EUROPE BLOG April 28th, 2023 - DONOSTIA SAN SEBASTIAN

 

4/28/23- San Sebastian might seem like just a beautiful beach town, but step outside from the main tourist areas and it becomes a bustling city. As we walk to our first destination, Tabakalera (Contemporary Arts Center), people are hustling down the street like it’s New York City in the 1980s. 

We choose this place for the views at the top, which is somewhat decent but construction hinders much of it. Again, another place on this trip that’s under restoration with multiple cranes throughout. The sky is beautiful though, which is why we went here first to start the day. We do get a nice view of the golden statue bridge though.

Doubling back to old town, we realize we haven’t eaten anything and hunt for a quick bite from a small store along the way. The owner must be having a bad day as he literally throws our pastry from the rack, into a bag and plops it onto the counter. Sharece is like, “Can you ask for a napkin?” Sorry toots, I love you but you’re on your own with this guy.

We sit at a nearby bench, eat our food while enjoying the sun and then carry on to the Basilica of Santa Maria. The doors are open but as we walk in we don’t see anyone there. It’s like we have the place to ourselves so we take full advantage by snapping photos and looking through the museum. On our way out we see someone at the entrance charging for tickets, who wasn’t there before. We quietly leave and go about our day. Yeah, we could’ve paid the 6 Euros after the fact but we may not have come in if presented with that to begin with.

Next up is the Konstituzio Plaza. This is an open square in the heart of old town that use to be a bull fighting ring. The buildings that surround still show the numbers on them for the spectacle, which we find fascinating.

With a bit more energy left, we decide to brave the 20 minute walk along the beach. The wind is blowing perfectly as to cool our bodies from the sun, but as we go further out the fog really starts to roll in. We barely make it to the other side when our legs feel the ache. It’s now around 3pm and we’ve accomplished our goals of the city, so we head back toward our hotel.

Next door, we sit down at a restaurant for some pasta and a burger. It isn’t the best meal we’ve had but it’s food. Perhaps that should be there slogan.

 

All in all, Donostia – San Sebastian was a cool city to visit but I wouldn’t know what to do if we had an extra day to spend here (besides laying out on the beach). Our journey continues tomorrow with another bus to France (Country #8) so stay tuned.

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