La Clase de Español: Spanish Class

Although I have only been in San Sebastián for three days, I have come to realize that taking a Spanish class in Spain as an American study abroad student is a transformative experience that goes beyond the traditional classroom learning I am accustomed to. As a student with very little prior knowledge of Spanish, I find that Spanish class is one of my favorite parts of the day. I feel a sense of accomplishment when I learn new words and phrases that help me communicate with the wonderful people of San Sebastián. For example, in class today, I learned how to ask questions like “Can I have a croissant, please?” and “What is your name?”. Not only am I learning these phrases, but I also quickly put them to use in everyday scenarios. Today, I asked a baker at the market for a croissant in Spanish, and seeing the smile on her face because I tried communicating in her native language was incredibly rewarding. It made me realize how lucky I am to experience something so amazing.

Biking Along The Coast

After class, my friends and I rode our bikes back to the hotel. Somewhere along the busy streets of San Sebastián, we took a wrong turn and ended up along the beautiful coast. The bike ride along the coast of San Sebastián offers a breathtaking panorama that captures the essence of this coastal gem. As you pedal along the scenic route, the view unfolds into a dazzling display of natural beauty. The path winds through charming coastal villages, where colorful houses and bustling markets add a vibrant touch to the serene landscape. I have never seen anything like this view before, and although the streets were crowded with people walking, biking, and running, all I could hear were the crisp sounds of the crystal blue waves crashing on the rocks. The salty sea breeze and the warmth of the sun on our faces made the experience even more delightful. My friends and I stopped our bike ride and took countless pictures to remember this beautiful view. The unexpected detour turned into a memorable adventure, reminding us of the joys of exploring a new place.

Meeting The Author

Another amazing event that I experienced today was meeting Marti Buckley, the author of a cookbook called “The Book of Pintxos.” She introduced us to the famous small bites of Basque Country, pintxos, and the local people who make them with such passion and expertise. Her cookbook not only details how to make these delicious savory bites but also explains how to eat them like a local, the different kinds of pintxos, and the stories behind the bars that create them. I also learned a lot of interesting information about Marti herself. Something that stood out to me was that she originally lived in the United States and traveled to Spain for study abroad in college, just like our group. Her journey resonated deeply with me. She has been living in San Sebastián for 14 years now, fully immersed in the local culture and cuisine. Listening to her story, I couldn’t help but wonder if that could possibly be me in the future. Meeting someone who has successfully made a life in this beautiful city after studying abroad was incredibly inspiring. It gave me a sense of excitement and possibility for my own future adventures and potential paths in life. The idea of blending my love for travel, culture, and food into a lifelong journey now feels more tangible and enticing than ever before.

TRATTORIA La Mila

After hearing about all the delicious food Spain has to offer, a group of us decided to visit Trattoria La Mila, a restaurant that blends Italian cuisine with a hint of Spanish influence. The warm and inviting atmosphere of the restaurant immediately made us eager to dine. Arriving a bit early, the restaurant was pleasantly quiet, giving us the chance to savor our meal without rush. Despite the early hour, the quality of the food was outstanding. I opted for pasta with carbonara sauce, and the combination of creamy egg yolk and savory ham was a delight, complemented perfectly by the texture of the handmade pasta. Each bite was a culinary experience that left me wanting more. My friends enjoyed their pasta dishes equally, and by the time we finished, not a single piece of pasta or drop of sauce remained on our plates. We were so impressed that we’ve already planned to return before heading back home to the United States. Our dining experience at Trattoria La Mila was not just a meal but a memorable highlight of our time in San Sebastián, showcasing the city’s fusion of culinary traditions and its dedication to creating exceptional dining experiences.