WEDNESDAY, 12 OCTOBER ELIZONDO

Wednesday was a fiesta day and nothing was open except for bars and restaurants, so we wandered around Elizondo and visited the Posada in Elbete where we have stayed in the past. Carlos and Belen run the inn/bar/restaurant. They are a lovely young couple and have adopted 3 children from Ethiopia! The children are two sisters and a brother ages 8, 5 and 4. They are gorgeous kids. As you can imagine the first couple of months were very hard for them all, with the total change in culture, food, language, but Belen said after about 2 months, the kids were speaking Basque and are now speaking Spanish with the children in the village and learning English in school! How amazing is that? They will have been here 2 years in December. I am always amazed by the love and generosity of people. Belen and Carlos had always wanted children and now are so happy with their little brood. The whole town has embraced them and taken them into their hearts.  Lovely, just lovely.

Well then it was about time to eat again. David had made reservations at a restaurant down by the river and a god job he did! Everyone goes out to eat on Fiesta days. We have been walking everywhere because there is very little space to park. (a perennial problem in Spain, no matter where you go.) but Paul had taken the car to the Posada so he could log on to the web and post yesterday’s blog and then leave the computer locked in the car. We decided to return the car to the house and walk to the restaurant so he could have some wine with his meal. I went with him, and on the way back we decided to take the “shortcut” down the hill. Have I told you that this lovely house is about 1 km out of town on a hill? It is a fairly easy walk and we are getting quite strong. However, we are always looking for an easier way! I had found a path down the hill and through the trees so Paul said “Let’s do it”, ever the explorer. We set of, Paul in front clutching his camera protectively to his chest. It was a bit iffey, as the fog had not lifted and the ground and leaves on the ground, were a bit wet and slippery. Off we stumbled down, down, and you guessed it! I watched in horror , with my mouth wide open, as Paul  step by step, picked up speed and careened down the hill finally did a face plant in the mud! Now this is not a moment for hilarity, because I was so afraid he had hurt himself but it there was moment where vision of the Keystone Cops flashed through my head.  He seems to be fine, except for much wounded pride and ego, a bit of a sore spot on his chest and he thinks his new camera lens maybe kaput! Off we went back to the house to wash up and take the long way down to the restaurant to meet the others. I had no intentions of saying anything to them until Carol asked, with a bright smile “Any adventures on the way here?” and I lost it! I think he is fine, but I guess we will not be taking any shortcuts down hills any time soon! He has made a  remark about we will see how good the Tamron lens warranty repairs are as it appears the vacuum seal to the lens is broken and hence all pictures appear cloudy around the edges.

We had a terrific meal and then went to touch base with Juan Miguel and Maite who were in another restaurant with her family. Off back up the hill to nap/rest/ read for a while until Asuncion, Nekane and Loles came for a quick visit, then we had to eat again, and then Maite and Juan Mi dropped in for a few minutes! I tell you it is all go here.!

We are heading out on Thursday up the coast with the “family” to explore a bit and eat awesome seafood at a little port town. So all for now, more later.  Jane

 Likely we will visit the Getaria harbor where Sandy enjoyed the fish including head and tail left on, fresh off the boat.