Listening to My Intuition
When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves. - Viktor Frankel
The pivot to the Norte and starting in San Sebastián
It was an impulsive decision to switch up my Camino. I’m prone to impulsive decisions, so I feel right at home. Honestly the train ride to San Sebastián was worth the change.
The landscape out my window was beautiful and then to arrive in this gorgeous beach town. I know everyone keeps saying I have to go to Barcelona, but have ya’ll been to San Sabastian??
I’ll post photos in the gallery and once again wish I were a better photographer!
The day began early with an Uber ride to the train station and an 8:45 departure. I arrived early, not sure what to expect and a little anxious about navigating the station. It was very easy.
Getting there early gave me time for café (I miss my large size coffees) y croissant, wordle and catching up on the news. I also met a friendly couple who were on their way to Leon to join the Frances Camino. (That overstuffed backpack and trekking poles are finally coming in handy as a Camino identifier)! Oh yes, and my backpack is significantly lighter after dropping off a donation on the way to the station. It’s amazing what is essential once you have to walk with it on your back. (Plus, I’ll be testing to see if I even miss any of those magical age defying serums)!
I finished breakfast and headed to board my train, settled in for the 4.5 hour ride.
The ride was enjoyable enough, I dozed between landscapes. I arrived to walk out to a basque dance festival. The basque traditional dance reminds me very much of Irish folk dancing. It was fun and the crowds were appreciative for sure!
I made my way to the hostel, the first hostel I’ve ever stayed at, I was more than a little wary.
Of course once again my arrival preceded check-in by a couple of hours. They let me stash my backpack and I was off to get a better look at San Sabastian or Donostia (I’m learning) and grab some lunch.
I wanted sardines because apparently they’re the thing here, but got tired of looking and ended up with a burger of all things! The nice thing about SS is there are all kinds of cuisines. Many were closed because it was siesta time and also Sunday, but I think most cuisines were covered in my 2-3 block walk. I’ll go back out tonight for pintxos (much like tapas) and get the sardines. It’s customary to get a bite and a drink at one bar and then head to the next and do the same.
You know how we (Americans) are always trying to drink more water? Do you think that’s really a thing? I have to ask for a water at every restaurant, and they usually bring me a small juice sized glass. Come to think of it everything I drink here is served small, coffee and beer too. I’m very American in that I love a big glass of all of the above. But I look around and I’m the only one ordering the water. And yet everyone looks just as healthy as any group gathered in a U.S. restaurant, maybe even better. So, do we really need all that liquid? Just wondering.
Also it was hard to get used to, but I love that I have to go find my waiter to order another drink, or get the bill, or whatever. I love the ability to sit and chat and not feel like I have to free up space for the next customer. It’s very luxurious eating out in Spain!
I went back to claim my bed at the hostel, I’m the oldest one in the room, but not in the whole hostel. I made my bed, tried to sort through my things, showered, half way repacked. Tried to lay out what I’d need for the night on my bed and put any extra clothes for tomorrow on the top of the stash in my locker. Figure I’ll just wear what I sleep in tomorrow. Headed back out for pintxos and a pint.
Tomorrow I finally begin the walk!
Buen Camino.
XOXO,
Bon