Since day one, the beaches and landscapes of San Sebastián have captivated me. The way the beach, mountains, and city come together so seamlessly makes it feel as if I am looking at a painting that nature carefully created. Yesterday, we had the opportunity to take the ferry and visit Santa Klara island, a small island located between the mountains and the sea. From there, we enjoyed breathtaking views of San Sebastián, with the city, coastline, and endless blue water stretching out before us. In my eyes, it was the perfect way to spend the day.

The ferry ride itself was a memorable experience. Although Santa Klara Island is located only a short distance from the city, being out on the water gave me a completely different perspective of San Sebastián. It was one of those moments that made me stop and appreciate how lucky I am to be studying abroad in such a beautiful place, and reminded me why I was so excited to come here in the first place. 

Once we arrived on the island, we spent time swimming and enjoying the warm weather. Besides spending time in the refreshing water, I took photos of the incredible scenery around us. Being on the island was the perfect way to spend my final 48 hours of my trip, reminiscing about everything we have done during our time abroad, and thinking of the things that we did not get the chance to do, but gave us a motive to want to come back in the future. 

After spending the afternoon on Santa Klara Island, we returned to the city and decided to continue exploring one of the most famous aspects of Basque culture: its food. We planned to go pintxo bar hopping, something that has become a popular activity for both locals and visitors. One thing I have quickly learned about San Sebastián is that food is much more than just a meal. It is an important part of the culture and a way for people to come together and socialize. However, our plans did not go exactly as expected. Because it was a busy evening, many of the bars were packed with people, and we realized that finding space for our group would be difficult. At first, I was disappointed because I had been looking forward to trying pintxos from several different places, and immersing myself in this experience that seems to be so typical and important for locals. Looking back, though, the change of plans ended up making the evening even better.

Instead of continuing our search for pintxo bars, we decided to visit Konbini 109, a restaurant that had been recommended by Marti Buckley. The day before, we got the chance to meet her, and she mentioned how this restaurant was a hidden gem and really played a part in her falling in love with Basque cuisine. We trusted her recommendation and the restaurant did not disappoint, and it actually ended up becoming the highlight of the day. From the moment we walked in, the restaurant had a warm and relaxed atmosphere that made us feel comfortable right away. Surprisingly, we were the only customers there for most of the evening, which made the experience feel even more special and personal. The staff were incredibly welcoming, attentive, and kind. They took the time to answer our questions, make recommendations, explain every dish and made sure that we were enjoying our time at their establishment. Their hospitality made the entire experience even more memorable. 

Of course, the food was absolutely delicious. I tried the fried chicken, a dish that reflected the quality of the place and how special and meticulous it was prepared. We found ourselves enjoying every bite instead of rushing through the meal, and repeating how we wished that we found out about this place earlier, because we would’ve wished to come more times. Even something as simple as the water deserves a mention. I know it sounds dramatic, but it was genuinely the best water I have had since arriving in Spain. Whether it was the food, the atmosphere, or that amazing water, we spent hours talking and laughing together, to the point that tears were rolling down my face. Even the bathroom had its own personality, with music and lighting that made it feel more like a small nightclub than a restaurant restroom. The entire experience perfectly captured what I have come to appreciate about dining in San Sebastian, good food, good company, and taking the time to enjoy the moment rather than hurrying on to the next thing. 

Experiences like this have taught me that some of the best moments while traveling happen when things do not go according to plan. What began as a simple trip to Santa Klara Island became one of my favorite days so far in San Sebastián. Between the beautiful scenery, the time spent with friends, and the amazing food, the day perfectly captured what I have come to love about this city. San Sebastián continues to surprise me every day, and I am definitely not ready to say goodbye.