Ez Utzi Kaxrkuyt.... Basque? What language is this!?

In the very north of Spain, just bordering France, lies the posh beach town of San Sebastian, or Donostia, in the Basque language. Although located is Pais Vasco, a region of Spain that often demands independence, San Sebastian's friendly environment attracts tourists and stuns them with its charm and winsome scenery. We arrived just in time to catch the last day of the towns 55th film festival. Although I disliked the movie we saw with a passion, it was neat to be a part of the jamboree! San Sebastians wouldn't stop talking about Demi Moore's appearance, but standing in lond lines and peering over people's shoulders didn't appetize us much. Instead, we chose to hike what at first, looked like a random mountain with a statue. However after reaching the top, we learned that it was once a fort, built to fight off ships from the opposing sides and was used during numerous battles. The view from the top, as expected, was incredible, and although it was a bit overcast, one could see for miles into the blue and violet mountains in the distance.

Excited to be in such a beautiful place! Note the Jesus statue in the background.

View from the top of the mountain. Beach, city, then mountains.

A shot creatively taked through sunglasses by Jenna

Leaning against the remains of the fort's wall.

Vast ocean

Trees right on the beach

This message was written in one of the bathroom stalls on top of the mountain. "I miss you. It is difficult to be without you in a place so beautiful." How appropriate.


Having traveled in France for a good amount of time, it was a bit difficult to stop asking for "l'addition s'il vous plaît", however what really threw us completely off was the Basque language. It has no historical link to any other known language, and uses a crazy amount of k's x's and q's, often all in a row!

??? No clue whatsoever...


I have been warned about Europeans' impressions of Americans, loud, obnoxious, and drunk. But I have decided they may be mistaking the English for Americans? We ran into a group of 15 or so English men celebrating a Bachelor's Party and the lucky man wore a pink cowgirl's hat and in both hands, numerous light up toys. Foolish or funny? I'm not sure... but definately entertaining!

What a trip! Before we knew it, we were back in Madrid, out of our American bubble, and living on our own in Madrid.

One last picture of the group! !Adios amigas, nos vemos pronto!