San Sebastian

When I first landed in Spain I drove straight to the Basque Country for Running of the Bulls and afterwards some Aussie surfer friends took me to San Sebastian. My very first sundowner in Spain and I was hooked on San Seb. It was nothing like I imagined Spain to be. This young, naive Australian had dreamt of red clay olive groves, soaring heat, Flamenco and Paella. 

I feel so lucky that one of my Spanish firsts was nestled infront of those green rolling hills on the border of France, it completely opened to my eyes to how diverse Spain is. I haven’t been able to stop myself from going back to San Sebastian, she’s got everything! Little old Basque men in Berets, Parisian architecture, stunning turquoise beaches, surf, their very own Christo on top of the old castle, the best cheesecake and steak in the world and Txakoli and Pinxtos.... the food oh the food, everything a foodie could ever want! It was also here that I tried my very first sea urchin and experienced Txirimiri.

It took me a couple of years and a few visits to really figure out the Basque Country. The Basque or Euskadis (as called in their native language called Euskera) are fiercely proud of their land, language and culture - they even have their own font! Their language is so old and so uninfluenced that the roots can not be traced. The Euskadis have been tucked between their pristine hills and beaches fending of invaders for centuries and they are well known to be extra strong and tough.

I always feel so refreshed and inspired after a couple of days in Spain’s shining jewel, I hope this collection does the Euskadis proud.

With love from Spain,

Annabelle xo

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