High Ho, High Ho ... Upwards We Go!

Our day started off on a better note today. We cooked our own breakfast and put a load of laundry in because it will need time to air dry before we leave on Saturday. The sun was shining so we even spent some time on our terrazzo before we headed out to explore more of this amazing city.

And, best of all, I had the trusty map I got from the Tourist Information Center yesterday!! So, all felt right with the world. I cannot even put into words how much more relaxed and even maybe a tad bit more adventurous I feel ... when I have a map.

We decided to ascend Mount Urgull today. It looked like the weather was going to be good, so we walked toward the old town. We stopped for a cappuccino because we only have the decaffeinated coffee pods in our room that we brought from Madrid. We both felt quite low in energy so decided a shot of caffeine might make a difference. The old boy also ordered a Spanish Omelet. I think it's made with eggs, potatoes and cheese. We had tried them before, but this one was particularly delicious!!

Our climb was lovely! Bestie ... oh my gosh ... you would have so very much enjoyed it! And, near the summit, there was a great little outdoor cafe that you had to descend steep little rock stairs to enter. We sidestepped down into it so we could enjoy some refreshments (🍷🍺) before we scaled down the mountain. We ended up chatting with a couple who were drinking something we didn't recognize. They said it was a Basque tradition ... a cider of some sort ... 6 percent alcohol. We will keep our eyes open for it.

And then, just as we were leaving, we ended up chatting with some Canadians that were seated behind us. We had such good conversation that we ended up talking with them for almost two hours!! It's so wonderful to meet such interesting people when you are travelling.

The sun shone brightly the whole time we were up on Mount Urgull ... but as the clouds rolled in ... we hastened our descent, because we suspected some of the rocks would get slippery when wet. It was tricky enough to manage all the uneven rock paths as it were.

Then, we headed straight to the beach where the sand artist had been working. He was just in the process of building a whole new image! Yes ... the one from yesterday was completely washed away with the tide!

We both needed to tinkle ... and it started to sprinkle ... so we didn't stay to see how long it took him to complete the project. Thank goodness we decided to head back when we did ... because the rain started. It's crazy how it comes and goes here. You just never know. Fortunately, we have had more sun than showers ... in total.

As we were heading back to our place, I realized my map was not in the pocket of my purse that I always keep it in! My heart literally skipped a beat in alarm. I don't lose things. Where on earth was my map??? How were we going to get home without it??? And, worse yet ... how would we find the restaurant we have a 6:00pm reservation at without it?? I could not begin to explain how insecure I immediately felt without my trusty map!!

The old boy keyed in our place on Google Maps. And, although that should have reassured me ... it only made things worse. The rain was getting worse and I did not want her leading us in circles ... so ... I ended up arguing with Google once again.

I was pretty sure I remembered the name of the street that we took home yesterday, so I overruled Google ... again. Fortunately, my route got us home. She might have done so too, but it eased my anxious mind to take a route that I felt familiar with.

Sheesh ... I thought the only mountain we might be challenged by on this day was Urgull. Such was not the case. The good news is ... neither of us piddled in our pants. And, more good news ... as we were about to wrestle with the damn virtual key again ... another tenant/guest came along with a REAL key!! I am sure it was divine intervention. Our bladders needed quick relief. Any extra time fumbling with those darn locks would have been dangerous.

Once we were tucked away nice and dry ... we felt so grateful for the nice hike. We were grateful for the day of mostly sunshine. We are grateful for the good conversation with fellow Canadians.

The other little mountain we had to conquer though was this: without a map, I didn't feel comfortable walking to the restaurant because it was 2 kms away. One can get really twisted up geographically in two kms. Also, there is no such thing as Cabify, Lyft or Uber here in San Sebastian. And, we did't know how to call a cab here. To be honest, we haven't seen many cabs here.

But then, it stopped raining. The old boy suggested we should walk. So, that is what we did. We ended up having a fabulous meal ... at very affordable prices. I have pictures to share ... but I'm out of room here... so I will add another blog about our meal and our walk home!

It's been a really nice day here in San Sebastian. Once again, we can see why people come here ... despite the unpredictable rain showers!!

Hugs, k&j ❤️

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