The initial struggle of getting into the routine  

Although many of us had an unprecedented start to our trip — from missing luggages to delayed flights — being in the city of San Sebastián makes it all worth it, and inconveniences become smaller compared to the rich experiences we have had from the moment we arrived. As expected, many of us were dealing with jet lag as we set off on our first day here, and waking up in time for breakfast was slightly challenging. However, once we got to the cafeteria, we excited to try all of the different options of fresh food, including a variety of delicious fruits, breads, and coffee. 

The hidden gem of my daily commute 

Our walk to Lacunza, the place where we would have our spanish classes, was nothing I had ever experienced before. Although we started the day on a time crunch in order to make it to the placement exam, the breathtaking scenery of La Concha beach from the walkway made me feel relaxed, excited, and grateful. Like much of my group, I have fallen into the habit of relying on driving everywhere and was not used the long walks. More often than not, we are focused on the destination and tend to perceive our commutes as an inconvenience. Yet, I am more than happy to be learning how to break this cycle.

This beautiful city then becomes the center of the attention, requiring us to become present. The landscape forces you to ground yourself in the moment, while its natural ambiance reflects a rich and inviting culture. The immensity of the ocean brings peace through the sound of the waves crashing against the shore, contrasting with the beautifully architected buildings which surround it. At the time of our commute, it is serene and not crowded, which is something I will be looking forward to the moment I wake up.

Lacunza

The Spanish school immediately immerses us into the city and makes us feel like locals. We were made to be comfortably uncomfortable outside of our comfort zones, which has resulted in so much learning in just one day. My teacher is incredibly qualified and makes me eager to learn more everyday, which is especially true when we are put into a position where we have to apply our knowledge.

I genuinely could not have learned this much if I did not have this experience, both in spanish and in terms of self-independence.

Parte Vieja

Although we had a full day of activities, we were excited to go out and explore the city with our tour guide Olga. She provided us with much knowledge and great tips about its history and how it connects to its modern life. We walked through many landmarks, much of which displayed physical marks of its past such as the fires which burned down most of the area and its civil war during the Franco years and the more recent conflicts amongst the population. We also got to learn about cultural aspects such as the events that happen throughout the year and the best pintxo spots.

Conclusion

I quickly understood that San Sebastián has a charm of its own, which cannot be compared to any other city, and cannot be fully explained through words as its much of it emerges from the senses the city emerges us in its rich culture, history, and natural beauty. I am excited to see how much I will have learned at the end, although I do not like to think about my days in Donostia coming to an end. I am incredibly grateful for being here and expanding my horizons at such an extraordinary place I get to call home for the next few weeks.