Basque summer

Above San Sebastian

Posted by Elizabeth. We've been in Basque country for the last couple weeks. Based in lovely Biarritz we've made day trips to San Jean de Luz, San Jean Pied de Port and we're currently in San Sebastian.

There's so much to love about this area. First are the incredible beaches with warm water and silky sand. Queen Isabel II and Queen Maria Cristina both spent time in San Sebastián bathing in the waters for health purposes and Queen Eugenie (married to Napolean III) lived in an ornate home in Biarritz. 



Pintxos

The food and drink of the area would be enough to lure visitors even if the sun wasn't shining and the sea wasn't sparkling. In Spain, Basque pintxos (tapas) are on every bar top with prawns, crab, cheese with local preserves, Iberian ham, and octopus while local cider, Irouleguy wine, and sangria soothe the nerves of hot and tired American mothers. 



"Basque prisoners and refugees home"

In Spain, the Basque culture is more separatist than in subdued France. The Euskara language is spoken by many people and is primary on road signs and cultural monuments. Last night we stayed in an apartment in the San Sebastián harbor just above a late night Basque party which included a mechanical bull (held by a man) running through the streets with firecrackers exploding from his head chasing children. At the farmers market in Biarritz the Basque men stand at the bar sipping their wine, slurping their oysters and singing local ballads to each other. 



Funicular

A highlight of San Sebastián was our trip up the funicular with the Danielsen Wongs to the old school amusement park high above the town and beach. We had a boat ride that hugged the cliff above the beach and we precariously sped over the ocean on the rickety roller coaster (ok, guess who sat that one out). A very fun evening with our friends. 

This has definitely been a relaxing way to end our travels. We are perpetually coated in a thin layer of sand and the boys have turned the color of a perfect Basque cake. Summertime at its best.