San Sebastian Post

Greetings from San Sebastian - it is 10:00 PM, I am sitting on the couch with a recently opened bottle of Rioja (I taught Eli to open his first bottle of wine) and watching the European Cup (Czech Republic vs Russia). The past two days in Spain have been amazing since we left France. Our road trip from Saint Emillion to San Sebastian was non eventful albeit beautiful as we traveled from vineyards to the coast. The border crossing from France to Spain lacked the hassle that I had assumed, it was similar to leaving Colorado and entering Utah. Eli had it built up in his mind that he was going to be stripped search. I might have provided fuel for that fire.

I visited San Sebastian when I was 21, wow things have changed in 19 years! This town is still a beautiful beach town with great surf, amazing architecture and a night life that does not start until 9 PM. We have adapted to the European lifestyle - most days start around 10:30/11 AM, lunch at 3/4 PM, dinner around 9 PM, bed around 11 PM.  The kids are doing a great job indulging in the Spanish cuisine. Pescado, Tapas, Donner Kebab (not necessarily Spanish but good), gelato (once again)...

The apartment we rented is 3 blocks from the beach on Miracruz near the old town. We are on the 3rd floor of an old building, and not sure if the elevator actually works. It is extremely spacious with 3 bedrooms and a large kitchen. I was nervous prior to arriving as the pictures and description on the Internet normally overstate the accommodations. There is only a wash machine, so Carrie is hanging clothes inside and outside of the apartment. Each morning Kalli and I wake up and head out to pick up breakfast which normally consists of fruit and croissants.

We have spent a majority of the time on the beach swimming, making sand castles and kicking the soccer ball. The surf is impressive with waves overhead and a significant undertow. The kids are slowly getting acclimated to the surf but I see in their eyes and their action there is still trepidation. Growing up in California and spending a majority of my younger years on the beach I forget my kids are more comfortable in powder than water. 

Kalli in red

I could not be happier spending time with the Carrie and the kids in Spain. The Spanish lifestyle is so appealing to me, everything moves slower and there is a greater appreciation for life, food, and drink. On the other hand, Spain may follow Greece,  their Mediterranean brethren into default. So, you take the good with the bad.

Do not be surprised if I talk Carrie in to living here for a year or two :)  That is all for now. We are heading to Biarritz tomorrow for a day trip.