San Sebastian - Jeff Bailey II

We left our idyllic place in the country and headed to a big city again. Thanks again to Gail for finding this gem of a stopover.

On the journey we stopped In a town called Ordizia and spent money at a small market in the town square that has been running since 1512. Lots of fish, Veges, fruit, cheeses and meats etc.

Arrived in San Sebastian and soon realism this was easily the nicest city we have seen in Spain. The buildings are smart and well kept and the place tidier and cleaner than most others. It has a vibrancy about it that is hard to describe.

We have been impressed how different the Basque country is. It is almost as if these people have a real pride in their land and cities that make them want to present them better to the world. The room we are staying in is very well placed to be able to get around and see the sights and take in the city atmosphere.

Nice to have views of one of the beaches and the ocean. We took a bus and funicular (cable car) up to the top of a hill (Monte Igueldo uppermost photo) on a small peninsular and took in magnificent views of this fine city and the adjacent beaches and countryside.

On the way back into town, we also managed a wee paddle. Incidentally, topless female sun bathers everywhere here. Tapas for dinner and a small bit of retail therapy for Diane and Vicki ended the day.

Basque Country

The first in a slurrry of posts from active gourmet traveller  Jeff  Bailey from Christchurch 


We bid Maria (our wonderful Hotel Mihotelito hostess) farewell (and the other guests) and headed to Basque Country.

We really were privileged with the friendly and comfortable accommodation (front yard below) and being able to experience the wonderful countryside but we had to move on to yet another country destination, this time in the north of Basque Country.

First stop was to a restaurant called Etxebarri which specializes in special barbecue food cooked over charcoal. It was featured in Rick Stein's TV programme - Rick Stein's Spain. This was Diane's special birthday treat again organised by the brilliant Gail Trapp.

The barbecue flavours were superb.Can you imagine a dessert with barbecue flavour? The price.. well don't ask!

Our accommodation, just a minute or so away from the restaurant, is a magnificent Basque farmhouse set in a valley among some of the most picturesque countryside we have seen. We are surrounded by high rocky outcrop hills which is also a National Park area.

Animals everywhere. Horses and cows with bells make for a wonderfully rural atmosphere.

Went for a lovely walk before a very small and light tea. What a pity we are only here for one night.

Merci beaucoup Jeff, we look forward to hearing more about your trip! (Hubert)

Sacre bleu: an even deeper love for France!

It is time, mes amis, to look to the words of the outgoing and incoming French presidents !

Outgoing Nicolas Sarkozy urges his followers to be respectful of the new socialist president Francoise Hollande, and has left feeling “an even deeper love for France and a greater appreciation of what the French people are capable of accomplishing”.

Mark his words – you should show respect at all times and, even more importantly, you will have an even deeper love for France, too, after you have left it. Ha ha - a small joke. What I really meant was after one of Gail’s special French tours designed to suit you !

Mon dieu – there are so many to choose from. But today I will delight you with some talk about Corsica – the birthplace of another political leader, Napoleon.

Officially, Corsica is part of France, but in most ways it is a world away. Over the centuries the island has had many masters but it has always maintained its own distinctive characteristics. (Like Nappy himself, eh?)

Corsica's rocky landscape is immense - sheer cliffs plunge into the bluest of clear seas, small fishing harbours nestle behind fingers of land, the beaches are of silver sand are uncrowded. The rustic cuisine features many types of air-dried meats and luscious sheep cheeses, washed down with very acceptable local wines.

You can explore the coast by boat, drive or cycle the perimeter, or set off on one of the world's great walks through the interior of the island. Delicious, experiential travel.

Say no to austerity 
It is said the French people ousted Mr Sarkozy because of his 'austerity’ policies, which they were sick and tired of. No matter that most of Europe is in debt to its hair roots, people just want to have fun and, admit it, so do you !

Isn’t life short and the urge to splurge more important than scrimping and saving and shivering in the cold so ‘the world economy can recover’ ? Bah !

Hollande promises growth, which means more spending, more self-indulgence, more joie de vivre!

Might I, as un humble hippopotame, suggest, therefore, that you follow this serendipitous juxtaposition and - fall in love with France, appreciate its capabilities, spend your travel budget while you can and, above all, respect those who don’t see things your way. Just go behind their backs like any good politician and book your next French love affair this week!