San Sebastián Favorites

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Favorite thing: There are a few good reasons why you should go early, if you are heading to the tapas bars -- first off, you have better selections, secondly, the baguette might get soggy after sitting there for a few hours, and most importantly, you do not want to see someone sneeze a foot in front of all those mouth watering tapas.

Favorite thing: Where the younger backpackers go, the parte vieja is brimming with reasonably priced pensiones and restaurants. Its proximity to Playa de La Concha and the port makes this area a prime nightspot; scores of places offer a night's sleep above loud tapas bars.

Favorite thing: Donosti (San Sebastian) has in the both sides close to the sea, two hills. Seeing the sea, in the left, Igueldo. In the rigth, Urgull Mendia. Both are an exemple as can nature and urban world live together. In both, you'll have a sigth of all Donosti. Only you must to walk up. Take it easy. Urgull mendia means "pride mountain", in Gascogne. This variety of occitan was spoken in Donosti in the XIX century, and you can find some local names with gascony roots. In fact, sapnish is a historical newer language in this city.
Donosti té dos Pujols a cada extrem de la ciutat, a la platja. a l'esquerra l'Igueldo. A la reta l'Urgull Mendia. Ambdós són un exemple de com la natura i la cuitat poden conviure. I des d'ambdós hi ha una gran vista de la ciutat. "Urgull Mendia" vol dir Mont Orgull, en gascó, l'idioma romanx parlat a Sant sebastià fins fa poc.

Favorite thing: While the Basque country may be part of Spain at present its worth remembering that the locals have a seperate sense of identity to their Castillian neighbours. Over the centuries the Basques have managed to protect their nationality without ever being a nation state for any long stretch of time. Their language predates all other European tongues whilst the region's cooking and fishing skills are legendary.
So long as you don't go about insulting the rich Basque culture there is no real reason to be scared of ETA - the independence terrorist organisation - unless you are a politician for one of the Spanish national parties. However you are likely to see adverts and grafitti put up by its supporters.
So respect the area's unique nationality and you'll have a wonderful time.

If you are interested in learning more about Basque history and how the Basques may have 'discovered' America long before Christopher Columbus it's worth picking up a copy of Mark Kurlansky's excellent 'The Basque History of the World' published by Vintage books.

Favorite thing: The "Contxa" beach is one of the most beautiful sigths that i've ever seen. Specially in the night, to take a stroll for it have something magic. You get an "oceanic" sentation. The city of Donosti has its centre close to this beach. Sure you'll find i you go toDonosti. Don't forget, in the day great, in the nigth incredible.

Favorite thing: For historical and geographical reasons, Donosti's architecture has the influence of english, french, spanish and basque style. An exemple is the council house (Udaletxea), near to old town, and the sea. Beautiful building with a beautiful garden in front.

Favorite thing: Basically, if the Basques could cook it, they turned it into a food. Don't worry too much about what you're eating. There is a reason why the Basque food is craved throughout Spain. It is, by far, the best of Spain.

Fondest memory: San Sebastian is a welcoming town. It's easy to slip in and enjoy the town. It's a beach town. There are always a few tourists around, so you never have to feel like you stand out. The easiest way to gain instant love from the people is to show a little interest in the Basque culture. They are very proud people, and will happily welcome you with open arms.

Favorite thing: runs through the centre of town, basically seperating the old town from the new town. it can prove quite important to helpp with orientation through the many one-way streets as it is not easy to get from point a to point b without driving in a few circles (perhaps it is easier if you have a map).