Life's Travels: Like Quicksand...

No matter how I try and escape San Sebastian, it keeps pulling me back...tonight will be my 6th night here, when I only planned on staying four.

I headed to Hendaia, France today with Rhys, Dimmy and Jess (all from Australia) to rent a car and roadtrip to Paris. Because they're under 25, it was an extra 30 Euros per day for a total of over 600 Euros (~$810) for 7 days, which I just couldn't swing, so they took a taxi to pick up a rental car while I headed to the train station.

Dimmy on train to Hendaia

Jess

Rhys

Unfortunately, France is on strike right now so there are very few trains, buses and airplanes running. The entire transportation industry seems to be staging a rebellion. I did find a ticket to Bordeaux, the only place available, but it wouldn't take my Visa without a chip, the machine wouldn't take Euros, and courtesy of the strike or something, there was no real person. At that point I decided to bag it and come back to San Sebastian.

Originally I booked Saturday night, but canceled when I left today. When I got back every bunk was taken. Luckily, Emma and Kate are letting me sleep in the 'cupboard,' a tiny room with a cot. It's actually pretty neat and it's a private room! It's a catch all, so I'll be staying with a painting, some backpacks, a bike, a blown up pool mattress, and who knows what else.

The Cupboard

I went out for Gelato with Kate and Emma. Tonight's flavors were brownie (K&E recommendation and oh so delicious) and banana split (also very nummi-licious).

Official Gelato Count (Highest Recommendation**)
Watermelom
Brownie**
Almond**
Tiramisu
Banana Split

Last night I went out with everyone for pintxos (Basque version of tapas) and had some calamari and carrilleras (beef cheeck) served with bread, and a sidra, a special sparkling cider that is a local specialty. The sidra is not sweet, but may be my new favorite drink.


Kate, Jessica & Jordan

Back at the hostel, everyone played kings in my room again (I abstained having not yet recovered). Things got really wild and bunch of glass got broken everywhere (maybe dog piling on Jordan wasn't such a good idea after all...), so a big group went out to the clubs. I decided to stay in. I still can't keep up with Spain's "All night, every night!" approach. I think I need to apply myself...