We are taking our journey west to Pays Basque, a region located in the western Pyrenees that spans the border between France and Spain on the Atlantic coast. Our first stop, San Sebastian, a little town situated on the North Central Coast of Spain. Known for it’s tapas and wine. A destination frequented by foreigners but it doesn’t feel touristy at all. I stayed at the Astoria7 hotel about a mile from the beach, when traveling I try and always pick hotels with restaurants and activities that I can walk to. My only regret is that I didn’t stay longer. Here’s a peek into my mini-trip.

First things first, a bike ride. We checked out the second to last stage and time trial of Pais Vasco. Which started in Orio and includes the steepest climb I’ve ever seen (28% grade) which can only be described as a death march. Get your compacts on!



It ended like this.
Lucky for us the weather cleared up and we were able to walk to our dinner reservations on the beach. As I walked back to the hotel I thought to myself, San Sebastian, just like the rest of Spain has taught me it’s okay to slow down and not always be “doing.” To eat my meals slowly, to get off my phone, to live life and just breathe it all in.

Happier and warmer times.


Old Town, San Sebastian


Astoria7 a beautiful hotel with a cinematic theme. I especially loved all the Audrey Hepburn memorabilia.
With love,
-Kourtney