Known as Donostia to local Basques, the city of San Sebastian commands a stunning position on the Cantabrian coast of northern Spain.
Even on a February day featuring gusty winds, rain and occasional hail, the beach is an attraction!
Our first hike of the day takes us to the western promontory of the harbor, past a tennis club, to a seaside park. The architects designed vent holes that are powered by ocean swells crashing into the wall below.
When a wave hits, an explosion of salty wind surprises even those waiting!
As mentioned in the previous page, each student has prepared an educational report to enrich aspects of our tour. Paul delivers a well-researched talk on the works of the Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida, whose immense steel "combs" rake the wind from rock outcroppings.
Despite the raw weather, Optimist prams race in the harbor, and surfers brave the cold sea.
Local, ancient tradition has the Basques observe a bizarre rite on the first Saturday of February. Dressed as Gyspies, they parade through the streets of the old section of town, banging on pots and pans with tiny hammers, reminding us of tinkers advertising their metal repairs from Medieval times.
Several parades--each offered by a distinct neighborhood--course through the streets. Rehearsed songs are sung, and the madness continues late into the night. Our students (pilgrims in the previous Corner) are transformed into Gypsies!
