San Sebastian - Donostia

I'm shattered. I set out from Irún with my German companion, Yannis, at around 7am. We hadn't been walking long when the road started ramping up and Yannis has legs like stilts so I was having to push to keep up. We stopped briefly for photos and then the rain hit. The hill we were climbing was only 650 metres high but the wind and rain made it feel very remote. I was so glad I wasn't alone. We caught up with a Spanish guy, Alfonso, who tagged along with us as Yannis led the way. It was tough. So tough that at the first bar we saw, after the hills, Alfonso bought us all a drink. There was still plenty of walking ahead but it was so good to be sitting and chatting (as best you can with three nationalities) and not out on the hills.

The rain continued until we reached San Sebastian and I was ready to drop. We had to leave Alfonso as he hadn't booked into our hostel. It was hugs all round.

Yannis, who is a chef, is cooking tonight. I guess we should be out eating in San Sebastian but the hostel is warm and dry and bed isn't too far away. And, anyway, we haven't really got the right clothing to be in the town. You can smell the money here whereas we just smell.

Photos - The rain restricted photo opportunities so there's only San Sebastian cathedral, sunrise, Yannis and Alfonso on the hills.Read more