Under the Sea in San Sebastian

Well okay, we didn't technically go under the sea. In fact, the most we did in the Bay of Biscay was stick our toes in and shrill followed by loud exclamations of how these Basque people could be swimming in the ocean at the end of October! (Halloween to be exact).

But don't ever put it past us to lay out in October. The weather was beautiful, and I heard we got lucky when we chose this particular weekend to explore the Basque country (northern Spain, specifically San Sebastian and Bilbao). The weather usually isn't so pleasant at this time-at least not enough to go on a hunt for tanning oil, which we did.

But let me start from the beginning. Unlike Kate and Bayley, this wasn't my first time to visit San Sebastian. I had actually stayed a weekend in the quaint, beautiful beach town with my friend who was studying abroad there at the time about two years ago. Her host mom, Tina, took me in and was such a great host that I had to call her up again...yes, we stayed with Tina (ROUND TWO). Two years later and nothing has changed about that spunky and oh-so-kind Spanish woman--and the same goes for San Sebastian. Two years ago I dubbed it the most beautiful place I visited in Europe, and I still hold to that today. I mean, this place is unreal. The second you cross into the San Sebastian borders, you feel a since of calmness and can literally breathe in its beachy small-town culture. Whether it be the waves, gorgeous mountain back-drop, the Jesus statue overlooking the town from a mountain top or the smell of some great sea food, something pulls you in and never wants to let go.

On with the story. So here's a review of the major things we hit up in San Sebastian (and for those who can visit, what I recommend):

A San Sebastian Itenarary

Eat a seaside breakfast on the terrace of Cafe de la Concha.

I ordered a yogurt with fruit, coffee and orange juice and was taken aback at how fresh it was. It was a huge bowl and I couldn't get enough of it. That or the view.

Ride the funicular up Mount Igelda and shed a tear from the most amazing view EVER.

It was my second time doing it, so I thought my awe would be a little more subdued but no way was that possible. And I mean can we talk about selfie-central? Best selfie backdrop ever.

Soak up some rays and dog-watch on La Playa Concha.

San Sebastian is built around a beach (the Bay of Biscay). So take the time to lay out a towel and watch all the cute dogs run on the beach.

Visit the Aquarium!

San Sebastian has such a unique history as an early trading port. The Aquarium has historic exhibits as well as a close-up view of the native fishes in its ports (including sharks!) It also turned out to be a great little souvenir shop. I ended up buying a photo book of San Sebastian with some jaw-dropping pics of the city.

The Aquarium is actually on this pier to the right and has a beautiful view of the bay through its wall-sized windows!

Gawe at the Cathedral.

There's not much to say here except that it's beautiful, right in the center of the city.

Clear the schedule and take a walk.

San Sebastian is one of those places where it would actually be a shame to cram every hour full of "We have to see this" and "Need to be here by 10." The best moments of San Sebastian are when you take the map out from in front of your face and simply enjoy the view and atmosphere. The city is so beautiful that blocking out a half a day just to walk around is completely worth your while.

Eat, eat, eat, eat.

So much that I'm doing a separate blog on this so stay tuned.

From there, we said our very, very sad goodbye to San Sebastian (and Tina) and hopped on a bus to Bilbao.

#travel