Finding a Home - The First 2 Weeks

The green screen at the Tabakalera

Our life had been whittled down to a few suitcases and ukuleles. It seems such a small amount, except when you have to carry it all. 3 big suitcases, 2 carry-on, 2 ukes and a mando is a huge amount to schlep  on your own.

We arrived at our Airbnb, situated in the area of Romantica in Donosti, via a big ass taxi. Thank goodness the apartment was for 4 because the suitcases took up the second room. The apt is small and the beds hard as a rock – no good for our tender hips.

Cameras and equipment for your tic tok pleasure 

Spain is the land of families and Catholics. Sunday nothing is open, except for the many bars/cafes that line neighborhoods. Not that the drinking is out of hand, it’s just that every one’s flat is so small, it’s the only way to escape.  We arrive to Donosti without provisions and nary a grocer open. Thank goodness there are an influx of emigres here. The Indians and Orientals gladly open on Sundays and thus we were able to find milk, eggs and bread to make it thru the day.

Monday, we have a date with Ana. Ana is H’s  Zoom Spanish teacher who lives in the Amara section of town. A delightful young lady, we enjoy a coffee together and plan our courses for the upcoming months. Afterwards, H and I roll onto the FNAC center for shopping at the Super Amara grocery store. So much smaller than what we are used to but such a better of a selection of everything. Wow! Fresher. Cheaper. Welcome to Europe.

With the essentials of living behind us, we immediately turn to looking for housing. Spain has a weird logic to realtors. There is no MLS. Decide on a neighborhood you want and find the realtor there.

 

I want a driving school with a Citroen

After a week of exhaustive searching for living arrangements, and many miles on foot, I believe today we close the deal! Tonight, we meet with owners and if they like us (what's not to like?) money is exchanged and voila', we have an apartment.

We took daily bus rides around the city, to get to know different neighborhoods. Last night we sat in an outdoor cafe, near the new apartment, to hear how loud it was. Wouldn't want to have a punk rock nightclub next door! Though on a major road, it is a tolerable amount of street noise. Afterward, since it was late, we checked out the local jazz club. It does not hold a candle to the Saxophone Club (Bangkok), but it will do.

The Ecuadorian Carnival contestants 

I am ready to have a home and start exploring the fun parts of Donostia.