Basque Country You learn a lot about a region when you talk to the locals. We have had several conversations with several and I really, really wish I had any idea of what we were talking about. It starts with the obligatory smile and "Ola!', which is easy, but then there is a whole lot of 'Ah', "owyousay?' and 'Um' followed by lots of hand gestures and pointing. At this stage I have learnt to smile and say 'Si', because if I don't the same word gets spoken louder and louder until I finally understand it. Actually I don't understand it but I say 'Si' to protect my eardrums. The good news is that the local then runs off and comes back with a bottle of red as a present. Great system. The Basque people have
... read more