Shabbat in San Sebastian

Hola Mi Readers:

While today was not a traditional Shabbat, it was a Shabbat Shalom nonetheless. I slept in unjtil late morning for the first time this vacation, which was wonderful. When I awoke the sky was clear and the sun was shining. To say that it was stunning is to understate!

I had discovered upon my arrival that one of the pastimes that distinguishes San Sebastian is running - who would have thunk? In my hotel lobby was a brochure that listed a few annual races and charted their routes. While my visit did not coincide with a race, I decided to try a version of one of the routes that went all along the coast, passing two connected beaches and winding through the old city and the marina. It was beautiful, and my estimate was that I did just over 11k (approx. 7 miles).

The rest of the day was essentially spent walking around and lying on the beach. No museums. No art. It is occurring to me that this trip is allotting me two vacations in just one trip - so cool. As the day wound down and evening was ushered in I set out to one of the public squares in the Old City to do some reading and wine tasting. I then ventured to a restaurant I found online that had received a Michelin star rating (a prestigious restaurant award). The food was delicious!

San Sebastian certainly comes alive at night. The sun doesn't fully set until after 9pm, and that's when the evening seems to begin here. The streets of the Old City are dotted with tapas bars, and people of all ages and origins (primarily Spanish and French from the sounds of the languages) pack into them and spill out into the streets. It seems to be Spain's version of the French Quarter of New Orleans.

After dinner I walked around a bit and headed to a Gelateria for some yogurt (black cherry and raspberry) gelato. As some of you may know I have a small obsession with Yogurtland and similar establishments back in the States and have been going through a bit of withdrawal. This has proven to be a good substitute while away. I then walked back along the coast to my side of the city and called it a night.

A wonderful and relaxing day to say the least!

Buenos noches and shavuah tov,

Zach