What is it about the Beach?

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Why is it that the beach, wherever it may be, is able to captivate so many people? Oh yeah, maybe it is the constant breeze, the feeling of sand beneath your feet, the rays of sunshine implanting you with happiness and warmth, the countless activities that are available, and the mesmerizing tranquility of the waves lapping up against the shore. And that is only half of San Sebastian.
Not many other places, in the United States at least, are you able to be surrounded by two incredibly beautiful and sought-after geographic locations: the beach and the mountains. Each by them self is something to be treasured, but put the two together and you seem almost spoiled for choice. It is like taking two perfect things and making them more perfect. The equation doesn’t completely add up until you actually see it for yourself.
Not to mention, San Sebastian has some of Spain’s absolute best pintxos (tapas of the North) that money can buy. It is a gastronomic heaven, as much of the North of Spain is, but on a whole new level. In all of Spain it is hard to find fresher fish, shrimp, crab, or any other delicious sea-dwelling creature you would want to indulge yourself with. And goodness, was it delicious. But, being Spain you are never limited to seafood. Great jamón, lomo, ternura, or any other traditional Basque country dish you could wish for is only a peek into a bustling bar away (there are countless).
Some of the kindest and most helpful people I have met in Spain were on this trip. People here really enjoy their life and their leisure time, and it is quite evident. I was absolutely captivated by some of the views my friends and I were able to take in on our climb through the ruins of an old fortress to see the Jesus statue over-looking the city, all the while being helped along in the right direction by some locals who had obviously done this more than once. I was also able to witness the beginnings of a Basque culture festival. Many people were dressed up in their traditional outfits and playing tradition instruments, while consuming a lot of wine (also traditional in Spain). In addition to the beginning of the festival I saw a small but beautiful church and the very impressive Cathedral. If you ever come to the North of Spain and casually skip over San Sebastian it would be a grave mistake. This coastal treasure can excite all of one’s senses. A dip in a warm ocean (even in September) is never a bad thing either, especially when San Sebastian is one of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful, that I have ever seen. I really wish I would have been able to spend more time in San Sebastian. It is already on the top of my list to places I want to return to one day if I don't go ahead and return sometime this semester.

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