This afternoon I skipped my usual Wednesday afternoon yoga class to head to the coastal town of Hondarribia (the Basque name, but in Spanish it is called Fontarabia) with a local friend, Andoni (Basque for Antonio or Anthony) and a new American friend from school, Connie. Just a little day trip to enjoy the first truly sunny day we've had in a while. Per today's Diario Vasco, January was the second rainiest and coldest month this century, so when sun was in the forecast I figured I should take advantage of it. And it was a truly beautiful day -- in the low 60's.
Hondarribia sits on the border with France and has well-preserved remnants of the old medieval town. It is quiet during the winter months but comes alive during the summer when it is filled with visitors enjoying the beach. The buildings have colorful shutters and the squares are charming.
After wandering through the tranquil city center we took a little boat across the Bidasoa river to Hendaye, the city on the French side. I thought we had only been in Hendaye to take the train to Paris, but back in 2011 I think we drove through the town to visit St. Jean de Luz and Biarritz. It is always a pleasure to walk along a beach when the sun is shining and the dogs are out playing in the sand and sea.
We returned on the same little boat and continued walking through the town, where we ran into an old friend of Andoni's -- Fermin Muguruza, a Basque rock musician and co-founder of a well-known ska punk band. Now I have to check out his music.
We returned through the mountain roads, instead of the highway, and enjoyed the views and sunset. It was a pleasure to practice my Spanish with Andoni and to help him with his English.
Today was a reminder that we should always be open to new friends and new experiences.
Hasta pronto,
Shana
No comments:
Post a Comment