4. Exploring Cantabria Providence
This past weekend Ryan and I explored the providence that borders Pais Vasco--Cantabria. Our friend Gisela was kind enough to show us some amazing locations that can only be reached by car and the knowledge of a local. She took us to some beautiful beaches with massive rocky cliffs that seemed to protrude straight from the beach. The clear emerald waters below were magnificent and I was thoroughly amazed by the beauty of the region. We ventured from city to beach and hiked a little rocky cliff to take some gorgeous pictures. I really enjoy this providence and I would definitely tell anyone to visit the north of Spain. I have really enjoyed the south as well, but the north-albeit the rain-has the most breathtaking landscapes in this spectacular country. Take a look at some pictures that I documented below. You have to see it to believe it! There is no better way to explore the area than by car and great people to enjoy it with.
Castro Uridales
Playa de Oriñón
Santoña
Playa de Barria
3. Barcelona
How can I explain this fabulous city besides, well, fabulous? When we first arrived to Barcelona we knew we weren´t in Bilbao anymore. The sun was shining, people were smiling, and the tourists were plentiful. We ventured everywhere our feet would take us and although we only had a weekend we gave it our all and knocked off everything we wanted to accomplish in a matter of 48 hours--boo yeah Anthony Bourdain! We walked along the famous Las Ramblas street, visited the famous Sagarada Familia, walked around in the Parc de Montjuic, feasted on paella (a famous seafood rice dish), and drank delicious Irish beer (ok so that´s not Spanish, but hey, we like beer!). When we were there it was also the time of the year called Semana Santa or White Week, where Spaniards dress in costumes and raid the city. We were able to capture some pictures of the festivities and attire as they paraded the streets. It was essentially the Halloween of Spain and they definitely don´t hold back! We also ventured to Barceloneta Beach and soaked up some much needed sunshine. It was such a great sight to see. If you ever head to Spain definitely check out this internationally city. It is definitely not one to miss!
2. San Sebastián
My experience in San Sebastián was absolutely perfect. Ryan and I were just returning from our day trip in Biarritz, France, and decided to have detour to Donostia--Basque for San Sebastián. This amazing city in the Basque Country is remarkable. Not only do they have immaculate pintxos, but the views are insanely perfect. We began the morning going to the supermarket. We bought coffee and breakfast and then proceeded to take our basket of goodies to the beach, where we enjoyed the sunrise as we sipped on our café con leche. After our meal, we walked along the pier and watched the fisherman cast their rods into the calm ocean below us. It was something out of a postcard. As the day ventured on we explored all of the castles, plazas, and historical monuments that we could find. It was a great day, and the weather was awesome (which we found out later is a rare occasion). Moral of the story: Visit San Sebastián. Now.
Side Note: As we were wandering aimlessly through the crowded streets we came across two interesting sights that helped us create a greater understanding of the Basque culture.
1. A massive banner that was streaming across the main plaza with two images: one of the Basque flag and the Spanish flag, and then another of them separated within the map of España
What did we learn later? The Basque people do not associate themselves with Spain. In fact, they are trying to completely tear away from Spain completely. Most of Spain considers this to be a sense of pride or an identity crisis, and because of this they do not associate with the rest of the country. Sure the Basque country has not been hit by the economic crisis quite like the rest of Spain, but this is not the reason they want to seperate. They want their own country so they can establish their own government, beliefs, and practices without having to resort to the implementations that are placed on them by the national government. I found this very interesting, but also similar to situations that are arising in America. Hmm...Texas, anyone?
2. An art and music festival that was parading a small street downtown
What did we learn later? Basque people have been fighting for YEARS to keep their culture alive. Back in the (bad) ol days, when Franco the dictator ruled Spain, he tried to completely erase the Basque culutre completely. Actually, he did worse than that. He would kill anyone who spoke the language or acted differently than the ¨normal¨ Spanist occupants. There is an excellent document that talks more about this topic. Check it out! It accurately explains why the Basque are so keen on maintaining their culture and ¨rising from the ashes¨so to speak. In a society that was suppressed for so many years it´s amazing to see them still standing strong and preservering their language and culture. So keep the accordions playing and the artists painting, Euskara!
This travel experience, although brief, allowed us to learn a lot more about the people around us. We were able to ask our roommate (Mario) and two of our other friends (Seba and Gisella), who are all local Basque residents (although Seba is Argentinian), about this information. And they all agreed. The Basque people are very proud and for good reason. They overcame a jerk dictator!
1. A massive banner that was streaming across the main plaza with two images: one of the Basque flag and the Spanish flag, and then another of them separated within the map of España
What did we learn later? The Basque people do not associate themselves with Spain. In fact, they are trying to completely tear away from Spain completely. Most of Spain considers this to be a sense of pride or an identity crisis, and because of this they do not associate with the rest of the country. Sure the Basque country has not been hit by the economic crisis quite like the rest of Spain, but this is not the reason they want to seperate. They want their own country so they can establish their own government, beliefs, and practices without having to resort to the implementations that are placed on them by the national government. I found this very interesting, but also similar to situations that are arising in America. Hmm...Texas, anyone?
2. An art and music festival that was parading a small street downtown
What did we learn later? Basque people have been fighting for YEARS to keep their culture alive. Back in the (bad) ol days, when Franco the dictator ruled Spain, he tried to completely erase the Basque culutre completely. Actually, he did worse than that. He would kill anyone who spoke the language or acted differently than the ¨normal¨ Spanist occupants. There is an excellent document that talks more about this topic. Check it out! It accurately explains why the Basque are so keen on maintaining their culture and ¨rising from the ashes¨so to speak. In a society that was suppressed for so many years it´s amazing to see them still standing strong and preservering their language and culture. So keep the accordions playing and the artists painting, Euskara!
This travel experience, although brief, allowed us to learn a lot more about the people around us. We were able to ask our roommate (Mario) and two of our other friends (Seba and Gisella), who are all local Basque residents (although Seba is Argentinian), about this information. And they all agreed. The Basque people are very proud and for good reason. They overcame a jerk dictator!
1. Bilbao: Another New Beginning
It looks like I have boarded a plane once again and arrived in Bilbao, the heart of the Basque Country in Spain. So far the journey has been amazing! Europe is unlike any other place I have visited--which up until this point has only been mostly Asian countries, so duh of course it is. The historical significance of the city can be found everywhere you turn. Massive cathedrals, marble stone plazas, and the picturesque landscapes of vineyards and villages are entirely breathtaking. It really is remarkable how a culture can take such pride in their city and enhance each detail so it reigns immaculate. The craftsmanship found in the architecture is still withstanding the ages, and this boggles my mind. Come on America, let's get crafty! Oh and another thing...the food! How amazing is cured meat? It´s really amazing, trust me. Paring jámon with a delicious baguette and then topping it with a fine cheese is all too perfect. Don´t even get me started on the pintxos (pronounced pin-chos-). Talk about taking tapas to a whole new level. These delicious little morsels are found everywhere in Bilbao and San Sebastián. Actually, they are famous for them. They are hand crafted little finger foods that range from mini-sandwiches to decadent seafood concoctions.
Now onto what I am actually doing here--teaching! I have been placed in a government program that brings North American teachers to Spain. You can check out more here! So long story short, I have been placed in the Santutxu neighborhood of Bilbao. This nice little suburb is the area of my school. Unfortunately, my school has a high population of gypsies (more info on Gypsy integration) that swarm my city, so some of the children that attend my school are not pleased to see me. They are essentially paid to go to school, eventhough they would rather not attend. Some are grateful for the opportunity and are curious and eager to learn. This creates exciting classes that I am more than happy to attend. I thought being at a secondary school (i.e. high school) would be nerve racking, but for the most part I enjoy the classes that I teach. Sometimes it´s a struggle, but for only 12 hours a week I think I can deal with it :)
We have been here for over a month now and although it is always difficult with that initial move to a new city I think we are coping pretty well. The first week we arrived we began our search for an apartment and thanks to a local friend of ours (Iñigo), we were able to move into a pretty nice flat in Abando (city center). After 8 roommates, 20 parties and endless smoking that engulfed our apartment daily, we decided it was time for us to move. We were not cut out for the endless parties that our roommates had and cleaning everyday was beginning to annoy the living crap out of me! So, thankfully, we have found a new and improved flat relatively near to our previous flat AND only €30 more! We now only have one roommate instead of eight and he is by far SO much better on so many levels. So now I can definitely say that Bilbao is looking much better! Except the rain, that one is still a bummer.
Now onto what I am actually doing here--teaching! I have been placed in a government program that brings North American teachers to Spain. You can check out more here! So long story short, I have been placed in the Santutxu neighborhood of Bilbao. This nice little suburb is the area of my school. Unfortunately, my school has a high population of gypsies (more info on Gypsy integration) that swarm my city, so some of the children that attend my school are not pleased to see me. They are essentially paid to go to school, eventhough they would rather not attend. Some are grateful for the opportunity and are curious and eager to learn. This creates exciting classes that I am more than happy to attend. I thought being at a secondary school (i.e. high school) would be nerve racking, but for the most part I enjoy the classes that I teach. Sometimes it´s a struggle, but for only 12 hours a week I think I can deal with it :)
We have been here for over a month now and although it is always difficult with that initial move to a new city I think we are coping pretty well. The first week we arrived we began our search for an apartment and thanks to a local friend of ours (Iñigo), we were able to move into a pretty nice flat in Abando (city center). After 8 roommates, 20 parties and endless smoking that engulfed our apartment daily, we decided it was time for us to move. We were not cut out for the endless parties that our roommates had and cleaning everyday was beginning to annoy the living crap out of me! So, thankfully, we have found a new and improved flat relatively near to our previous flat AND only €30 more! We now only have one roommate instead of eight and he is by far SO much better on so many levels. So now I can definitely say that Bilbao is looking much better! Except the rain, that one is still a bummer.