In & Around Spain

There is a small but growing parallel economy based on bartering in Spain that is being fuelled mainly by a series of websites, paid for by advertising and offering platforms for the cash-free exchange of everything from language classes and dog-walking to furniture and cars. Even homes and other real estate properties are exchanged in this time-honored way, on such websites as: www.acambiode.com , www.sepermuta.es , www.depersonaapersona.es . In "Listeners' Club," Alison Hughes answers your letters and e-mails (21/02/12).