No comments about Lisbon and Portugal Travel Pack (Globetrotter Travel Packs).

No comments about LUXE Barcelona (LUXE City Guides).

1 comments about Contemporary Spain: A Handbook.

1. The strength of this book is that it provides a detailed overview of Contemporary Spain in modern context.

   Obtaining a copy of this book saves busy people time in finding specific information regarding the legal framework of the Spanish state and institutions, political parties, media, regional subsidiarity, economy, environment, education, social welfare and even law and order.

   If you then find you have the time and the need for greater depth, viewing the indispensable list of books for further reading, as suggested by Professor Ross at the back, will provide you with ample choice of information sources.

   Ideal for busy people, pressed university or college students on busy overloaded courses, and anyone with an interest in learning more about the way Spain is run.

No comments about Fodor's Madrid's 25 Best, 4th Edition (25 Best).

3 comments about Top 10 Madeira (EYEWITNESS TOP 10 TRAVEL GUIDE).

1. First issued in 2005, the "newness" of this book is its strong point -- i.e., hotel and restaurant recommendations are very current. However, the book is not a stand alone tour guide for Madeira. Its maps are totally inadequate in their level of detail, its coverage of things to do/see varies from excellent to sketchy. I would recommend it only as a companion guide to a more comprehensive tour book.



2. this book is definitely not a stand alone guide, but makes a great quick reference to the hit points (top 10 local dishes, top 10 gardens, top 10 beaches, etc). The most useful page was the top 10 warnings - none of our other guidebooks mentioned that you'd be charged for the garlic bread at restaurants even though you didn't order it or about taxi drivers ripping off tourists - this definitely helped us on our trip! You can probably find the book cheaper elsewhere, as we did, so it's worth your while.



3. I went to Madeira for 3 days and took this guide and I'm glad I did it. It focus more on Funchal but with so litle time its ideal to plane the days and not waste one second of time.
   
   It has great info about all the best places and I found the bus information the most usefull for people like me, who wanted to save money but enjoy the trip at the same time. It has lots of pictures of what to expect, usefull information about the island, info on prices, small maps and the best locations and monuments: the very best top 10 of places you just have to visit while in Madeira, places like The Catedral of funchal, Museu de Arte sacra, Adegas, Jardim Botânico, Mercado dos Lavradores, Monte, Curral das Freiras, Pico do Areeiro and many more.

1 comments about Camino de Santiago Map (Earthwise Guides).

1. this super light weight book showing the path to Santiago is an excellent alternative to taking a guide book with you if you are planning to walk the Camino Frances. It lists the albergues and hotels in all the villages along the way, along with other services offered - cash points, supermarkets, churches, etc. Spiral bound, well layed out, good town maps of the 5 biggest towns along the way. Highly recommended.

No comments about Canary Islands: The Bradt Travel Guide.

No comments about Trekking in the Pyrenees, 3rd: France & Spain Trekking Guides (Trailblazer).

No comments about Driving Over Lemons: An Optimist in Andalucia.

4 comments about Living Abroad in Spain.

1. Nicely written book. Some info may not be very useful, especially if you have been to Spain. Genreally, a pleasant reading and good organization. Will give you some idea on what living in Spain is like. You are better off if you know someone in Spain or have relatives.



2. In general, this is a useful introduction to the issues an expatriate will face when moving to Spain. As an American citizen who is considering making the move, I also like that the book is written by an American (most English-language books on moving to Spain are written by--and largely for--UK citizens, who have it much easier than Americans with regard to residency and work permits).
   
   However, I find it frustrating that Weinstein completely ignores the major catch-22 that bars most non-EU citizens from legal employment in Spain: most Spanish employers will not hire without an existing work permit, but it's extremely difficult to get a work permit without having a standing job offer. Even Google, an American company that has a branch in Madrid, will not consider applicants who do not already have EU working papers in hand. Weinstein does not say how she got around this problem; does not say how any other non-EU citizens have gotten around this problem; does not give any pointers on where to find companies that might be willing to sponsor Americans for a visa; in fact, does not mention this issue at all.
   
   Had I known of this glaring, hugely important omission, I would not have bought the book. Now you know. If what you want is general information about the logistics of life in Spain, this book is great. But if you're a non-EU citizen who is looking for guidance in circumventing the major catch-22 of employment in Spain, look elsewhere.



3. I just decided to look into moving to Spain and being green behind the ears this was the perfect book for my stage of research. Some "living in spain" books might be more detailed or specific, but Weinstein's book was written as if the author and I were sitting across the table at a Starbucks. She gave a general introduction to the highlights of not only history and culture but of the region and what locations will fit "me". A very easy and motivating read. If your still wondering if you want to make the move or where to go, this is your book.



4. The book is well written, but if you have a family, this book is not for you. The information regarding children and education is very sparse.