If I were to attempt to look for just one word to describe San Sebastian, Spain my mind would go into a fog. The rush of emotions from the relief after landing to the feeling of the water against my skin as the waves pulled me in would make me ponder in my thoughts. This was the first time traveling without my parents and not to say the least in internationally. There was hesitation at first to commit to this trip because of fear of uncertainties. After arriving at San Sebastian, Spain I know on thing for certain: I have found peace in this city.
The first day of classes started off quick with nothing but a croissant in my stomach. The rush of nerves stormed in but after I got to class everything fell right into place. The students, environment, and professor allowed it to feel like a Spanish class like not other.
The Spanish class felt nothing like the United States where you sit and are given worksheets. It was all talking which I thought I would be horrible at it but the experience ended up being very enjoyable. This shifted my whole perspective and allowed me to feel excited. I could feel myself getting comfortable and even throwing out a few laughs every once in a while. This class made me feel as though I belong to which I can correlate the same feeling to the city of San Sebastian. I was able to meet people from all around the world such as France and Switzerland. To know I am not alone and can learn a language no matter where I am from felt comforting.
Not too long after led to the Walking tour that not only opened my eyes to a whole new set of shops but also historical buildings that bring significance to the Basque country. To say the least, these buildings are absolutely gorgeous. The way most of them are architected with every little detail down to the tea. The way the buildings curve to form a circle shape in the middle allowing for an opening to the amount of windows on walls blows my mind no matter how many times I look.
I read all about the war in regards to Franco’s dictatorship in the Basque country in “All That Followed” by Gabriel Urza and “What We Tried to Bury Grows Here” by Julian Zabalbeascoa. It feels almost like a fantasy when you read it all on paper but today it was like taking the words out from the page and putting it into real life. I couldn’t believe the depth of the holes on the wall on the concrete of the building of a current hotel that famous people tend to resonate in the city. To think that at one point in time in that very building people were fighting for there lives leaves an ache in my heart. I can only imagine the courage and strength from the Basque people that it took to get there city fully fun functioning.
As you walk the streets the first thing that stood out to me was not the ocean even though it glistened in the sun or the mountains filled with trees and large houses. It was the people. The close community is right in front of our eyes by the groups of people riding bikes, running, walking, and even at the beach mingling with everyone enjoying the most of the long summer days. After a few hours the walking tour came to an end but I knew from that moment forwards that this was just the beginning of some of the greatest experiences in my life.
The food, people, and the environment seems so simple at first glance but the deeper I look the more detail I am discovering even with such little time I have taken to truly learn the city for what it has to offer. I expected beauty and unity in this city and that is exactly what I feel as I walk the streets of San Sebastian.
The rest of the night led to time spent walking along the beach and more discoveries of restaurants they have to offer in this food city. The feeling of fear is erased with excitement for what’s to come with the time I have left in Spain. With this time I hope to make every second count and try to make a little scratch at all the surfaces. The feeling of a house full of strangers is starting to feel more and more like a home with comfort.
