Day Four - A Last Wander About

Another long lie-in, then breakfast around the corner. Went to Mass in the Catedral del Buen Pastor and found that it was being celebrated in Euskadi - the language of the Basques. Then took a wee walk to find out exactly where the Eskotren Station is. I will be travelling tomorrow by this small train to Hendaye, FRANCE!!!, (remember the accent Anne!!). Don't want any hold ups so I'll check the timetable too.

Whilst walking back, I came across some auld guys playing pelota up a side street. Stood and watched for a little while, but my presence was obviously affecting their concentration so I passed on.

Then decided to walk along the Zarriola Beach on the other side of Monte Urgull came back around the headland itself before climbing up Monte Urgull and having a wee look around the castle and the statue of the Big Yin overlooking Donostia. It was getting quite humid and the sky was becoming cloudy and overcast. But it never came to much and was soon brightening again.

By the time I returned to the town it was time for some tapas in Casa Alcade - which I have decided is the best if not the cheapest tapas bar in town. The ones around the Pension Urkia are the cheapest - especially the Rojo Y Negro.

Returned to the Hotel Urkia and paid my bill much to the Senora's delight. Told her as best I could that it was a great wee place to stay, and so it was too!

Had a wee siesta before going out for my last wee tapas session and an early night.

Paid a visit to the harbour area and had a meal in one of the restaurants there. Had some clams done in wine and herbs. It was a bit overpriced like lots in Donostia. Stopped off in a tapas bar on my way back to the hotel and an early night with a long journey tomorrow to look forward to. If you care to view my other photies, click on My Gallery and then the slideshow icon. Follow further rest and recreation in Champagne Mouton.

Bye!!!  

Day Three The Guggenheim Museum

An early start. Set out hoping not get lost -  like I did on the way back to the Pension last night. I blamed it on the wine!! The bus ticket is already booked and my seat reserved. I should get to Bilbo in time for my alloted ticket to the Guggenheim Museum at 10 o'clock.

All has gone to plan but the Donostia bus station was not all that it should be, with a lack of information as to when and where the bus should leave from. However the journey itself was lovely and in little over an hour I was in Bilbao and taking the Metro to Mayua and the Guggenheim Museum.

Getting in was a dawdle and on being issued with a personal guide, I started on my tour of the Museum. The only problem was that when I wanted something to eat, I had to exit the Museum, hand in my personal guide and get a wrist band to regain entry after having paid a visit to the cafeteria!??? What was that all about? The snack I had was over-priced too!!

Anyway, apart from that it was a great experience and the personal guides were excellent in explaining many concepts in the exhibits. The building itself is marvellous though the area is surrounded by much development which has still to be completed.

A short hop on the metro and I was in the Casco Viejo (Old Town) and seeking out Los Fueros on Calle Fueros behind the Plaza Neuva. I had some of the most succulent mussels that I have ever had! I also met a couple from Edinburgh who were doing a tour of Spain and I had an interesting wee talk about our experiences.

The afternoon was completed by a wee wander around the Old Town; a few drinks, and finally a relaxing hour or so in the Plaza Nueva before heading once more to the bus station - an experience I will not want to repeat!!

I arrived in plenty of time but the number of bus companies operating from the bus station, plus the poor information on departure screens led me to nearly missing my bus back to San Sebastian! I was lucky to get on the correct bus and would not have known what to have done otherwise!

I arrived back in San Sebastian around 19.45 and spent an hour or so wandering around the block where the Pension Urkia is situated having some tapas and watching the football. It was a tired tourist who eventually fell into bed at the end of a long day!

Day Two - Basque(ing) on the Beach!

Up late before getting to know the town today. Had breakfast at wee corner place just yards from the Pension Urkia. Then made my way to the Bahia de La Concha or Kontixako Badia and walked the full length of both beaches and back once again. It was great to get the salt water about my feet and I am sure it has done me the world of good!

By this time it was getting on for midday and I decided to pay a visit to the Tourist Information for details of the town. The staff were very friendly and provided me with all I needed to know for my short break. The library next door was my next port of call and I printed off two attachments from e-mails I'd sent to myself with details of both Donostia and Bilbo (for my trip tomorrow).

Then it was time for lunch and I headed for the Old Town and Restaurant Jose Mari on Fermin Calbeton for the Menu del Dia - it was not too bad. Then it was a wee drink while waiting for the next tourist bus excursion. The bus was a good introduction to the town and gave me an idea of the layout of everything. It was getting very hot by this time and it was back to the Pension Urkia for a wee siesta. 

After a suitable wee rest it was tapas time. I had prepared some info before I left Scotland with regards both Donostia and Bilbo. I had printed this off earlier at the library and now suitably armed, I went tapasing. It was a lovely night and still early enough not to be too busy. I managed to sample several of the places recommended and even some not recommended!!!

There was also a folklore festival taking place&nbsp on Plaza de la Constitucion as well as some Basque music and dance being performed. There was some Irish stuff as well - River Dance without the overkill!

With an early start tomorrow - 8.10 bus to Bilbo - it was soon time for bed, as Zebedee said!

Day One - The Train ya Basque!

Got up early - once again!! I had the 9.25 train to catch to Donostia. First Class - ya Basque! First of all breakfast in the hotel and then paid my bill. It was even more reasonable than when I booked - 48 euros a night!

A walk to the station left me with plenty of time to get through security (they have baggage security in Spanish mainline stations!). Whilst waiting some French pilgrims asked me to take a photograph and it gave me a chance to practice my French!!! The train duly arrived and I located the 1st Class (Preferente) carriage and my window seat. The journey itself was to take 12 hours and was a wonderful trip across the varied landscape of northern Spain. At 25€ it was excellent value!! The weather too was glorious and going across the Meseta, I noted that station thermometers were registering 38!!!! The air conditioning on the train was being severely tested and they even offered free bottled water. I arrived in Donostia about 15 minutes late and was directed to Pension Urkia by a helpful lady outside the station entrance. In a matter of minutes I was unpacking once again in a very pleasant room. After a shower and.....yes you've guessed it....doing my laundry, I headed out to a Tapas Bar recommended by the hotel proprietrix - a really helpful lady indeed!

A few vino blancos, some calamari and pinxos and it was time for bed.

No photies today. Always a reflection fae the windae on the train! But lovely scenery just the same - though crossing the Meseta was a bit boring.

Night! Night!