We have now left the big city of San Sebastian (it is about the size of Newtown, Powys) and have moved to a house in a more touristy town called Valle Gran Rey. The reason we selected San Sebastian was we were unsure how easy it would be to eat out in the evenings elsewhere so the capital seemed the best bet to start the holiday, and very nice it was too. It has wide streets which are pedestrianized and a nice square next to the beach and marina.
We had five meals out, four were good and two were a little special. Both were in small cafes each run by one person who was cook, waiter and presumably washer upper as well.
The first was owned and run single handedly by a Swiss lady. You have to order in advance, there are only three options for each course and the main has to be a shared fondue – very 1960’s.
The food was brilliant (the most mouth watering chunks of beef I have ever had), the wine expensive and the bill over £100.
The second, Rogers cafe (Roger is French) which specialises in crepes, he only seemed to have one other item on the menu – beefburger. It was also brilliant, tasty burger but instead of a bun there was waffle. With wine, G&T’s and crepes it was £35. Perhaps Roger and the Swiss lady should get together and open a bigger restaurant between them, neither could take more than six customers at a time.
Whilst out apartment was a little soulless it was comfortable and being right in the centre of town was very convenient. We will be back for Christmas but will be staying in a hotel at the top of a cliff overlooking the town.
Up in the hills where we have now had two good walks it is much cooler and if the clouds come down, a little damp. The scenery is spectacular, picture right and at the top of the page, most of the hills are a little over 3,000ft high (the highest is 4,800ft) so plenty big enough for old folks like us.
Now we are in a seaside resort with quite a few bars and restaurants at the foot of a spectacular valley, the surrounding mountains bear down on the town (picture left) creating a micro climate which makes the area a few degrees warmer and with less cloud and wind. Hence it being popular with tourists.
We are here for nine days, we might even climb up a few of those mountains, watch this space for more exciting adventures of two old people on an island.