Erica and I got an early start and picked up our rental car. That went smoothly but the drive to pick up Lindsay and Patrice was a much different story. I will spare you the gory details and just say we got back safely and did not kill any Spanish commuters in the process.
Then it was off to our first destination of San Sebastián in the Basque Country. Getting out of the city made me feel right at home because traffic was very similar to the stop and go traffic we see daily in Los Angeles.
En route to San Sebastián we stopped for lunch in the town of Burgos, the home of El Cid (known to US moviegoers as Charlton Heston). What to order for lunch was a challenge. I was undecided between Blood Sausage, Marinade Beef Nose or Young Lamb Hands. I chose the roasted chicken. At the bar we saw an interesting customer (see attached). I think he was asking for a salty dog.
After lunch we toured the cathedral which was constructed from 1221 to 1567. It has been designated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO and it was one of the most beautiful cathedrals I have ever seen.
When we arrived in San Sebastián it was raining but fortunately it quickly cleared. After a little rest and conferring with the hotel staff we decided it was time to visit the Tapas Bars (in Spain Bar means Restaurant). It is standard for Spaniards to go to a bar, tasting the Tapas (appetizers) that are the specialty of the house and then move on to the next bar. We managed to hit 3 bars (we are newbies of course) and were very impressed with each one.
Tomorrow’s tour is suppose to be a “Culinary Delight” showing us the various Tapas bars in the town. This trip is shaping up to rival last year’s Pseudo Freedom Ride in regards to being a food-fest.
Bon Appétit,
Robert
Robert Reiss Travel Blog and Other Ramblings 