Five things I would tell anyone traveling to the Basque country for the first (or fifteenth) time
There is always that “I wish I would have known” moment in every trip. I have had them several times. “I wish I would have scheduled more time for, or “how do you ask…”
I think there are a lot of things to share before going on a trip, but here are a few of my Top Tips before visiting the Basque Country.
1. Learn a little Euskara!
It is certainly not going to hurt to learn the basics of the unique language of the Basque Country. Euskara, or Basque is unrelated to any other language in the world and just the basic words and phrases prove that. Basques are proud of their culture and attempting to speak in their native tongue can go a long way. Here are some examples:
Kaixo (kai-show) - Hello Agur (ah-goor) - Goodbye Eskerrik asko (sh-sker-ik ahs-ko) - Thank you
Ardo beltz bat, mesedez (ar-doe belts baht meh-seh-des) One red wine, please Maite zaitut (my-tay sigh-toot) I love you
If you really want to get into the language, you can do that here in the US through online & in-person classes through NABO and The Basque Museum.
2. Don't plan on dinner out before 9pm.
Although a little easier in tourist areas, it is still quite difficult to find a restaurant open before 9pm in Hegoalde, or the Spanish side of the Basque Country. Even in Iparralde, the French side of the Basque Country, you won’t find your 6pm seating options. Plan accordingly. check out the bars in town and taste a pintxo or two to tide you over until that late dinner. Then, don’t just go home and go to bed. Have a nice stroll around town to digest, just like the locals, maybe even enjoy an digestif or digestivo like the Basque-specific patxaran!
3. Bring your walking shoes.
There is no getting around it. You are going to walk. A lot. You rented a car, great. You will still have to park in a designated area/garage and walk into the downtown. You took public transport, amazing. You will still need to walk to your destination. You enjoy hiking, well then you will learn why it is such a vital part of the local culture. There are a lot of hills and mountains, and the only way to explore them is on foot!
4. Traditional food & drink is worth trying.
You may need to talk yourself into it, but tasting local cuisine (anywhere) is worth it (mostly). Food is a huge part of the culture. Meals can be hours long and can vary from an incredible meal that an Amuma (grandmother) prepared to a Michelin-starred experience. Some foods may be a little odd (squid in black ink sauce, pickled tongue), but it is worth tasting and experiencing the atmosphere around it that makes it all taste so amazing. Same with drinks. It isn’t just a small glass of wine. It is a conversation, a story, and so much more that you are getting from that time.
5. Wander the streets!
I initially said “Live in the streets”, but that seemed a little too extreme. Though, not entirely wrong. Basques don’t have large homes, so they are outside in their neighborhoods, downtown, and ‘paseatzen’ or taking a walk between work and dinner, or after dinner, or on the weekend, or on a holiday, or just because. So much happens on the sidewalks and streets that you don’t want to miss. Take advantage and explore this. It isn’t a bad way to live.
What might your suggestions be to a first-time Basque Country visitor? Share them with me!