"Ooooster..." I yelled at my friend Danny (aka Oster) througout the entire bus trip from Barcelona to San Sebastián. An unexpected budget cut for our stay was the reason for my complete bewilderment. 10€ for three days, no credit card, no ID. Well played mate... The plan to live like kings on this weekend was cancelled first hand. The bus ride itself was pretty rough, due to an all-nighter of partying before, and longer as we expected it. Nevertheless we were rewarded with an amazing view on the Basque scenery. Green hills, which rather reminded me of my native country than my of image of Spain. But soon we realised this is not Spain, this is the Basque Country.
The first impression of the city was very impressing. I guess it was the first time I've seen a proper sized river since I was living here. Moreover the tides mixed with it, so you could see surfable waves on a river. Well, for the ones who dare to ride them. Surfing is a big topic in San Sebastián. The rougher the weather, the better the waves. After checking in at our hostel we went out for a walk through the old city centre and to the beach of Zurriola, where we've seen some surfers searching for the perfect good night wave.
 |
| (San Sebastián/ Basque Country/ 01.11.2013) |
 |
| (San Sebastián/ Basque Country/ 01.11.2013) |
|
After a few beers in the slight rain we decided to leave the city centre to look for cheap food and drinks. The square of this beautiful church is surrounded by bars and little restaurants.
 |
| (San Sebastián/ Basque Country/ 01.11.2013) |
|
View from the bridge above the river Urumea.
 |
| (San Sebastián/ Basque Country/ 01.11.2013) |
|
Saturday morning, fresh vegetables at the market.
 |
| (San Sebastián/ Basque Country/ 02.11.2013) |
|
Morning view on the mouth of Urumea.
 |
| (San Sebastián/ Basque Country/ 02.11.2013) |
People were surprised about the impact and height of the arriving waves. Some had an unintentional shower, some were asking for it. Like this boy, seconds before the impact.
 |
| (San Sebastián/ Basque Country/ 02.11.2013) |
Run to the hills, run for your life.
 |
| (San Sebastián/ Basque Country/ 02.11.2013) |
 |
| (San Sebastián/ Basque Country/ 02.11.2013) |
View on the Bahia de la Concha and the Igueldo Lighthouse.
 |
| (San Sebastián/ Basque Country/ 02.11.2013) |
Seaside view.
 |
| (San Sebastián/ Basque Country/ 02.11.2013) |
Short break on the walking path up Mount Urgull.
 |
| (San Sebastián/ Basque Country/ 02.11.2013) |
|
Old canons on the fortress of Mount Urgull. Besides a huge statue of Jesus Christ on the top of it, it contained a museum. We spent our afternoon learning something about the history of San Sebastián or Donostia as it is called, as well. About the occupancy of the French and the British and, last but not least, the remaining of the Basque language and culture within the city borders. A very bloody but interesting history lesson.
 |
| (San Sebastián/ Basque Country/ 02.11.2013) |
View from the fortress above the city. On this day a football derby took place. Real Sociedad San Sebastián against CA Osasuna (5-0 if anyone is interested in the result). The visitor's chants could still be heard on the very top of the city. Surprisingly the supporters of both teams were sharing a beer or two on the streets and bars of the city.
 |
| (San Sebastián/ Basque Country/ 02.11.2013) |
Honestly, I can't remember what this monument was meant for. But I recall a conversation about stoner rock and the decision to have the first beer of the day.
 |
| (San Sebastián/ Basque Country/ 02.11.2013) |
This decision lead us pintxos bar. A great combination to have drink and to start the night. Super delicious and very typical for the Basque Country. This is the octopus version.
 |
| (San Sebastián/ Basque Country/ 02.11.2013) |
Just a little part of the big variety of pintxos this bar has offered. Bad idea though to have them in the touristic part of San Sebastián. 14€ for four pieces and two tiny beers. At least, the taste was worth the price.
 |
| (San Sebastián/ Basque Country/ 02.11.2013) |
Nice paintings of Donostia at Plaza Gipuzkoa.
 |
| (San Sebastián/ Basque Country/ 03.11.2013) |
Met Don Quijote and his companion on the promenade. Way to go to fight the windmills.
 |
| (San Sebastián/ Basque Country/ 03.11.2013) |
|
Not just surfing was big in San Sebastián but skim boarding, too. On this Sunday surfers and skim boarders of all levels crowded La Concha Beach.
 |
| (San Sebastián/ Basque Country/ 03.11.2013) |
|
San Sebastián is a small but beautiful city with an impressive history. Its food, its lovely bars, its vibe are amazing. The townspeople are proud Basques but still hospitable folks. This is what helped us to enjoy the city to its fullest, even with a small budget. If you have the chance to travel there, go for it. But make sure to stay for a few days and start surfing.
