Two weekends ago I made a return to Vitoria, Spain in the Basque Country where I was living last year. I went back with two of the other Auxiliaries, Beth and Kelly, who were there with me last year as well.
Day 1: Thursday, March 17: I arrived to Vitoria that evening with Beth after almost a full day of traveling via train and bus from the south to the north of the Spain. Shortly after we arrived we went to Calle Gorbea (a street in Vitoria) which has a number of bars where all of the university students go on Thursday nights to get a drink and a tapa (or Pinxto as they call it in the Basque Country) for 1 Euro. This is called Pinxto Pote. There we paid a visit to our favorite bar where they serve our all time favorite Croquetas. These are small fried rolls usually filled with small pieces of Jamon (or ham) and cheese.
Day 2: Friday, March 18: In the morning I went to the school I worked at last year, Los Herran. I had been in contact with Director of the English Department and my co-worker from last year, Fernando. I mad plans to meet him for a cafe con leche and then visit the school to see the other English teachers I worked with last year along with my students. It was great to go back and catch up with the other teachers from last year, however a little weird considering its not my school anymore and another Auxiliary has taken my place but everyone was really happy to see me especially my students. I got the chance to attend one of Fernando's English classes where I just talked to the students about my experience in Cordoba this year and answered any question they had for me.
That afternoon we just walked around Vitoria and just visited some of our favorite parks and plazas. It was a beautiful sunny day to be outside and rediscover our favorite parts of the city again. For lunch we had a Menu del Dia ( which is just a big meal where you choose a starting plate, main dish and dessert for a set price) at our favorite restaurant, El Siete.
The View from the Casco Viejo (The old part of the city.)
La Virgen Blanca (The Central Plaza).
Parque Florida
Calle Fueros, 26: My old apartment!
Day 3: Saturday, March 19: We took a bus to San Sebastian for the day which is a beautiful city on the coast of the Basque Country. I have been there before a few times last year but it was nice to go back and see it again. When we arrived it was a little gloomy and drizzly so we went right for the Pinxto bars, which is what San Sebastian is known for. Their delicious pixtos or tapas.
After having a few rounds of pintxos we were all set and decided to head towards the water and do some walking around. It was perfect planning because at this point the sun was starting to come out. We then did a short hike up this small mountain along the coast. It was beautiful and it reminded me of the same hike I had done with my parents when they came last year for Semana Santa.
The Coast
Kelly, Beth and Me
View of the City
The Castle at the top of the mountain
We returned to Vitoria later that evening where we went out with some of our friends. I left early the next day for my long journey back to the south of Spain. It was great to go back and see all of my friends from last year but I definitely do appreciate my life in Andalusia with such beautiful weather and all the people I have met here.
