Yes , you are rigor the Basque ARE a part of nature and could not conceive life without it.
Thanks for your post it's so refreshing.
Do come back and rest for a while. As we say here eskerrik asko and ondo ibili!
Hi Mendiwalker,
It's been very interesting for me to spend time in Basque country on my various caminos. From Canada, I had never heard much about the Basque people except when there is a terrorist bombing so I didn't really have any expectations.
But I have had occasion to spend a few days In Biarittz and in Valladolid in particular. I couldn't help but notice what genuine, warm people many of the Basque people are - even those who own stores and restaurants. I have a lot of little stories about my experiences in Basque country but one of my favourites is this.
I went into a bar that had a sign on its window welcoming passers-by to Basque country. I had to wait for a friend, and was hungry. So I sat at the bar and chatted with the owner there, who I presume was Basque because of the sign on his door. He was very patient with my stumbling Spanish and we had an interesting chat. Eventually I left and wandered down the street for about a block before I realized that I hadn't paid. On the run, I scurried my then 60 year old butt back as fast as I could, and ran through the door apologizing.
The owner just laughed and said not to worry. He said he knew that I had done it without intention and he knew I'd be back once I remembered. I was so embarrassed, (way to make an impression in a foreign country!!) but he thought it was quite funny. We chatted some more and I left, happy and relieved. I was so surprised that he clearly believed me and wasn't at all upset.
