Buenas tardes familia y amigos,
Today and yesterday have been a most pleasant exercise in adaptation as in becoming more in tune with the ebbs and tides of life in this mesmerirzing coastal town of San Sebastian. While yes, I am principally engaged in that activity known as tourism, there is also those opportunities to be relished that give one glimpses into how local life is not only exercised but embraced.
Gipuzkoa Plaza
For instance, just across the street from my hotel apartment is a square block of park known as Gipuzkoa Plaza – believe that is the Basque name. The park is an exquisite assortment of trees and plants along with water works, sculptures, educational structures, and the occasional swan. Gravel paths with benches every few yards inviting sitting, strolling, and serendipity. Mothers, fathers, and grandparents pushing strollers is a given and not sure which ones generate the most cooing – my nod today goes to one dad on a nearby street.
Acquired a Spanish beach towel – actually it was made in Egypt. The acquisition experience was interesting as the retail shop sells all sorts of linen type products and apparently has been in business for quite some time. What was interesting is that after making my selection and taking it to the lady working the counter, I was directed to another counter to make payment. The payment counter was similar to an old fashioned bank teller window with little bars. The lady there, took my payment, made change, and then proceeded to make a hand entry into the daily sales ledger. On paper of course – priceless! Then back to the other counter to pick up my purchase which by then had been bagged.
While my beach time so far has been spent at the main beach, La Concha Beach, did cross over the Urumea River which empties into the Bay of Biscay to check out the surfer beach, Zurriola Beach. Walked as far as permissible onto the headlands below Mount Ulia. While smaller than La Concha, Zurriola appeared to be well attended and I’ll probably spend some beach time there tomorrow.
Zurriola Beach
Fishing Boat Diorama
And, of course, visited the aquarium which includes as part of the price of admission, entry into the naval museum. Actually, from what I could tell they’re fully integrated together. Of the two, the naval museum is the more interesting with the star attraction, in my opinion, being the dioramas of the fishing boats. These are superbly done – please see the gallery for photos of all of them as well as the rest of the museum and aquarium.
And lastly, speaking of fishermen, a day-early Happy Birthday to my Nephew George! Love from your Tio Mike.
Hasta pronto,
Papi
How warm is the water?
Your pictures are beautiful. I can hear the sea gulls squawking as I look at your beach pictures. I would love to go visit sometime. It looks very peaceful
Thanks Diana – San Sebastian is definitely on my recommend list. The water is a bit cold but not intolerable. The temperature is on the rise so the water temp should be getting better.
Buenos dias mi amigo! I’m enjoying the new tales from the flip side, I think I got caught up tonight. And love the new blog. The gnome train was so cute – it’s fun to see things through a kid’s eyes. Did I miss it, or has there not yet been a report on gâteau basque?
Thanks Cathie – being a grandparent tends to offer a new perspective on things as you are well aware! Haven’t yet tracked down the gateau basque. Apparently is not a staple on the menus. The hotel recommended a couple of places to try and thus hopefully can find some tomorrow.
The pictures are wonderful – almost as good as being there 🙂
Aren’t the meals meeting expectations? There haven’t been any food pictures…
Thanks Jackie – San Sebastian is photo rich. Haven’t been bringing my camera to meals. Not that the meals have been disappointing – the creme ice cream (that’s correct the flavor was creme) I had for dessert today was decadent.