While the Basque Country in Northern Spain is not well-known for its Paella, I must admit that it is perhaps the second most fascinating corner of Spain (after Catalunya, of course). In today's New York Times, Sarah Wildman writes a nice piece about the geography of the Basque Country, namely where it begins, and where it ends. Regardless of her lack of conclusion, she begins in Lekeitio, a town I visited in 2006 while meandering through Basque land:"At twilight in early summer, when the warmth of the day has cooled enough for sweaters and jeans but the lingering light still renders the last beach walkers in ghostly shadow, the tiny Basque port of Lekeitio fairly glows. Red and blue boats bob expectantly, prepped and waiting for fishing excursions; seafood restaurants open side by side along the orderly docks, ready for customers; and the fishermen and women inside the 17th- and 18th-century homes facing the water begin to open windows, catching the summer night breeze and pulling in the day’s laundry, now dry."
What I am about to say now will be controversial to many Spain-lovers: Everyone who goes to Spain should visit the Basque Country (even though Paella is difficult to find). To read Wildman's whole article, click here.
(A woman enjoys pintxos, or tapas, at Bar Itxas-Ondo in Bakio. Notice the plates of Tortilla de Patata!?).
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