After staying 4 days in Hernani, although a little difficult, it was time for me to go. I'm starting to learn that I like staying in one spot for a longer period of time. I need some sense of a community. I like knowing where to find certain basics and trusting that the barkeep didn't over charge me for an espresso. I like knowing where the best WIFI is and certain luxuries without searching high and low and having to navigate a map.
It was a little sad this time. I said my goodbyes to the house keepers in Hernani, Ana me Iñuek. Then I tried to make my way through the country hills to say goodbye to my new amigos, Aitir and Luara, but took a wrong turn and ended up down the hill. If it was flat I'd keep searching but I could have spent all day climbing those mountains so I've decided to email.
While biking to Irun, I found a train stop right before the mountains. I wasn't sure if the train would stop but my guess after looking at the times were correct. As the train pulled up I chuckled b/c in knew I cheated the moutains. It cost me 2.70€.
The sadness has all but gone now knowing I'm about to enter a new country.
Made it to France yesterday, but still in Basque Country. My goal was to see an ol' friend, Biarritz. Biarritz was the weekend I most enjoyed when studying abroad in 2001 (damn, 14 years ago). During that weekend a friend and I stayed in the beach town of Biarritz. We then rented a 4x4 (GeoMetro, which barley made it up the Pyrenees) to get to Pamplona to see the running of the bulls. It was an amazing weekend and I promised myself I'd be back.
Today I hit the Eurovello. Man, no stress on these roads. No moutains. No semi-trucks. No speed. Just a relaxing lazy ride. I really took it easy, stoping by Beyone and several beach towns. On my way I saw a advertisement for a Jai Alai championship match on Thursday so I'm staying.
Just crossed the border.
My ol'friend Biarritz.
The shop I first tried surfing in 2001. Got my ass kicked and only got up once for 5 seconds max. Biarritz is known for its world class surfing competitions.
The Eurovello. Notice the number 1. That's the start of the Europe biking highway. I plan on treaking of these paths a lot over the next month.
Lazing biking day with views like this.
I've wanted to see this sport (Jai-Alai or Pelote) live since Burgos. It's THE sport of the Basque region. It just so happens they are holding a championship here in Hossegor tomorrow, 6/25, so I've decided to stick around.