Pretty Little Priest: San Sebastian (Sent March 18, 2012).

I could hear the rain on the rooftop throughout the night, a peaceful sound however somewhat saddening when you're on vacation, the last few days of your vacation. I suppose I can't complain, the entire trip has been marvelous as far as weather and I knew coming at this time of the year, I would not get pristine weather. At any rate, I decided to sleep in and woke up around 9 am, yes, that is sleeping in for me. I got ready and began to conquer the town around 10 am. I had prayed this morning for some nice weather and I am positive that my prayers were answered because I was greeted with the most beautiful sunshine and clear skies. As I exited the hostel, I saw a heard of runners, it was a marathon going on in the city center. I began to fall in love with this city as I walked throughout the small streets and made my way toward the beach. I found a set of stairs, I wasn't sure where they went to but I knew that there was some monument I had seen in the distance that was the highest point in San Sebastian and I wanted to go there.

I must commend the people here, they actually USE their beautiful landscape. There were so many people going for runs and walking their dogs. That is another thing, people don't put their animals on leashes here. It is quite interesting, the couple will go out for a walk with their dog, the dog will stop to smell the roses or whatever else there is to smell and the people continue to walk, they don't even know their dog has stopped. The dog suddenly sees that their owner is in the distance and runs as fast as it can to their owners and then begins to walk at a steady pace again alongside them. When other dogs come by, they don't run off! I am beginning to think that we Americans have things backwards sometimes.

I continued up the stairs to the highest point in San Sebastian only to find the most gorgeous view. I can only imagine this place in the summertime. The beaches go for miles and their beauty will leave you speechless. I spent some time enjoying the scenery and made my way back down the mountain, only to be greeted with brisk and windy weather. Everything is closed here on Sundays, most are even closed on Mondays as well, so I walked through the city enjoying all of the sites and when it began to rain, I came back to the hostel. After a few hours of being cooped up inside, I decided to take a gander outside once more. The wind here is so incredibly strong, it literally pushes you. The birds couldn't even fly down to catch their prey because the wind was blowing so hard. I got some amazing pictures of the waves crashes against the rocks while walking along the beach. If you thought walking on the beach was difficult, try walking in 40 mile winds, your face feels like you have put it outside the car window and everything is being pulled back, attractive, I know!

I have to admit, eating here is quite intimidating. I tried to make reservations at the best restaurants that I had heard about but everything is either full or not open on Sunday or Monday. All the other restaurants, I can't understand the menu and get discouraged. The bars here all have sandwiches lining the bar, I am good with things I can go in and see because then I know what I am eating! I bought a small sandwich with jamon (ham) and cheese and some peppers and made my way back to the hostel once again. I have included some pictures that I hope you enjoy! This is really such a beautiful place, it is just freezing right now!

Marathon