Have you noticed the Disneylandification of America? Especially in tourist cities or national parks, locations are becoming attractions. I was in Acadia National Park last year, and they handed us a map with numbers and locations, each number a “ride” or a “must see.” Wherever there was a number, there was also a line at least an hour long.
The only thing missing was an app telling you the line length. Our entire time that week was spent trying to get away from the crowds or racing against them.
I’ve been surprised at how San Sebastian isn’t like that. While there are definitely tourist spots, such as the Funicular we went to today, it doesn’t feel like the city is organized to be a theme park: It feels like there’s something new in every corner to try, to see, and to experience.
A lot of amazing places are found by talking to locals or going out and just walking around.
Which is exactly what we did today.

After classes, we went to an empty beach (it was cloudy and cool so no one went out), eating fresh strawberries and chatting, and spent an hour in the waves. The city looked different from the raft on the water, nestled in between the mountains. I can understand why it was so important historically with such a location. While its history is painted with struggle and blood, today, it’s simply paradise.

Later in the day, we went up Monte Igueldo to an amusement park via Fenicular.
We got gelato, rode rides, and enjoyed a gorgeous view of the city.
Usually on trips, I end up doing less to save more. But as most things here are affordable, I got to experience everything along with everyone. To have that ice cream and go on that ride.
The city might not be an amusement park but it definitely does have one.

Then the group descended Monte Igueldo and went to see the Comb of the Wind. Which, besides from having a metal name, is a cool art piece and made of metal. Built at the mouth of the San Sebastian’s Bay and on a backdrop of ocean. We discussed the meaning of these sculptures: I said they point to different directions, someone said they make a shape if you look from the right angle, and Prof said they represent time and balance: Past and future with the present.

Continuing with the theme of exploration, for dinner we biked to Gros. We hadn’t been there yet, and wandered the streets full of bars and restaurants. A nice looking bar’s menu caught our eye, being affordable and with intruiging options.
Going in, we ordered 2 pintxos we knew we’d love, and 2 that were completely new.
Spider crab and Gilda.
What’s a Gilda? None of us knew, but it sounded cool and apparently is a classic.
And it ended up being the highlight of dinner.
Juicy olives, hot peppers, and an anchovy skewered on a slice of crispy baguette.
We took our time eating, talking over drinks and enjoying each other’s company.
We also tried ordering and paying in Spanish.
I’ve been surprised with the friendliness of everyone I’ve talked to. Our waitress knew we barely spoke Spanish but replied in Spanish when we attempted to speak it.
It makes it easier to try new things and attempt to practice Spanish. We’re far away from home, who cares if we get it wrong? If we make fools of ourselves?

In the US, places and nature are often tied to consumerism. A new city isn’t a living place, it’s an attraction with rides. Have you really been to Boston if you haven’t visited The Commons, or walked the Freedom Trail? Or gone to this or seen that? San Sebastian is such a break from the speed at which we live life back home. We’re not here to race and see “attractions.” It being such, it feels like we’re seeing an authentic city. There’s no glamor to hide the ride’s strings, or suffering hidden by sparkling signs. Locals and tourists mix everywhere and it makes for a completely different experience. I feel like our present and our future are balanced as we have so much time to explore and do what we personally want to. Last night we went to the beach and swam at 12am because we could! We have the time and opportunity.
There’s no map to command us on what’s “worth it” to see.

Especially because it’s all worth it to see.