Tolosa
Tolosa is nestled in the province of Gipuzkoa, right by Uzturre, a local mountain crowned with a white cross, this town transforms into a Saturday outdoor market. As we explored the area dedicated to selling vegetables, we encountered a farmer who was genuinely thrilled to have visitors. In the midst of the vibrant market atmosphere, he shared some advice with Luke, Charlie, and Ezra about following their passions. His enthusiasm was contagious, and he emphasized the importance of not giving up, even if things don't work out initially. Before we left, he shook all of our hands, expressing gratitude for visiting Tolosa and buying beets from him. The interaction left me with a warm and inspired feeling. I hope the boys experienced the same uplifting vibe. The goat guy, from the Ordizia market, was there so we stocked up on his amazing cheeses, and we found vibrant green spinach that was too good to pass up.
We strolled through the narrow streets and ended up in a men's store where Charlie finally found a new pair of shoes! He adores his current ones so much that finding an alternative seemed unlikely. So happy. To top it off, the boys got new Danish rain jackets, ensuring they stay dry in this super rainy weather. The shopkeepers were incredibly helpful, providing genuine customer service. Although we asked if we should return later, they insisted it was fine. In a generous gesture, they kept the shop open for us, even though they should have closed for lunch. As we left, they gave Gabe a few recommendations for places to eat. First stop. We stepped into a Pintxo bar, bustling with people holding cider glasses filled with tinto, cidre, bier… The bar was covered in pintxos, and yes! those little waxy napkins were scattered on the floor – a sure sign of a well-frequented spot! This place was the real deal. It echoed the vibe of the pintxo bars we used to frequent in San Sebastian pre-Covid, except, of course, the addition of plexi sneeze guards. In a nutshell, I glanced at Gabe, smiled, and declared, "We have arrived."
Second Stop. The place itself wasn't anything to write home about, but the croquetta was really tasty. At this point, we were already quite full, but we had another stop at Fronton, a restaurant attached to the fronton. As luck would have it, we ended up there on the day of the semi-finals. We settled into the restaurant first and indulged in delicious patatas bravas and an excellent bacalao tortilla. Watching the game was quite interesting. The constant thumping of the pelota against the wall created a rhythmic backdrop for the ongoing match. Players maneuvered across the court, ensuring precise hits on the ball. We couldn't help but notice the tape on their fingers and hands, a sign of the physical demands of the sport. They aimed to make the ball graze the sidewall, making it challenging for their opponents. Sliding across the court, avoiding the fast-flying ball, the players showcased their fitness. It was intense to watch. Following the pelota match, we heard about a puppet parade, but it turned out to be a lone marionette, a bit of music, and a small crowd. Despite that, it added a cool touch to our day. All in all, it was a great day. I'm already looking forward to coming back soon.
The day didn't end for me. I received an invitation for a girls' night in San Sebastian with Ashley and Stacey as well as Ashley’s cousin and her friend. Gabe dropped me off at Ashley’s, and we headed back to Spain. The city was so festive with Christmas lights - streams of lights across the river, a massive Christmas tree made of lights, and the Maria Christina all lit up. The city was very busy and felt like a party. We ate at a restaurant in Gros, had the funniest conversations, and then strolled over to the Parte Vieja. At the spot where we met Stacey back in July, a band was set up, and the place was packed with energetic 18-year-olds dancing and singing. We stood there for a while, and then Stacey, in her spontaneous way, danced her way into the crowd. Of course, we followed, even though we were the only middle-aged people in that area. It was a lot of fun. We danced to a couple of songs and eventually found ourselves in a pintxo bar for one more thing: cheesecake. We all had a fantastic time, especially when we found ourselves marveling at the lit-up pillars on the Zurriola Bridge, thinking like a bunch of fourteen-year-old boys.
Our weekend ended with a perfect Sunday. The sky was blue. The sun was out. Ezra, Luke, and Charlie rode over to the basketball court, while Gabe and I joined Bryan for a paddle out at the Cotes des Basques. I surfed until the wind picked up making it quite challenging for me to handle my slightly too big board. The Sivaks came over for dinner. Gabe truly outdid himself once again. The culinary journey began with a charcuterie spread. Next up, sardines a la plancha. The main course a duck confit and black trumpet mushroom pasta. On the side, we enjoyed an endive, hazelnut, and blue cheese salad, along with sautéed beet greens and spinach. To sweeten the deal, the Sivaks brought dune blanche and gateau basque – both utterly delicious. To end the night, Stacey crushed Ines earning 1st place in the Diamond League. She's a big deal!
