The Basque Country
For our mini sister trip, we decided to visit Christina's former undergraduate roommate, Maialen (pronounced like "my Alan"). Maialen is from a small Spanish Basque town named Hondarribia. In our opinion, the Basque country is one of the most amazing, if unknown, places to travel in all of Europe. Nestled in the northwestern border between Spain and France, the Basque country is comprised of a distinctive culture whose origins are largely unknown. The local language, Euskera, has no related modern-day language and is believed to predate Latin.
And being right on the coast, the seafood is incomparably good. Pintxo (pronounced: "PEEN-cho") hopping is our personal favorite way to sample the Basque cuisine. Similar to tapas, pintxos are a series of "small bites" usually lined up along a bar. It's common to order only a couple of the bar's signature pintxos before going to the next bar and getting more there. San Sebastián, or Doností as the locals lovingly refer to it as, has some of the best pintxos around.
Luckily for the two of us, with Maialen as our guide, we got to experience this region of Spain through the eyes of a local! So, after spending our first day exploring all of San Sebastián's nooks and crannies (and, of course, eating a bunch of pintxos!), Maialen took work off on the second day of our trip and drove us to France's Basque Country, or Pays Basque, visiting the towns of St. Jean de Luz and Biarritz. Whereas St. Jean de Luz is a sleepy coastal town, Biarritz screams ritz and glam. Good thing we dressed up that day! Regardless, both towns, like the rest of Basque Country, are delightfully charming with their white houses and red or green windowsills. If only we could spend more time here!
And being right on the coast, the seafood is incomparably good. Pintxo (pronounced: "PEEN-cho") hopping is our personal favorite way to sample the Basque cuisine. Similar to tapas, pintxos are a series of "small bites" usually lined up along a bar. It's common to order only a couple of the bar's signature pintxos before going to the next bar and getting more there. San Sebastián, or Doností as the locals lovingly refer to it as, has some of the best pintxos around.
Luckily for the two of us, with Maialen as our guide, we got to experience this region of Spain through the eyes of a local! So, after spending our first day exploring all of San Sebastián's nooks and crannies (and, of course, eating a bunch of pintxos!), Maialen took work off on the second day of our trip and drove us to France's Basque Country, or Pays Basque, visiting the towns of St. Jean de Luz and Biarritz. Whereas St. Jean de Luz is a sleepy coastal town, Biarritz screams ritz and glam. Good thing we dressed up that day! Regardless, both towns, like the rest of Basque Country, are delightfully charming with their white houses and red or green windowsills. If only we could spend more time here!
San Sebastián/Donostia
Day 1: San Sebastián/Donostia
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Tips and HighlightsTips:
Highlights:
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Christina's Easy Spanish Terms
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Day 2: Day Trip to Basque France
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Day 3: Barcelona: Touring the Gothic District
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Tips and HighlightsTips:
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Day 4: Barcelona: A Day of Gaudí
- Started our sleepy day at the hotel's complimentary breakfast. If the hotels have complimentary breakfast, use it!
- Sagrada Familia. Worth it to climb up the towers. We decided to take the Nativity Facade elevator (an additional fee) and climb up the towers to get amazing views.
- We decided to do a English guided tour. We strolled around Park Güell.
- Since we knew we were going to the Picasso Museum, we found a local favorite thanks to the Rick's book. Bar del Pla was by far our favorite restaurant. We had our waiter pick his favorite tapas dishes including the crispy beef with foie gras.
- Walked back into Gothic District. Visited the Picasso Museum. Only see if you are interested in Picasso. Amazing museum.
- Went to dinner where they thought we were French. We'll take that compliment!