San Sebastian, classic Basque city around a bay of golden sand. Imagine what it would be in sunshine. Just joking. The day started drizzly but cleared pretty quickly. My plan was to take a bus ride to the Monte Igueldo funicular to start the day and then focus on the old city. The train was surprisingly busy for 9:45 on a Sunday morning and swept me into Amara-Donostia station in half an hour, a short walk from the old city, for the princely sum of €2.90! It was clear something was on with people in hi-viz and roads closed off. Nothing serious just the San Sebastian half marathon. No city centre buses till well after mid day. Not to worry I took a walk through the old city and around the northern headland back to the city. Yesterday there was a yellow warning for sea state and the remnants of the storm resulted in big waves smashing into the sea wall, soaking a few unwary walkers. I’m embarrassed to say I was one of them although I only got the edge of a splash. Still no bused so I made the 35 minute walk around the bay, passing a small quiet protest in support of Palestine. The view from Monte Igueldo was worth it as the weather was slowly clearing. The children’s attractions were not very busy but the bar was! On my return down, the 16 bus arrived saving my poor old legs back to the city. A little more wandering and a coffee had me back at Amara-Donstia station for the 15:15 train back to Irun. The headline picture stands out from the normal scenery snaps from a classic Basque bar where I enjoyed pintxos and local white wine. Do not call them tapas, although that is essentially what they are. I had a couple, one fish and the other mushrooms each with different ‘sauce’ on little slices of bread. Both very tasty. The remaining photos should give an idea of my day. Those with larger screens and sharp eyes will see a mad canoeist in the picture of the island in the bay. As the sun was going down this evening the view from my hotel room was transformed with a glimpse of a craggy mountain with more to see as I travel along the coast.

For orientation there is an outline map is here.