San Sebastián Beach

We headed off to spend the day in San Sebastián. The bus was late and the wrong number. The train took forever. Nothing was open. Then we realised it was a public holiday for some saint. However the tourist area of San Sebastián was pumping, holiday or not. The tourist centre was open so we could find out what was happening in town.

The holidays weekend hosts a big professional bike race tomorrow which starts and finishes in the old town so there was a lot of preparation for that. Otherwise in the tourist area it was business as usual. There are not a lot of big attractions outside of the beach. Its more about experiencing the town, its culture and its food so we decided to just wander.

So the photos today are from our wanderings. This is a very beautiful town with magnificent architecture, restaurants, cafes, and people just enjoying life.

Just another church.

Hotel Palacio Bellas Artes, built in 1914 and now a Curio Collection by Hilton.

The Maria Cristina Bridge, constructed in 1904.

A big crowd was gathering so we stepped in to see what was happening. They were trying to get into this church for a service, on a Friday. Then we remembered its a public holiday for Saint Someoneorother.

This town has some fabulous gardens and green spaces, and wildlife.

A monument in the garden trying to explain the night sky.

Chris heard our English and stepped in to try to explain the complexities of the monument. I have to say he failed miserably but his story is interesting. He is a dedicated Total Eclipse follower and has travelled all over the world to view them. We have one coming here in a few days.

The Basque Cheesecake is a specialty of the area. Not easy to find, this example was very good but still just a cheesecake.

This guy was very good, working with multiple instruments.

Sand artists hoping for loose coins for their art.

This bloke was doing well with the donations.

I am always amazed at these live statues and how they can stay so still for so long.

The tree is a ‘Tamarix Pentandra”, introduced to the area in 1885 and now a protected species.

Merchandise tent selling franticly for the big bike race tomorrow.

Toffee apples, a favourite with kids world wide.

All the streets in the old town were very busy.

Got to dry my chillies somewhere.

All this shopping can wear a dog out.

Tomorrow more San Sebastián.

David & Collette