Hanging out in San Sebastian

I love this town of San Sebastian. The geography is spectacular, the food is the best in the world, and, despite all the tourists as San Sebastian overtakes Monaco as the place to be, the people here have retained their culture, history, and language, and remain friendly to the wave of outsiders hitting the beaches, bars, and restaurants. The violence of the ETA-era is gone; it's a remarkably safe and orderly city. Bravo to the politicians of left and right, who, despite their disagreements, have come together to make this a wonderful place. 

I have received no reimbursement for above paean to San Sebastian.

Today, the Diplowife's birthday, we went to the little town of Guetaria (Getaria in Basque) on the coast about 45 minutes from San Sebastian by bus. 

This town's claim to fame is as the birthplace of Juan Sebastian Elcano, the first man to sail around the world. It also was the birthplace of fashion designer Balenciaga, and his house is a very nice museum.

 Great little town with a fabulous array of restaurants and a beautiful harbor and beach. We had very nice, although expensive, meal at the Elcano restaurant. We made reservations two months in advance at what is ranked as one of the world's best restaurants. 

It was nice to get away from politics and revel in the history of the West.