San Sebastián has far exceeded my expectations since I arrived. In a little over one week in the city, I have quickly discovered a place that attracts me back. The combination of natural beauty, rich culture, the people playing football in the streets and beaches and of course not to forget the delicious cuisine has stolen my heart; this marks the beginning of a deep and lasting love affair with this vibrant city.
Breakfast for all of us is always together at 8 am every morning unless someone is late, which tends to happen quite often, marking the start of the day while spending quality time with each other and getting to know each other in order to make a sense of family with each other even though being so far from our actual families. Besides boosting our energy levels each day, our daily bike rides to our Spanish class also connect us more closely with the beautiful sceneries of San Sebastian City in Spain. These are not just ordinary language classes but lively centers for interactive learning where I have come to appreciate the process of learning a language. By asking questions only in Spanish and getting answers from teachers similarly expressed, I am able to grasp fully every single word, instead of the usual google translate.
One unforgettable experience which happened after class today was when we went to La Viña, which is well known for its famous cheesecake. There was nothing ordinary about this dessert; it tasted like eating a cloud due to its fluffy texture and heavenly taste, which marked it as the most remarkable dish ever consumed while visiting this part of Spain.
The journey of the history and language surrounding the Basque region is intricate and politically charged. In France, attempts to unite the Republic resulted in the partitioning of Basque area thus reducing its political power. In contrast, under Franco’s rule in Spain, the Basque language was suppressed and completely banned. After Franco’s death, there was an enthusiastic cultural revival that reclaimed and prioritized the place of Basque language. At present, among others, Spanish Basque Country has English and Spanish as official languages while basque is not only an official language but also a primary language in schools.
In Biarritz I felt their pride in being Basques. Nevertheless, there is still a notable sense of pride in its true identity as apparent from the several flags of this ethnic group littered all around together with items sold that draw their inspiration from this culture displayed throughout the city streets. The town boasts stunning architecture alongside beautiful beaches that contribute to its attractiveness. However, I still wonder about how many people actually speak basque in this French part of the basque country.
Biarritz may be irresistible with the picturesque views but it couldn’t overcome my urge to go back to San Sebastian for Semana Grande. This festival stands out as a sightseeing gem over which marvelous fireworks are lit up spilling into La Concha, casting a magical spell all over the city. Followed by a late night concert led by a DJ playing great songs from different generations, which showcases the amazing nightlife in San Sebastian.
San Sebastián is also a harmonious combination of beautiful landscapes during the day and vibrant nightlife as well. Whether walking through sun-soaked sands of La Concha beach or roaming at night in Parte Vieja’s (Old Town) busy streets, relaxation and entertainment abound in this city. The culinary scene in San Sebastián too sets it apart as a food lover’s paradise with its rich Michelin-starred restaurants and traditional Basque pintxo bars. In fact, each meal here reveals flavors ranging from fresh seafood to innovative presentations that showcase the city’s gastronomy.
Living in San Sebastián brings different experiences depending on one’s age – for teenagers, it is about exploring new things while for adults, cultural richness becomes a way of life that will be enjoyed till old age. Not just another place to visit but an experience by itself; San Sebastian is an amazing place to encourage personal growth and self reflection. Especially by meeting and getting to know other teenagers that have grown up mostly in Europe, it is an interesting way to see another way of living and reflecting what kind of lifestyle you would prefer moving forward.
San Sebastian is not just a place to visit but it’s a city that you will want to be part of and fully live in it, and that invites one to dig deeper into its lively life and culture. It’s rather a destination which does not only receive visitors but instead wins over their hearts with irresistible force enforcing continuing connection and guarantees new surprises after every comeback.