DAY 21
Week 3
BILBAO (Basque Country, ESP) to SAN SEBASTIÁN (Basque Country, ESP)
& return
Thursday July 27th, 2017
TODAYS MILEAGE – 132 miles or 212 kilometres
TRIP MILEAGE – 14,472 miles or 23,290 kilometres
Today was split into three separate parts consisting of exploring Bilbao and San Sebastián.
Just after dawn I was mingling with the early rising parishioners on their way for another chat with the "big fella upstairs", but my call to service was in the direction of the local markets. Yeah, it's my own kind a "fishes & loaves" deal, but with nothing do my own denomination.
The vast part of the day was spent in San Sebastián, about an hour and a half by bus from Bilbao. We were scheduled to return on the 8PM service, but I really wasn't digging the "combat tourism" experience in walking around the town, so decided to head back early. Young Anna had the same thoughts, so it was off to the Donostiako Autobus Geltokia (bus stationh) where we managed to trade in our tickets for the 3PM bus service and had great time solving the world’s problems in conversation on the trip.
I headed out on my own to explore Casco Viejo (Bilbao's Old Quarter) for several hours, before meeting up with another couple of the tour group for dinner, before parking up at a great little spot - Galipó, for some adult beverages to end the evening.
• BILBAO ~ Exploring The City (Basque Country, ESP)
• SAN SEBASTIÁN ~ Exploring The City (Basque Country, ESP)
Day 19 - San Sebastián
Take a day trip to San Sebastian. Opt to take a pintxos (tapas) tour and learn about the fascinating culture of the area. Return to Bilbao for the night.
The real treat in this part of the country is the eating. Basque cuisine is famous in Spain and around the world, with many believing this is the best food in the country. While San Sebastián didn't invent tapas, they are well-acknowledged to have perfected them. Wander through the streets before lunchtime or in the evening and check out what each bar has on offer.
Stop in each place for some wine or beer and sample their tapas (pintxos in Basque) selection. Move on to the next bar and repeat!
Delicious seafood abounds here as well. Looking for more than just pintxos? Head to the harbour and hole up in a traditional simple tavern. Don't leave San Sebastián without trying the famous jamon iberico.
The specialty drink in this area is called the Kalimotxo -- half wine (usually red table wine) and half Coca Cola.Take some time to wander through the plazas, marvel at the buildings, and spot the art sprinkled throughout the city. And, as always, try the pintxos.