My flight from Madrid to Bilbao was short, simple and pleasant thanks to a young Basque guy who spoke some English and explained to me how to catch the bus from the airport to San Sebastian. I eventually arrived in the district where my hotel was known as the "Old Town" and wound up walking around in circles with all of my luggage through crowds of drunken teenagers and college students who where successfully looking cool. Or at least much cooler than me. I eventually found my hostel, again thanks to a strangers help, and was so relieved to put my bags down and take a shower. After traveling for over 24 hours with only a few cat naps all I wanted to do was sleep but I forced myself to venture outside and find my first Pinxoe (Tapa) since I knew I had to eat. I picked a few land marks to remember so I couldn't get lost, found a relatively quiet bar and in and very, very broken Spanish told the owner that it was my first day in Spain and I was ready for my first Pinxoe. He looked confused and replied "You mean your first day in the Basque Country." I laughed and said "Of course, my first day in the Basque county too..." I realize now that he was correcting me- I am not in Spain and as long as I live in San Sebastian/ Donosita I really am in another country - The Basque Country. I enjoyed my delicious breaded/fried mussel, walked back to the hostel, and slept- hard. Grateful for the bed and kind people who had helped me arrive.
I'm choosing to share my first day because I think it's important. I went through everything I needed to go through for a reason and I'm immensely glad I had to do all of it by myself and in Spanish. I have many other fun and interesting things I can't wait to share and my classes begin tomorrow so another update will be pending soon. For now I leave you with this high note: this afternoon I needed to grab a quick bite to eat before the second half of our orientation program began. However most bars where closed for siesta. I stopped into a small restaurant and ordered the first word I recognized on the menu, "papas" which is potatoes. To my surprise I was served a hot plate of french fries with a side of mayonnaise- which by that time I had only a few minutes to consume. I blew on the hot fires. Dipped them in mayo. Ate. Paid the bill. Laughed to myself and went to orientation. I have no idea what I'm doing, and it's great. Buenas noches.
Welcome to Europe :)
ReplyDeleteFirst of all it's awsesome that you spent some time to share your experience by writing these posts. I did the same for my semester abroad at csuc! The beginning of you journey is pretty similar to my story. I also missed a plain, people where rushing! The most important thing is to stay calm :) Orientation will be stressful as well. Everything is different an new. Just listen and observe and don't hesitate to ask questions!!!