All posts tagged: san sebastian

The Local Lowdown | Amaia on Zarautz

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Amaia San Jose-Lunney, 27, grew up in a small Basque town, just a hop skip and a jump over the mountain Igueldo from Donostia-San Sebastian. Although Amaia now resides in Donostia and has lived all over the globe, she will always call Zarautz her home. Her family, her people, and her culture have always been attached to her.   She feels so attached that she and her Australian husband now have made it their business to share her culture with visitors. “Basque people are really kind and they will always help you,” she says. “Any visitor that comes to (visit) should learn about the culture and try to get to know the locals.” You can check out her company’s website To Be Basque for more information of getting the full local experience if you ever visit the Basque Country. Amaia’s top 10 favorite spots in Zarautz & Donostia-San Sebastian – 1. The Walking Path: (Running) along the ocean that goes from Zarautz to Getaria (3.5km) , it is really relaxing for me to walk along the …

Music Monday | Sept 23

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Music Monday made it to day two. To summarize the stories — we both needed a pick me up. I  was having a hard time figuring out the exact song I wanted to send, as it can’t just be ANY song. I started thinking. I was down to a solid three and decided, “I’ll just send them all.” I started writing … and writing … and writing. And then it hit me. They were all wrong. I instantly opened Youtube and searched for a band from Vermont I had seen live back in Portland some years ago. I remembered their lyrics to be just the message we both needed to hear: “cause life is calling but you need healing now for all good reasons change is coming well change is coming for all good reasons now but you need healing for life is calling —- so hold up your head think of brighter days who cares they don’t look at you the same way make up the time this ain’t the end you better let …

a concert in heaven

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It was a concert in heaven. The skies were hidden by a thick layer of clouds as the city lights flickered below contrasting the dreariness of the evening. We wandered from amusement park attractions to food stands looking for cover from the rain as it poured from above. The music sifted through the heavy fog that lay just lightly above the group of people huddled in front of the stage. The musicians protected from the rain performed with soul and energy that kept the crowds warm despite the winds.   This was Kutxa Kultural Festibal 2013 | Monte Igueldo.  

| when it starts to fade |

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When does it happen? When do the beautiful new sites of towns and farms and city neighborhoods start blending into the background? When do we stop holding onto the edge of our seats with eyes wide open and start simply passing by with a blank stare? It occurred to me today while taking the bus to a small town today. My eyes were peeled — I was taking in all my surroundings from factories to quaint little town centers — while the woman next to me closed her eyes and slept until her stop. Of course, every person carries a different story: a long day, hardly any sleep the night before, a million things on their mind and just wanting to let go. It’s besides the point. I hope to never fall into that trap. I hope to always find surprises around every corner in my part of the world whether happy, sad, tired, or mad. I hope to appreciate the small moments alone or with friends — on the bus or walking through my barrio.

| Pintxo Challenge, Act 1 Scene 1|

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It’s already been 5 days into my challenge and I’ve stuck to it (like I’d give up the chance to eat pintxos in the name of writing, really?) I’ve strolled around my new barrio — the old part — and popped into one new bar a day experiencing what this small city offers. I’ve decided I’m going to update my challenge every 5 days as not to bore everyone with a post a day (plus, I’d probably forget) . . . At the end of my challenge I’ll write one conclusive article with tips and photos of my overall experience — so keep tuned! As for the first go . . . here it is. Eat it up! Day 1: Casa Tiburcio | Calle Fermin Cabelton — Fried Muscle (fried seafood, spicy, & hot!) A fairly typical bar to stroll into for the Old Part. Options on the bar, but the menu is where the gold is! Take a peek and be pleasantly surprised. Day 2: Zeruko | Calle Pescaderia — Squid Mango Foie  A new take on the …

|in a land of pintxos |

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It occurred to me today that I need a summer project as I was sipping on a cana con limon in the Plaza de Constitucion and discussing food with a fellow American. I’ve decided to make my focus: pintxos. Living in the North of Spain one is highly aware of the large amount of pintxo bars (and bars in general) throughout the food capital and Capital of Culture 2016. San Sebastian is home to the famous pintxo and hundreds of bar owners and chefs offering traditional to very modern choices. A pintxo is an individual portion of meats, cheeses, fish, veggies, etc., skewered with a toothpick onto a piece of baguette. Of course, pintxos can vary from bar to bar and in the different regions of the North leading me to my decided project for the month of July: 30 Day Pintxo Challenge Inspired by my appreciation of  tasty food, desire to write, and love of photography and challenges — I’ve decided to dedicate the month of July to pintxos. As my budget is low – I’ll stick to one new pintxo …

| a girl who inspires |

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The circumstances of how I met her are complicated, but unimportant. I met her. I met a woman who pushed me to find the work I enjoy; the work I want to pursue. She isn’t much older than I am, but her circumstances and story are so much different. She’s an inspiration without even knowing it. Her name is Tran. She’s Cambodian.  And she’s a feminist. She was lucky to come from a family who valued her mind, who sent her to school to learn and educate herself. She’s now in Barcelona studying a Masters and working hard to promote women’s rights in her home country. Her story and her motivation reminded me of my  desire to help others — particularly women — in less fortunate situations. She reminded me of a class I took my 4th year of university; a Women’s Rights class that struck a chord deep inside that I’ve put aside, but haven’t forgotten about. She reminded me of my purpose here on this earth. Although now isn’t my time to go …

| an English teacher abroad |

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It’s an hour here, an hour there, a bus ride across the city, a couple blocks walk. It’s a day of teaching with only four hours of pay. It’s the life of an English teacher trying to make it abroad. I moved here in October not knowing a soul in the city. With the help of my previous flatmate, I made posters to hang around the city — found websites to post teaching ads and went out and bought some books to begin my new adventure. Through trial and error I’ve found myself with seven private students who have stuck with me for almost eight months and after the summer holiday they’re eager to keep up their English lessons — with me! The academy I’ve been with since November just asked me to come back in the fall as well. It’s hard to believe that everything I’ve worked for has finally been paying off! Teaching English wasn’t exactly the path I had foreseen for myself, but then again, I didn’t have much of an idea of …

| to the mediterranean & back |

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It had to be done — I had to escape my seaside town for the weekend. With Georgia & Olivia heading east, I decided to take a break from my routine and go with them. Little did I know that I’d be reminding myself of why I originally fell in love with San Sebastian three years ago — The big city smells; bustling, loud, crowds of people; and stuffy buildings had me craving the fresh ocean breeze, chimes of the church next to my house, and the sandy floors that remind me I’m home (and that I maybe need to sweep, too). It’s a weekend I needed away to make me appreciate where I am — because even though I constantly try to remind myself of “being in the moment” and “making the most of where you are”  — I sometimes need a kick in the ass to remember my own words of advice. Despite the hectic crowds, we made our way through the winding streets of Barcelona finding new treasures from hidden coffee / …