Sunday 09June. Even though the rain continued this morning, occasional brightening of the sky encouraged us to get out of the apartment for a tour of the old town, whose tallest spires were visible from our apartment, about one kilometre away.
Rather than brave the possibility of getting wet on the way we decided to use the local bus service whose schedule and route we’d previously committed to the iPad, by direct photography at the bus shelter just outside our apartment. The image of the route was easily used to show the bus driver our intended destination and thus the fare, and we were on our way.
Unknowingly, we’d chosen the best possible day to visit the old town. Clambering up the various levels of steps we came upon stalls being set up or in operation; their operators dressed in medieval-style clothing, but charging 21st century prices. In effect the entire old town had been transformed into a medieval setting, with market stalls, street entertainment, kids’ amusements and community dancing underway. The sun burst through too so we spent a pleasant several hours wandering the narrow lanes, snacking on various offerings and drinking the odd glass of refreshment. Notably, a very large number of locals and their children attended which added to the colour and vibrancy of the occasion. Some pics from Mary and me:
Narrow street in the old town
Tiny St Nicholas Bar was crowded, but a good refuge. Here the jovial and hard working owner is pouring us two ciders in Basque style.
View northward from the old town. See, some blue sky!
Bagpipes, drums, even a “tartan” kilt on the tall guy.
Giant Basque dancers, who whirled around to music played by their attendants. Very well done, we thought.
Seller of various preserved meats.
Kids and a dad or two playing a fishing game.
Street scene with giant dancer making his way through the crowd
Baker and his products
Drinkers, including your correspondent, in the bar overflow area of San Nicolas.
Rain’s stopped, and we’re heading for San Sebastian today, a little SW of here, but returning here later.
Thanks for reading
Kev
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