Running Bulls, Surf Widowing and New Friends

We’ve had a pretty lively time of things lately, which is good. I really love the Basque Country and the Basques, generally. They were open, kind and blatantly honest- with a smile. What a great region of Spain, or simply what a great region.

Armando’s taking to surfing like a pro. He’s taken a few lessons, but the biggest one is when to go, because he’s such an energetic person. Meaning sometimes he wants to go when he shouldn’t and such. It’s fabulous to see a completely different spark in his eye when he rushes for the waves.

One piece of news that was a wee shock: my sister Jo is pregnant and very (wonderfully) expecting her first. We just found out yesterday, so we’re talking super-fresh news. Grin.

We celebrated Saint Fermin in the Basque Country, in Lesaka. We opted out of the typical ‘bull run’ and went for the local traditions. We weren’t disappointed at all. The main square was sealed off, the shops buffeted by wooden panels, and they let the bulls loose.

One by one, running around the square, scary and scared. I felt both sides of the equation. The young, strapping menfolk of the region, however, apparently needed to prove themselves by touching the bulls head, between the horns. Only one injury (falling down the steps) occurred and the bulls were fine. None of that bloody bullfighting stuffs, which made me more than happy.

We stayed in the most amazing place, outside of Lesaka, that was a private beach of sorts, with a small creek and a houseful of geese. We were able to barbeque for the first time this summer. Armando cooked, it was yummy.

Tomorrow we are doing something completely different- we’re going to take a tour in Cantabria with a new T5 from Sunset Campers. In other words, we’re not going to be in Mork for the first time in our traveling lives. Gasp. Ha. I’m sure it’ll be brilliant, it’s such a great area here in Somo. And I’m sure our new friends (Nacho and Rocio) will give us nice tips on what to see.

We’ll be in touch soon and hope all is well, Mel, Armando & Mork

• Spain