International Udaleku: Basque camp in Ispaster, Bizkaia, during July 2014

Last week I came across a very cool website offering a summer camp for July 2014 in the small town of Ispaster, Bizkaia, about 5 minutes by car from beautiful coastal Lekeitio. After browsing over the different sections and reading on the activities and services they provide, I thought it might be a great opportunity for Americans to learn about Basque culture or get in touch with their roots in the case of Basque-Americans.

The website is appealing and very informative, but I must say that I am totally bias regarding the location of the camp. I love the city Lekeitio -I have very good memories from the trips we used to make at the end of the school year, which I might disclose at some point in the future if I’m ever inclined to do so- and I have been to Ispaster a few times in the past visiting one of my childhood best friends, who moved there from Ortuella years ago.

All activities will take place in the surroundings and participants will have the opportunity to visit the main cities in the Basque Country, enjoy and participate in the summer festivals that take place in the area, learn how to cook delicious traditional dishes, local dances, songs, sports and of course, also some adventure such as a trecking, stand up paddle, canoeing and surfing.

There are two accommodation options available: In a home with a local family for 2500 Euros, or in a baserri (farm house) for 3200 Euros.

The arrival date is July 6, 2014, and the departure date is July 27, 2014. An additional week might be available upon request.

Speaking Basque or Spanish is desirable and for sure this experience will help improving them, but it is NOT a must, trilingual (Basque, Spanish, English) camp staff will help those with language problems.

What is included?

• All activities described in the activities section
• All meals
• Accommodation
• All day trips, guides and activities planned on day trips
• Traditional dress
• Group t-shirt
• All  ground transportation including transfers to and from airport
  

What is not included?

• Airfare

You can get in touch with the Udaleku staff by email at miren.urrutia.1975@gmail.com, by phone at +34 620 68 07 40, or by filling out an online contact form on their website.

For more information, please visit the International Udaleku website at http://udaleku.es.tl/Home.htm.

• ← Back to the Far West: 81 Basque sheepherders will travel to the USA in September to revisit the places where they once worked
• The Basque Studies Program at BSU will present the documentary ‘Gazta Zati Bat’ on Monday, Aug. 19 at 6:30 PM →