Holidays are something everyone looks forward to. We plan and anticipate these times, enjoying them completely when they happen and are then sad when they end. For me, when you add in family and loved ones into the equation – it’s even better. 5 Star happiness I call it.
There is always something special and unique about spending time with family. Usually it is limited to birthdays, funerals and Christmas, and anything added to that is really just icing on the cake. Its hard to put into words the comforting feeling I get when hanging with loved ones, good times or bad times, and especially with my immediate family. My mum, my brother, Simon, and I have always been close, a very tight knit group of three. As we have spent recent years in separate states or abroad, any extra time together now is precious.
It was because of this that I almost peed my pants with excitement when Simon and his girlfriend, Ida, decided to escape from Norway and met us in SW France/Spain for a 2 week getaway. We met them first in San Sebastian. There was no need to ask me twice to head back to San Sebastian.
Tim and I headed back up the coast of Spain, to meet Simon and Ida in this city of old time maritime feel mixed with new hip excitement. Pintxos aplenty were guzzled down on top of a visit to the infamous mussel bar. All was washed down with cold beer and great conversation.
After a fun night we headed to Biarritz, where we set up camp. Although the campsite was in a flawless location on the beach front, the rain set in and the surf was not as good as we had hoped, but it didn’t dampen our smiles. We still had a great week of beach time when the sun came out, surfing each day and many funny conversations filled with laughter and sore cheeks.
The weeklong experience was highlighted by a visit to a local Basque festival with Ida’s friend, Olaia, in her hometown Evrenteria. We had a full packed night wandering the streets from stage to stage, bar to bar, dancing and chatting broken English to Olaia’s friends. We were surprised by a mechanical firework running of the bulls, plus loads of traditional Basque musicians and parades.
The last stage for the night was awesome with a ragamuffin group who bounced the crowd around.
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The whole night had a great atmosphere and it amazed us all how an entire community can come together in the streets of their ‘village’ to celebrate unity and independence. The spirit of the festival was one of exuberant intoxication. It was a far cry from what occurs at this type of event in Australia or London. There was no fights, no beers shattered, no drunken yobbos pissing in public. It was simply all smiles and celebration.
This epic night was tempered by the news only hours before of the Oslo bombing, just meters away from Simon and Ida’s apartment. Worry set in immediately for the safety of family and friends. Ida, being a news reporter for the national news station, was inundated with calls and messages. Local Basque people on the streets even asked her if her family was ok. When a disaster hits of this extreme, the whole world stops in worry. No matter how far you are or if you know anyone there or not, your heart skips a beat with worry.
After a fun night of street dancing and drinking, the night hit another shock as we learnt of Amy Winehouse’s death on the way home. Tim and I had just been listening to her music days prior, as we had planned to go to a festival featuring her in Portugal next month. How one night can go from moments of highs to lows so fast.
Our last night with Simon and Ida was spent back in San Sebastian for a free Jazz festival where we got to see ’Cut Copy’ live on the beach. With the same great energy we had experienced the nights before we danced away on the beautiful bay of San Sebastian. What a perfect way to end our unforgettable week.
So until the A team meets again, Tim and I head off to Portugal with minds filled of funny conversations and good vibes, cheers to that!
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