Buenas tardes familia y amigos,
My last two days in San Sebastian and more generally in Spain. Both Madrid and San Sebastian have been wonderful hosts. Everyone I’ve met has been considerate and quite helpful. A couple of parting observations. First, both in Madrid and San Sebastian, drivers always appear to be keenly aware of pedestrians. Unlike, say Nice, where I’d advise visitors to hire someone just to cross the streets ahead them for safety reasons. 😉
Second, I’ve read that meals are the focus of Spanish life – I disagree. While meals are very important, from my observations, the true epicenter of Spanish life is conversation. So much so, that collisions are much more likely on sidewalks due to folks suddenly stopping so as to more fully focus on the conversation at hand!
Legazpi Doce Living Room
As I related in an early post I have been staying at a hotel apartment. It has been an excellent temporary residence and I recommend it unequivocally to anyone planning a visit to San Sebastian. The hotel offers both traditional room and apartment suites – Legazpi Doce (see the gallery for more photos of the apartment). As for the town of San Sebastian? If you like the combination of beautiful beaches, historic architecture. delicious cuisine, and charming people, then San Sebastian should be on your list of places to visit.
I did find some Basque cake or as they say in French, gateau basque, today. However, as I have come to first suspect and now fully realize, there are different variations. While the version I had today was tasty, I did not, or at least my taste buds, did not re-live the exceptional experience of five years ago in Biarritz. So the search will continue in the future.
Basque Cake
La Mota Castle
Besides, more beach time and just time spent wandering about photographing the delightful architecture, made the climb up Mont Urgull. As you may recall, early in my stay, made the ascent up Monte Igueldo on the west end of the bay via the funicular. Sitting on the east end of the bay, Mont Urgull offers no such expediency. Switchbacks, stairs, and eventually narrow interior stairs within the fortress complex (see the gallery for photos of and from the fortress).
Not that it was overly exerting – I must say that as there were a couple of locals running (not jogging) up and down said route. I eventually did make the top but not before temporarily surrendering my sombrero to a four-legged Spaniard or perro. He was a friendly hunting type breed who seemed to want a nice pet which he did take, but then he decided that my hat in my other hand was also on offer. A bit of a romp here and there, and then finally his two-legged Spaniard companion was able to get him to give up my hat – a bit soggy but still serviceable.
Well that’s it for my time in Spain. Tomorrow a long train ride with two connections to make, as I head into France!
Hasta pronto,
Papi
Very Nice Papi!
Ollie liked the story about the dog stealing the hat! Though he keeps asking “Papi?”
Guess you need a selfie stick!
Yes, Papi, should probably try to include himself in one of these photos even if does effect the quality. 😉
Sounds like another place to add to my list. Enjoy the train ride.
Thanks Cathie. The train rides however have been slightly off this trip with the delays.
Love all the architectural photos. The cities are so interesting with their old world charm. The beaches from yesterday look so enticing. Brianna especially enjoyed your story about your sombrero and the perro. Brianna recalls that it is one of your favorites and was glad to hear it survived. George says thank you for the gift, as we celebrated his birthday today with a BBQ at the Arroyo’s. He wants to know if you have seen any of the local fish markets. Coastal cities are well know for their fresh and diverse seafood’s.
Thanks Monica. In San Sebastian passed through the mercado several times on the way to the super market. Lots of fish stalls as well as stalls for butchers, grocers, etc. The fish stalls tended to open early and close up first was my impression.