Por Amour. A Boisean in the Basque Country

There is something about the ocean that draws me in.  It isn’t that I love to jump in the cold water or anything, but just being near the water makes me happy.

Thanks to the connections and his ever so adventuress nature, my cousin’s husband, Iban, invited me to sail from Getxo to  Elantxobe as a kick off to the fiestas of Santa Madalena.

I happily accepted – then went home to Mungia to pack my things.

Fisherwoman’s skirt traditionally worn at festivals…check

White shirt…check

White and blue checked scarf…check

Shoes to walk the cobble stone streets with…check

I had all I needed for two days on the boat and I was ready to leave bright and early Monday morning.

As I went to bed, I tossed and turned, nervous that I wouldn’t be able to do it.  I dreamt about being sick, about falling off the boat, honestly I dreamt about making the trip absolutely miserable for the other three on board.

You see they sail much more often than me, clearly since this was my first time, and I worried about how excited they would be to have to hold my hair back, wipe my face and take care of me as we made our trek, my maiden voyage.

6 seasickness pills later and I was on the water!  It was a beautiful ride and an amazing experience.

I already told the captain and crew, I would say yes again to their next invitation.

This is the trip to the festival…photos of the festival in part 2.