Final exams and amusement park

After the final exams and lunch, the boys went up to Igueldo Park.  It is a very old school amusement park whose hidden gem is a short rollercoaster ride that affords beautiful views.

Jai Alai

Today's activity was a great demonstration and lesson on the Basque sport of Jai Alai.  We happened to pass be Real Sociedad's stadium on the way.

Basque Language and Cooking Class at a Gastronomic Society

We had two activities today, an introduction to the Basque language (Euskera) and then we entered a gastronomic club (txokos or socis) to learn about these interesting societies and also a few tricks to making some simple dishes.

The first couple of photos are just from walking the city and not being able to resist capturing the scenery.

Our host txoko

A Catalan trick that must be brought to the US!

Rubbing raw garlic on toast

San Juan Gaztelugatxe and Gernika

Today we headed to the beautiful Chapel at San Juan Gaztelugatxe, which was quite a nice hike.  We then headed to Gernika, the town Franco had bombed during the Spanish Civil war and inspired the Picasso painting.  We went to the museum of peace and to the oak trees where the ancient and modern basques had met to settle legal disputes.  They used laws called Fueros and always needed some autonomy to keep these laws.  Therefore, the trees really are the main Basque symbol of autonomy and the reason Franco wanted to bomb Gernika.