Kaixo

This was the first word that we learned today in our first ever Basque lesson. Kaixo (Ky-show) is the Basque word for hello. When traveling to another country with a different language and culture than your own, hello is the most important word to know. Other words such as please (mesedez), thank you (eskerik asko), and goodbye (agur) are also good to know, but hello is essential. This is especially true when related to languages such as Basque (Euskara in Basque), where the people are fighting hard to maintain their identity. By starting off a conversation with a person in their primary language, you are primarily accomplishing two things. First off, you are showing respect. By using their language you are showing that you put the time and effort into trying to understand them as a thank you for welcoming you into their home. The second thing that you accomplish with your greeting is the creation of a connection with the person you are talking to. By using their language you immediately have a commonality with that person. Having something to relate to helps people connect. It through connecting with others that we can truly begin to understand their culture and way of life as they also learn about our own. Shouldn’t it be our goal to try to understand as many people as possible?

Classes

Our classes at Lacunza are also an integral part of becoming more knowledgeable about the world. The people in the Spanish classes that we take every morning are from all over the world. On the first day of classes I was nervous because I was the only one put in my class, but I quickly got over my nerves and began making friends. The people in my class are from all over the world including England, Germany, India, Austria, Netherlands, and Switzerland. Now, on the third day I go to get coffee and chat with my classmates and learn all about their lives back home. It is truly amazing to see not only the differences, but how much we all have in common. In reality, our lives are not all that different from one another and it is fun to connect with them and hear their insights.

Pintxos

One of the most important foods in the Basque culture is the Pintxo (Peen-cho). Essentially, Pintxos are defined as small portions of food generally held together with a toothpick. However the most important thing that makes a Pintxo a Pintxo is not the ingrediants, but the atmosphere. Pintxos are intended to be consumed at bars while out with friends, they as much of a way of life to the Basque as their language. Today was the first day I got to really experience Pintxos. Eating the Pintxos helps take you a step closer to understanding the Basque way of life.

The above pictures display some of the different Pintxos we got to try today including prawn, Croquetas, fried peppers, and sardines. They were amazing. We decided that this was the best food we had eaten so far in San Sebastian and was an amazing introduction to Basque culture.

Exploring the City

Today in our spare time we had a chance to explore the city in our free time. We previously had a walking tour, but another great way to understand a way of life is to explore it on your own. Today our wanderings brought us to Mount Urgull and Paseo Nuevo. We didn’t have time to climb all the way to the top of Mount Urgull, but we went part of the way up and got to experience San Sebastian from another perspective. It was a cloudy day, but the views were breathtaking.

Paseo Nuevo was also amazing in its own respects. The view of the ocean crashing against the rocks is both beautiful and dangerous. Much like the history of San Sebastian and the Basque culture itself; a beautiful, thriving people that stood strong against the assault of those who wished to take everything from them.

Conclusion

If there is anything that I have learned so far on this trip, it is that there is so much left to learn about the world. There are millions of people out there with unique perspectives and ways of life. The best way to understand a person is to understand where they come from and their culture. Taking the time to understand others helps us to learn and grow as human beings and brings people together. You can explore not only what makes us different, but what brings us together. If everyone took the time to get to know others, wouldn’t the world be a much better place?