Donastia

Sometimes you find yourself in odd places. Right now, its 4am and I am writing this from the bathroom of a little pension in San Sebastian (Donastia in Basque). When we set off from our sleepy little town of Salies de Bearn, little did we know of the adventure to follow.

The drive itself was lovely. We took the scenic route through St Jean de Luz and Hendeye from France into Spain. Coming into San Sebastian was crazy - but fun. Its pertinant to mention here that the driving habits of the French are quite different to the Spanish. Read - the Spanish are mad!

We had previously booked a little flat for 5 nights on the outskirts of San Sebastian. The plan was for Chris, Jamie, Ben and I to stay 2 nights then head off on our own to Bordeaux. Molester, Jo and Jack were going to stick around and explore the region.

Things don't always go to plan. And as you know, I like having a plan :)

The place was horrible. Filthy, no towels, small, not the right amount of beds (as stated on the internet) etc etc. We could not stay. Somehow, we managed to rangle the 675 euros back off the lady (about NZ$1500.00 - 300 euros deposit and 375 euros for the flat). She wasnt the owner - he was in Hong Kong. We didn't feel good about doing a runner but the guy had duped us and its a hell of a lot of money so, hey, we got the flock out of there! It was hilarious, us all sneaking out with all our bags trying to make sure no one heard or saw us...

We then had 2 possible scenarios. Head back home to Salies, or try to find last minute accommodation for 7 people with the town heaving due to a major film festival beginning tomorrow. Not at all likely. We referenced our trusty Lonely Planet and headed off into the mad, mad traffic to find something.

Believe it or not - we did! And an amazing place too. We are talking crisp white linen in the centre of town 50m from the beach beautiful! The cards just fall the right way sometimes.

About 30 minutes later, we had all showered, got our respective glad rags on and we hit the town. Watch out San Sebastian - here come the Schwarzies from Waiheke Island!

Many beers and pintxos later and I find myself on the bathroom floor writing this. Couldn't sleep, too pumped. Wow - amazing city. Awesome, stunning and delicious.

Pics will follow, cant wake my lovely family to load them yet.

What a day, what an adventure. Shared my first cortado with Chris today. Its where it all began - nice