Routine
As my final days in San Sebastián approach, I’ve settled into a routine: wake up at 6:30 a.m., work out, shower, eat, and walk to class. To some, this might seem ordinary, but to me, it’s special. It’s special because I’m in San Sebastián, “the best city to live in,” as one of my classmates (who’s lived here for almost three years) often says. And after just two and a half weeks here, I have to agree.
To get to class, I walk along the boardwalk and pass by the three beaches. Although the walk takes around 40 minutes, it never feels that long. The sun beams warmly on my face, seagulls fly overhead, and sometimes I catch a street artist doing sand art on the beach. Some people are out swimming while others sit peacefully, watching the waves. Around me, runners, cyclists, and pedestrians add to the lively, yet calming, rhythm of the city.
This morning, I saw a group planting a tree along the sidewalk which reminded me of how environmentally friendly San Sebastián is. Recycling is a well-established habit here, with clearly labeled bins for every type of waste. The tap water is drinkable from any faucet, even public fountains! Street-cleaning machines make their rounds each morning, and many materials used in everyday products are made from recycled content. The city’s commitment to sustainability is not just admirable, it’s woven into daily life.
Experience at Lacunza
As a native Spanish speaker placed in the highest-level class at Lacunza, I’ve still found opportunities to grow and deepen my understanding of my language. What’s been especially moving is being surrounded by older classmates, some in their 40s and beyond, who are learning Spanish simply for the joy of it, or to better connect with others while traveling. It’s not often that you meet people who pursue language learning just because they enjoy the challenge.
One of my classmates even moved here all the way from Maine which is another testament to how captivating San Sebastián truly is.
Over time, the streets and scenery have grown familiar. Before you know it, you no longer need GPS to navigate between the hotel and the school. After class today, I grabbed lunch at a nearby Mexican restaurant and tried something new: a birria torta. It was absolutely delicious.
Hiking through Mount Ulia
In the afternoon, we had the chance to take our class outdoors for a guided hike to Mount Ulia, with our final destination being the Albaola Maritime Culture Factory in Pasaia. Our professor warned us it would be a two-hour hike, but even those of us who had done it before weren’t fully prepared.
The trail was steep, with countless stairs, slippery rocks, itchy bushes, and a blazing sun overhead. We had to stop frequently to keep the group together, and the uneven pace made the journey feel even longer. Still, the breathtaking coastal views made every challenge worth it.
Finally arrived to Albaola
After nearly two and a half hours (and an empty water bottle), we finally reached Albaola Itsas Kultur Faktoria, a living museum and shipyard in Pasaia. There, we saw the replica of the San Juan, a 16th-century Basque whaling ship, which is being rebuilt using only traditional methods and authentic materials just as it was centuries ago.
From the museum, we took a small boat across the water to Pasai Donibane, where we ended the day relaxing at a nearby bar. Everyone enjoyed a drink together before catching the bus back and parting ways. On my ride back to Boulevard, the downtown area of San Sebastián, I found myself taking it all in.
Appreciation
Though my time here is almost over, it still doesn’t feel real. I can’t believe I’ve been lucky enough to live in this city, even for just a short while. I’ve created lifelong memories with people I met just two and a half weeks ago. What’s even crazier is that if someone had told me before coming here that I’d form such meaningful friendships while abroad, I wouldn’t have believed them. Today, I’m deeply grateful for the people I’ve met, the beautiful memories we’ve shared, and the countless stories I now carry with me.