We were headed for Basque country. The region has its own language and operates much like an independent country located within two countries. Half is in France (Pays basque français), the other half is in Spain (País Vasco).
Our vacation started in Spain (which I love so much that my upcoming novel is titled, “Flamenco & the Sitting Cat”) with Barcelona, where we rented a car. Along the way, we had lunch in the city of Huesca. A day’s drive and five miles past the Spanish border, we arrived at our introduction to the Basque region, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. We spent a night and the following half day in the lovely one-main-street town.
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port lies along the river Nive. It’s the starting point for the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrim’s way that’s as popular among the devout as it is with hikers, cyclists, and tourists.
This vacation was our first time staying at people’s homes instead of hotels. The experience turned out to be as exciting and fun as visiting the cities.
My husband and I are good at packing, but with this trip we surpassed ourselves.
Thanks to watching several Rick Steves’ travel videos, we decided that we wouldn’t have any baggage to check in for our flight. This is our entire baggage for our two-and-a-half week trip.
Our vacation had started in beautiful Barcelona. From there we drove through wonderful Huesca, pretty Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
Next we were off to enchanting Espelette, and into French Basque Country.
Then, back in Spain, we’d marvel at the food and seaside dogs of San Sebastián, Spain and breathtaking Bilbao…
What’s your favorite part of travelling?
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Did you watch Rick Steve’s videos on PBS? I know he’s on their a lot. It’s hard to believe you traveled that light. I don’t travel.
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some on PBS, some I got from public library, some on youtube. judging by marvelous pix on your site, you’ve got plenty to see right at home 🙂
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Oh yes.
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I love this part of the country (Pays Basque “Pyrénées Atlantiques” …) … My favorite part of traveling is visiting and tasting the local food
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France has such good food no matter where one goes — would think it would spoil you for anywhere else!
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That’s what my mother says, French cuisine and Chinese food are the best in the whole world, we’re very lucky
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I love Chinese food! most people I know love Italian best. Persian food is another across the board crowd pleaser
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Spain is such a beautiful country. I did a short version of the Camino de Santiago with my daughter and was in constant awe of the beauty.
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We’re light travelers too. I find excess baggage burdening. And we like staying at people’s homes . It’s much more personal.
I love everything about travel. Spain with its places, its people and food is always a good idea.
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Spain & France were both terrific, worth seeing again 🙂
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Agreed. May I ask you where you are from?
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Looks fantastic! I am impressed by your light luggage. It must have been great travelling that way!
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thank you, Stella – it was great being so mobile 🙂
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