I would have been disappointed in my meager efforts of completing just a day on the Camino de Santiago if I had watched the movie “The Way” beforehand.  I have friends and family who have finished the entire route but I just wanted to experience a bit of it.  However, after laughing and crying throughout the movie I now know how much I missed.  At least I had a taste of it and I totally enjoyed all the days in Basque Country when I didn’t hike!

Bilbao delighted me with the amazing Guggenheim, the river walk, old town and the infinite pintxos.  I shared this portion of my trip with my brother who is 18 years younger than me. Despsite our age difference he dragged me along on foot at least 10 miles every day. We explored old town; we took the train to the Atlantic beaches, and we replenished our hunger with scrumptious pintxos.

When he left for home I took the bus to San Sebastian and proceeded to get lost trying to find a taxi but had a chance to talk with locals and see the downtown area.  After an hour or so a friendly woman walked me to the taxi stand and also called them to let them know I was waiting.  I knew my hotel was only a 40 minute walk away but which direction?

Once I got my bearing in this picturesque small city I set off on foot to explore the beaches, the castle and work up an appetite for their exquisite cuisine.