.

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 year

If you enjoyed this thread, you'll love my newsletter. Deeper, more valuable insights on: - Moving to Spain - Traveling in Spain - Growing & Monetizing a Travel Twitter Account The best part? You decide the type of content you get.

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 year

13. Gyroplane (Autogyro) Invented by Spanish civil engineer and pilot, Juan de la Cierva in 1920. The invention was the direct precursor to the Helicopter.

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

14. Most Football Titles in the EU World Cup: 1. Germany (4) 2. Italy (4) 3. France (2) 4. Spain (1) Champions League: 1. Real Madrid (Spain) with 14 2. AC Milan (Italy) with 7

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

17. Best Public Transportation in the EU 1. Luxembourg 2. Malta 3. Austria 4. Germany 5. Cyprus 6. Spain 7. Hungary 8. Netherlands 9. Estonia (Greenpeace, 2023)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

1. The Classical Guitar Classical guitars derive from the Vihuela and Gittern Spanish instruments. However, the modern classical guitar was invented by Spanish luthier, Antonio Torres Jurado in the 19th Century.

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

19 days

10. Cow Face of the Cross (Caravaca de la Cruz) in the Region of Murcia

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

6 months

Today is my girlfriend’s birthday. What a magical thing it is to fall in love in Spain. Here are the 20 most romantic cities in the country: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

19 days

9. Badly Cooked (Malcocinado) in Extremadura

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

7. Epidural Anesthesia Invented by Fidel Pagés Miravé in 1901. Used primarily doing child labor, allowing women to stay awake and feel the pressure of labor without the pain. My Mom is a labor-and-delivery nurse — I’ll have to tell her!

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

20. The Radio Although Italian inventor, Guglielmo Marconi is widely credited for being the father of the radio, Spanish engineer Julio Cervera Baviera successfully transmitted voice signals between Jávea and Ibiza in 1902 — seven years before Marconi achieved it in 1909.

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

9. International Law By Francisco de Vitoria, member of the School of Salamanca. Described as some scholars as the Father of International Law.

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

2. The Beauty When I walk around Madrid, I can hardly believe it exists. Living somewhere beautiful isn’t just desirable; it is essential. As Dostoyevsky put it: “Beauty will save the world” — One person at a time.

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

2 months

2. The Cities Last year, Forbes released their list of the World’s Best Cities to Live. Spain was the most represented country on Earth with 4 of the top 10. Better yet — Málaga, Alicante, and Valencia took 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respectively, with Madrid at number 6.

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

19 days

16. The Hells (Los Infiernos) in the Region of Murcia

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

3. Modern Surgery Known in the west as Albucasis, Abu al-Qasim al-Zahrawi is the regarded as the Father of Modern Surgery. He was from al-Andalus and invented over 200 tools for surgery — many still in use today.

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 year

14. Sherry First mentioned in the 1st Century B.C. by Greek geographer, Strabo. He claimed that the first vines were brought to Spain's Jerez Region by the Phoenicians in 1100 B.C.

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

6. The Spacesuit The first full-pressured space suit was designed and made by Emilio Herrera Linares in 1935. The Russians used a model of Herrera's suit during their initial space programs, followed by the United States.

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 month

In honor of International Wine Day — 20 insights that make Spain one of the most fascinating wine countries on Earth: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

2 months

Just outside every Spanish city — Are the most charming towns & villages on the planet. Here are the best places to discover in every region of the country: (a 🧵)

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Nick O'Brien

@NickLovesSpain

1 year

9. Mayonnaisse Invented by French chef of the Duke de Richelieu in 1756. While the Duke was defeating the British at Port Mahon on the Spanish Island of Menorca, his chef was preparing a victory feast that included the now-famous sauce.

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