Zarautz beach still busy at 6 pm.

Louise and James, our Irish friends and neighbours.

Today was a day off exploring, a bit of R&R and washing. We decided to get some late exercise and, with Louise and James, walk into town, down the mountain steps, and have dinner. The walk down the hill was easy and the views were great. We were looking forward to getting a bus or taxi home because walking back up the hill is for people much younger.

Zarautz beach.

The Basque Independence Movement was having a very noisy rally. They want recognition of the Basque areas which cover both Spain and France.

Tapas dinner was fabulous as usual and the Spanish wine excellent and cheap. It was a long and chatty night but we eventually headed for the bus stop only to find they had all gone to bed. We found a helpful bus driver who was about to wash his bus who tried to phone for a taxi. None were answering. They had also gone to bed. A walk up the hill was in our immediate future.

We started the walk while trying to come up with a solution. A taxi appeared so we frantically tried to wave him down. He slowed but kept on going to drop off his fare. We desperately hoped he would come back for us but not at all confident. About 5 minutes later he came towards us, blowing his horn for our attention. He was a glorious sight.

He was from San Sebastián and just delivered a fare from there. A young bloke with very good English, he was happy to take us up the mountain. Needless to say it was with much relief that we tipped him generously. That was a close call.

Monday we are back to exploring this beautiful Basque Country.

David & Collette