Getting out of bed to go to class is arguably the hardest part of the day. The sun is shining and the temperature is perfect, yet we have to sit inside for what feels like forever. Although, it only feels this way because we know that spontaneous adventure calls for us outside.
For example, in class that morning we had no idea we would end up in a Basque bar at one in the morning endearing ourselves to the locals.
The day truly began after class with our pintxo tour. We started off at Bar Antonio, where words can barely describe the taste of perfection here. Professor Zabalbeascoa ordered us an array of bites, primarily consisting of seafood and some classic dishes. From shrimp ravioli and oxtail to fresh in season asparagus, every bite was perfect. My favorite was the tuna; it ever so perfectly melts in your mouth and is so fresh.
Something I admire here is the quality and passion for food. Every dish is served in season for the product, allowing the flavors to be in their prime. In particular, the asparagus we had at Bar Antonio was so incredibly delicious, primarily due to the season for asparagus being March through May. Not only does the freshness play a huge role but the preparation made it even better.
After Bar Antonio we experienced two more places and in one we tried what is understood to be the first ever pintxo. This bite consists of two olives, one salted anchovy, and three guindilla pickled peppers. Hearing and seeing these ingredients one may expect for the spice level to be near nonexistent, yet this bite packs a punch. As someone who cannot handle spice (in the slightest bit at all) and is skeptical of olives, this bite had me breaking a sweat. However, I found myself enjoying the bite and even more so enjoying the feeling of stepping out of my comfort zone.
After eating an impossible amount of pintxos we headed over to meet Marti Buckley. I was very excited to listen to her speak here in San Sebastián. I never listen to podcasts as I find them boring or hard to follow, yet I love Buckley’s podcast. Her voice is so soothing, and she speaks in a way that can engage any audience. We met her at Plaza de Okendo, where we were surrounded by the bullet holes on the buildings from the Spanish Civil War. Buckley explained to us her calling to Spain and left us with some wise words. She reminded us to find and follow our passions, adding that money isn’t necessarily key to a perfect life. I’ve noticed that this lifestyle she lives and described is one that many follow here. Vastly different from the fast paced, money-orientated American lifestyle.
After a wonderful talk with Marti Buckley the heat drove us to the beach. The waves and sun were the perfect environment for a pre-dinner siesta. For dinner and drinks we started off at Bar Antzara for the delicious ham and cheese croquette and caesar salad. Although this was delicious, our night did not end here. We then headed over to La Mera Mera to keep the adventure going. It wasn’t until we went to Bar Restaurante Platero when we became friends with the locals.
It all began when we entered, “Kaixo!” we said as we approached the bar top. Upon hearing this the locals and bartenders smiled, becoming welcoming and warm towards our group. We began to order more and engage with the locals. In all honesty, this is the most Spanish I have probably ever spoken. In one night, with only one word, we met countless people. We learnt backstories, new Spanish and Basque words, and lifestyles of the people around us. This night was the most memorable one yet, the one that allowed us to understand those here in San Sebastián.