The 'merger of equals' between clickair and the 'best' airline in Europe, Vueling, is finally nearing completion.

The dire state of the international airline industry has taken a number of casualties, so it is to clickair and Vueling's credit that they managed to pull off this merger and so minimize job losses. Virtually all of the two airlines' routes have been preserved in the deal, which has made the new company Spain's second biggest airline (after Iberia).

Why is Vueling 'the best'? Because of some dubious advertising campaign No, its because of this study I have conducted into airlines' hidden charges: Which is the Best Budget Airline?.

I looked at the various sneaky fees and misleading websites of twelve of Europe's most popular airlines, to come up with this run down of their websites' pros and cons. The airlines which exhibited the least bare-faced cheek rose to the top. So, well done Vueling.

No prizes for which airline came last.

See also: Airlines' Hidden Charges

The San Fermin festival, home to the Pamplona Running of the Bulls, is just about under way. Time for the daily spectacle of watching brave/foolish men (mainly Australians) running in front of mad bulls and a whole lot of drinking to fill in the gaps between the bull runs. But first, a mass animal rights demonstration.

The Pamplona Running of the Nudes is now almost as famous as the bull running itself, though that is probably more due to people's penchant for nudity, not because of any deep-seated support for their cause.

If you are interesting in seeing more of their, erm, cause, check out these pictures: Running of the Nudes Pictures.

What do you think of the animal rights protesters in Pamplona? Are they doing their bit for animalkind, or are they just meddlesome spoilsports?

I have some sympathy with their cause. But wouldn't their attention be better directed towards the millions of animals painfully slaughtered in sub-standard abattoirs around the world, rather than the few thousand bulls that die in bullfights each year?

Worrying about bullfights when there are bigger animal rights issues at stake is like only caring about kitten drowning when it takes place on a Sunday. The huge sums of money spent on bringing large numbers of animal rights campaigners to Pamplona could be spent on better things. Anti-bullfighting protesters always emphasise the inhumanity of the act - saying that killing animals should not be done in the name of 'art' or 'sport'. They probably have a point. But is it really the job of animal rights campaigners to dictate how humans should behave, when the number of animals they can save is minimal at best? I imagine that most people who donate money to PETA do so hoping it will be spent on saving as many animals lives as possible, not on these self-righteous proclamations. The animals themselves seem to be an afterthought.

What do you think? Have you ever donated money to PETA? Are you happy with your money going on a trip to Pamplona? Leave your thoughts below.

An article on satirical website The Onion today describes a confused couple's disappointment to find that Mexican and Spanish food are not one and the same. Read the article: Restaurant Turns Out To Be Spanish, Not Mexican.

Bob, one half of the bewildered couple, exclaims: "Why don't they just have chips and salsa for the appetizer? Instead, they have stuff like prosciutto and melon, and steamed mussels. That sounds like something you wouldn't eat on a dare."

All very funny stuff, but not far from the truth when it comes to many people's first encounters with Spanish food. If you were brought up on Mexican food and are expecting Spanish food to be similar, you're going to be disappointed. Very few Spanish dishes are spicy - the local palette just can't handle it.

This common mistake makes it onto my list of Myths and Misconceptions About Spain. Don't be like Bob, read the list and avoid disappointment when you're in Spain!

See also: Top Ten Spanish Dishes

Whenever Madrid lovers talk about their favorite city, the nightlife is always mentioned. But, unfortunately, most tourists arrive in Madrid and head straight for the Irish pubs around Sol at about 9pm, find nothing is going on and head back to their hotel, wondering what all the fuss is about.

As with most things about Madrid, it takes a little more time to find what you want - but it's well worth the effort. Madrid's nightlife can be found in small pockets all over town, which each cluster of bars and clubs catering to one age or style of people. Check out my list of where to experience the best of Madrid Nightlife to find out where your niche.