Pinxto me! I think I'm dreaming!

We left Barcelona in our snazzy little rental at around 11am. Our first stop was around 2:30pm, at a small camping area nestled in the Pyrenees for a long, Spanish lunch. No siesta for us, though, we kept going. We had to make it to our next apartment by 7pm. Our next stop on the way was Ainsa, a small and very old village dating back to the 11th century. It's perched on top of a hill with breathtaking views over the valley.

The rain was pounding down by the time we got back in the car. We still had quite a ways to drive. Getting in to San Sebastian was a bit difficult, but we finally made it to the apartment in the city center at 8:30. We were all hungry, tired of the car (thanks Kevin for all the driving!), and ready for some pinxtos (peen-chos)--San Sebastian's version of tapas. Just down the street we found a friendly place and had our first round. Fish, octopus, patatas bravas, asparagus. They were good, but not mind-blowing.

The next morning we all were very healthy and went out for a jog on the beach. The weather was crisp and beautiful. I was immediately enthralled with this city; it's just stunning. The gorgeous Belle-Epoque architecture, super clean sidewalks, and so many bike lanes it rivals Amsterdam.


Once cleaned up, we were ready for another round of pinxtos, this time in the old center. We easily found the restaurant we had reservations for that night too, and couldn't help but check out the menu. It was going to be a good night.

Pinxtos are basically in every bar, presented to you in a very appealing way. A variety of goodness lays atop slices of baguette: Serrano ham, cheese, fish, mushrooms--you name it, it's on a slice. Some of them require heating, but most you can eat cold. You get a plate from the bartender, load it up, pay and then enjoy. You also must have a refreshing beer or txacoli (chya-kolee), which is a low-alcohol, effervescent white wine from the Basque region. It goes well with any pinxto. As do good girl friends...


After two more pinxto bars, it was time for a walk. It seemed like the whole city was on the same page. Everyone was heading for the beachfront promenade, even those on two wheels.



I didn't bring my camera to dinner that night, but I can assure you it was a delicious feast!

In the morning, we enjoyed our gorgeous apartment with a quiet morning, sipping coffee and reading up on where we should go for the day. We decided to take a drive to France, and stop at one or two of the small towns along the way. Hondarribia was adorable.



Lunch turned out to be around the corner, in the center of the town. Yes, more pinxtos. They don't get old!



On the way back, we took the longer route through the mountains. It was gorgeous.



By the time we got back, it was promenade time. I loved how all the older women dressed up for this time of the day. Pantsuits and blazers, and gossiping away.

Monday morning, we packed up and stopped at the cutest café for espresso and special Easter almond cake.


Onward to Bilboa, our last stop on the journey!