We’ve had a few days in Magnan visiting the senior Bramleys, then set off yesterday for San Sebastián which is just over the border, in Spain. Decided to use the motorway and pay the tolls as we were hoping to get to a Gaslow dealer to pick up a new changeover valve (no, I’m not sure either, but Guy understands this strange language). They were closed anyway, when we got there so €17 in tolls was a waste of money.
Guy negotiated the busy city streets as we tried to get into the only suitable parking for motorhomes. Unfortunately, it was full …as it is every day apparently.
The only other place without any reports of theft was high up on a headland via a long and winding road.
Despite a few cars to-ing and fro-ing with male couples in early on, we had a very quiet night with just the odd owl hooting.
In the morning, we moved and managed to get a space in the other carpark which was a bit closer to the town.
San Sebastián is brilliant – we’ve had such a good day even though we got caught in a torrential downpour at one point.
So much to see, but we started with the closest thing which was a funicular up to Monte Igueldo. Quite a big theme park/funfair thing at the top but all closed today. Definitely worth the trip up though for the views.
Back down on the coast we walked a bit further west to see the ‘Comb of the Wind’ sculptures. Three, quite impressive, rusting steel structures, each weighing over nine tonnes.
Following the edge of the huge beaches, we then made our way around the bay to the old town.
Such a lovely place, and as we were starving hungry, it would have been rude not to try the local speciality, the famous Basque baked cheesecake, washed down with a glass of Néctar Pedro Ximénez sherry. WOW …must be what they eat and drink in heaven. I think the rest of the clientele in La Viña thought the same as they were eating it outside in the street when all the seats were taken!
Stumbled around the corner for some coffee, then started our ascent of the other big hill, Mount Urgull. Overlooking the old town, this one is topped with a huge statue of Christ and again, has superb views all around.
It started to rain as we walked down and then turned into the torrential stuff as we got back to street level. Everyone had to take shelter as it was like a swimming pool being emptied over your head. More coffee.
Debated whether to get the bus back as our van was parked miles away, but as it turned back to drizzle, we put the effort in and marched home.
Big thanks to Alicia and Colin Reid for today’s recommendations.
