The perfect day

Yesterday (and part of today) was a perfect day! By day, I literally mean 24 hours, where 22 of those hours elapsed from the time I left the flat shortly after 8am Saturday morning until I returned to the flat shortly after 6am Sunday morning. It was a day that was packed full of adventures and fun! After I left the flat on Saturday morning, I headed to the metro for the commute to Plentzia to meet up with 11 other people from the lab. Once we were all together, we rented some kayaks for the morning. The adventure company provided us with everything we needed and made us look very professional, then, drove us close to Butron Castle in what we thought were Jurassic Park vehicles. I only got a glimpse of Butron Castle but what I did see was breath taking and I will go back there just to see the castle in the near future.

After a quick lesson, our guide got us all in the water and we headed down the river back to the sea by Plentzia's beach where we started. Eva and I shared a boat, which was a bit of a gong show. Eva sat in the front and was terrible at looking out for rocks and sand bars, so we hit a few things and got stuck on two sandbars. I sat in the back and wasn't very good at maneuvering us through the harbour of boats that we had to go through. But we laughed the whole time and had a lot of fun, nonetheless.

When we had de-saltified after the kayaking, we made our way to Eva's to have a BBQ in her backyard. Koke and Rober BBQed all sorts of meats, sausages, and vegetables and it was all delicious! Then, Eva and I surprised Carolina with cake for her birthday and she got serenaded in three languages - Basque, Spanish, and English. After digesting the huge meal, some of us enjoyed the sun and the pool while others enjoyed a siesta on the lawn.

Eventually, Leire, Naiara, Jon, Ivan, and other friends started to show up, and some of the people from the lab went home. Eva, Sandra, and I ventured to make a large batch of Sangria despite that none of us knew how to, but it turned out to be delicious!! With plenty of beer and Sangria to enjoy, the pool party continued well into the night. Eva's backyard is on top of a hill over Sopelana in Urduliz, so we could hear the concerts from the Sopelana festival and at midnight we had an excellent view of the fireworks from the pool.

Around 2am we decided to pack up our large group of people and head to the festival down in Sopelana. Here the streets were packed with people, crazy-loud music, and SO many bars - outdoor bars, indoor bars, and a variety of bars that were both indoor and outdoor. It was the first official festival of the summer; San Juan starts it all, and then they continue in different places around the metropolitan all summer long! I love living in a place where there are fireworks at least 3 nights of the week, everyweek, all summer long!!

We finally decided to call it a night around 5am and managed to get back to Miribilla around 6am. Wow, was I TIRED!! What a day! We couldn't have asked for better weather and everything from kayaking to fireworks to great people really made the day absolutely perfect!

Hasta la proximá vez,

Kathlene

The perfect day

San Juan - June 23, 2009

Yesterday, June 23, 2009, was the longest day of the year a.k.a. San Juan and it was an excellent day! In the afternoon, Ibai picked me up from the university and we went to Sopelana to enjoy some sunbathing on the beach (not the nudist beach, thank goodness), some swimming in the salty water, some beers in our favorite bars, and supper in an Aussie-surfer restaurant (but the food was really quite Spanish as were the people working there... we weren't really sure why they claimed it was Australian). Then, the girls came to Sopelana for the festivities of San Juan!

San Juan is the celebration of the longest day of the year. Large bonfires are lit to represent the sun so that night never has to come, and you can enjoy light for the entire longest day of the year. As soon as the sun started to set, the sky started to fill with smoke. Every couple hundred meters, there was a bonfire from the coast to the center of Bilbao, and I'm sure much farther than that. By the end of the night, when we were taking the highway back home to Bilbao, the visibility was horribly reduced and the smell of bonfire wafted into the car through the vents. It was really quite remarkable. I imagine that the entire metropolis burning to the ground would have had a similar effect.

Now, I know what your thinking - if there are so many bonfires, how do you choose which one to go to? Well, that's a good question. It involves a lot of careful thought and a bit of strategy. I had stated that I wanted to enjoy my first San Juan bonfire along the coast, which was widely accepted amongst my friends, and then we discovered that one of the bonfires offered FREE hot chocolate! So, clearly our search for the perfect bonfire was over. I should note that hot chocolate in Spain is not some crappy powder mixed into hot water or milk. Oh no!! Here, hot chocolate means HOT chocolate. Real, delicious chocolate heated up until it's liquid. It truly is an inspiration for attending a bonfire. Not to mention I had forgotten my coat at home that morning, and only had my beach towel (conveniently a Canadian flag that allowed me to 'represent the homeland ') from the earlier beach going and was a little bit chilly before the fire really got going.

This is a tradition that I'm bringing home. Next year, San Juan in Saskatoon and you're all invited!!

Hasta la proximá vez,

Kathlene

San Juan - June 23, 2009

Freaky Party in Portugalete

I went to a 'freaky party' with Eva, Leire and Naiarra on Friday night in Portugalete. It was a birthday party at a bar called DINK (yes, that was seriously the name of the bar) that was closed for the party. The birthday girl was a girl that Eva plays basketball with and a 'freaky party' meant that everyone was to dress up as a celebrity that was notorious in the press for their issues. There were some Paris Hiltons, Amy Winehouses, Pete Dohertys, a Georgie Dann, and many others. I went as Courtney Love and Eva as Shakira. It was awesome to have a bar to ourselves, with some hilarious and great people. I had a crazy fun night.

Hasta la proximá vez,

Kathlene

Freaky Party in Portugalete

Lekeitio, Bizkaia, España

On Saturday, Marta and I left the land of 'muchas gracias' and entered the land of 'eskerrik asko' in Lekeitio. Lekeitio is a small fishing village on the coast about an hour from Bilbao and is truly Basque. Basque separatism was very noticeable here and 'non da Jon?' was written all over the place which means 'where is Jon?' in Basque. I'm not sure, but I think this has to do with the protest from families that have ETA sons in jail in France and southern Spain. The Spanish government has placed offenders from the ETA in jail far from their families even though the law clearly states they are to be in the jail closest to their families. Basques strongly disagree with this as it should be the offenders that should be punished in jail, not the families of the offenders who wish to visit them (not to mention that offenders from other parts of Spain who have committed the same crimes aren't subjected to this same banishment). Another possibility is it could have to do with the recent overthrow of the basque political party by the 'puta españoles' or the 'fucking spanish'. In a recent election, the basque political party won the seat of president of the Basque Country (of course), but then, the liberal and conservative Spanish parties that were also running for the seat, conglomerated into one party after losing the election as seperate entities to claim a higher percentage of the votes (by a very small margin) and create a spanish government in the Basque Country. So now, my neighbor, Francisco Lopez is the president of the Autonomous Basque country. This is very negative to the Basque's as it threatens the future of the Basque language. Recent (well not that recent) spanish government in the Basque country (Franco) implemented genocide and that's the reason spanish is so widely spoken in this region today. And now the new government threatens Basque schools claiming that introducing spanish into these schools is to 'live in harmony' as Franco's government had said in its time. The interesting part, is the liberal and conservatice parties that have joined as one in the Basque country are at each others throats in Madrid and the rest of Spain. But enough with the political rant, and back to Lekeitio.

Marta and I arrived late after having many problems with our transportation. First, we tried to catch the bus from Abando, but realized the internet had led us astray and the bus didn't leave from Abando station, so we made our way to Zabalburu to catch the next bus an hour later. Once on that bus, we got delayed as there was a large accident in one of the highway tunnels. The police told the bus driver to go another way, but it wouldn't have got us to Lekeitio or to the other stop we were suppose to make, so the bus driver gets out of the bus (leaving it on the edge of the scariest cliff) to argue with the police. Finally, we got to pass, but only after the bus driver did some crazy 8 point turn on this narrow road with a 500ft drop beside it. Marta and I thought we would never make it to Lekeitio, and said it better be worth it! But, as it turned out it was! The beaches were beautiful, the island was interesting, and the water was a great temperature! I also got to see 'the most impressive church in the Basque Country' - The Assumption of Santa Maria of Lekeitio which had flying buttresses.

We had lunch in an ETA restaurant called Batzokia which was delicious. We had lasagna, Dorata (a typical Basque fish), and selva negra (delicious chocolate-type cake) for desert. Also, in the evening we discovered an amazing open-air bar on the top of a cliff surrounding by nothing but beautiful views. The bartender and owner of the shack-bar was crazy but truly hilarious. He had pictures of Charlie Chaplin and Humphrey Bogart on his wall, and we got into a long discussion (in spanish) about whether or not one of them was better. In the end we agreed that if both were books, reading Charlie Chaplin would be preferable, but Humphrey Bogart was still Humphrey Bogart. During this conversation he made us the world's best mojitos! So Marta and I enjoyed the views with a couple mojitos and could've stayed there forever.

When we got back to Bilbao, I discovered that I had locked myself out my flat, and both of my roomies were two hours away. So, I spent the night with Marta and her hilarious family. They were kind enough to lend me some pajamas and give me a toothbrush, and feed me a delicious lunch the next day. However, the experience was surreal. I haven't lived with parents in five years, so when Marta's mom barged into Marta's room to get us out of out tiny twin beds in the morning even though we didn't get home until 4:30 am, I was quickly reminded of being a teenager all over again. So strange. Lekeitio was fabulous but everything that surrounded it was what Marta and I referred to as 'Que disastre!' But Marta and I had fun through all of the mishaps, nonetheless.

Hasta la proximá vez,

Kathlene

Lekeitio, Bizkaia, España

Friday evening in Bakio

Friday after work, I went to Bakio with my roommate, Jontxu, and two of his friends from work, Igor and Nerea. Bakio is close to Mundaka, but is a more commercialized version. The town of Mundaka is nicer, but the actual beach in Bakio is nicer and much larger. The first thing we did was go to the beach, enjoy some sun on the +30 day and also some of the water. Afterwards, we went to the outskirts of the town to Bar 01, which boasted beautiful views of the mountains while we enjoyed some drinks and pintxos and then went to dinner at the most amazing restaurant on the coast. The atmosphere and views were incredible. Close to the restuarant was San Juan de Gaztelugatxe which, in my opinion, was by far the highlight of Bakio (although, I believe Gaztelugatze may be considered part of Bermeo which is the next municipality). It's a church, well actually a hermitage, situated on top of a island connected to the mainland with rock stairs (almost 300 of them). It's believed to date back to the 11th century and be connected to the Knights Templar. Here is a youtube to give you a better look at it. But be warned, the accompanying music is lame.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3oHTZDAONk.

Hasta la proximá vez,

Kathlene

Friday evening in Bakio

The day Diana became a doctor

On Tuesday, Diana presented and defended her thesis in the afternoon and became a doctor! Everyone from the lab and some of her friends we there to see her presentation and celebrate afterwards. The thesis defense is a bit different here than at the U of S, and I think perhaps a bit easier. Here, instead of limiting the time you have to present, they let you talk and talk and talk for as long as your want, then the panel of advisors comment on your thesis and presentation and ask only a couple questions. In Canada you only have a 1/2 hour to present, and then the panel of advisors attacks you with what seems like thousands of questions to determine whether or not you truly know the work your presenting. However, Diana did very well during her presentation and we were all very proud of her.

After the presentation we all went out to lunch to our usual restaurant for celebrations which always has delicious basque food.  Then we met some more of Diana's friends in the new port in Getxo for some drinks (and some of the best ice cream I've ever had while we waited for people to show up). We went to a pub called 'Silver's' which was completely nautically themed.  It was such a cool pub.

On a completely unrealated note, I want to point out that, as you can see from the pictures below, the lab where I work (lab 2) is obviously the 'cool lab' with all of the 'cool scientists'. (Introducing the word 'cool' to this lab has been hilarious - everything has become the 'cool (insert object)' and better than the (insert object) in lab 3, 4 and especially lab 1. I love the way spaniards say cool - it's more like CUUUel.) I'm not looking forward to returning to the lab at the U of S. The lab that is dark, dingy, filthy, and has less english speaking people than here. But, I am looking forward to seeing Dragan and Richard again. I do miss the conveniences of lab techs and chem stores. Can't have your cake and eat it too, I guess. I still disapprove of this saying. Why would anyone want cake they can't eat?? Wouldn't it just get moldy and gross and eventually you'd have to throw it out? What's the point of this cake??  

Hasta la proximá vez,

Kathlene

The day Diana became a doctor

Kafe Antzokia

Last weekend, I went out for a girls night with Eva and Leire. First, we met for dinner and then we made our way to Kafe Antzokia where we met up with Naiara and Ana. Kafe Antzokia is an old theatre that has been turned into an amazing disco. There have been many great bands play there and it holds a Studio 54 feel. It was an awesome place to spend a Saturday night! When we were there, there was this Awesome-crazy-dancing-guy up on the stage who just danced and danced and danced all night long. He had at least 20 years on everyone else in the club, and became almost a mascot throughout the night. He pulled me up on stage, and I ended up dancing with Awesome-crazy-dancing-guy. So strange.

Kafe Antzokia was an awesome experience I would recommend it to anyone going to Bilbao, and it is somewhere I will definitely go again.  But, not with heels.  Dancing all night in heels was a bad idea. I could barely walk to the taxi stand when morning came. 

Hasta la proximá vez,

Kathlene

Kafe Antzokia

Beachin in Sopelana

Yesterday, Eva and I went to Sopelana for the afternoon. We wanted to go one of the beaches there (there are 5) that had been recommended by our friend Andrea. We found a beautiful beach completely surrounded by cliffs with nice water, so we settled down for the afternoon. After suntanning, swimming, and walking along the beach, we ended up having a siesta on our towels. When we woke up, there was an old man who had put down his towel right beside us, and... was naked. Then, all of a sudden we noticed that we were surrounded by quite a few naked people. Apparently, we were at a nude beach. I think there's a moral to this story: you have to be careful which beach you fall asleep on, otherwise you may wake up to a naked old man, spread-eagle next to you, and will have nightmares about it for a long time. Eva and I decided that next time someone recommends a beach for us, we'll check a map to make sure we're at the right one!!

Hasta la proximá vez,

Kathlene

Beachin in Sopelana and kickin it in Bilbao

Ibilaldia Festival in Galdakao

Sunday was the annual Ibilaldia festival in the province of Biscay (the province I live in). Ibiladi means 'walk' in Basque, and the Ibilaldia festival is to celebrate Basque culture and raise money to help preserve the basque language (the money goes to the basque foundations and schools in the basque country).  Every year all four of the provinces in the Basque country have a festival equivalent to Ibilalbia in a different town. This year, Biscay's festival was in Galdakoa. When we (Eva, Marta, Cecilia, Itxaso, Iker, Emmanuel, Javi and I) arrived in Galdakoa we were given a map that directs you on the walk around the town. (I'm not sure how long the walk is...10 or 12 km I would guess.) As you walk, there are places to stop, enjoy food, booze, concerts, and small parades - all in Basque fashion.  At Ibilaldia everything is Basque. The bands sing in Basque, the food is only traditional Basque food, the booze everyone is drinking is kalimotxo (a coke and red wine mix), and all the signs are in Basque. I learnt an important new Basque phrase "eskerrik asko" which means thank you very much. 

In the afternoon, our group of eight met up with Andrea, Bizbal, Iker, and Ricardo and later Jontxu and his friends. We enjoyed some really good music - even though I couldn't understand any of the lyrics, I enjoyed the music itself. One stage was playing 'popular' english music translated into basque which was horrible. If you thought listening to 'achy breaky heart' in english is bad, you should hear it in Basque! I tried taloak for the first time (basque chorizo in a basque flat bread), and drank kalimotxo like a true Basca!  The strangest thing about the festival is that you couldn't buy or find water - only booze. But, walking around in +28 and drinking coke with wine made me want water. I had to walk up a giant hill to find a garden hose to get water! Maybe water isn't traditionally Basque.

It was an excellent weekend! And it has been confirmed, I need stronger sunscreen here.

Hasta la proximá vez,

Kathlene

Ibiladia