Europe Blog #4

An hour or two outside of San Sebastian is a small city called Maya. It is also Basque, and there was also an old fortress here, although it was nothing like Hondarribia. This was called the fortress of Amaiur, and it was quite interesting-lots of history! There was a large battle of the Castilian invasion in 1512, and another in 1522 called the Battle of Amaiur, (it was the last Navarrese stronghold to resist the Spanish). Pieces of the fortress were laying all around the ground. It was definitely in a state of decay, but something about the preservation of that decay was quite scenic and beautiful. This fortress stood at the highest point in the city, so that anyone there would know if someone was coming. I found myself picking up rocks looking for remnants of a battle, but I didn't have much luck. No bullets or knives or anything, lol. There were several dents in the rocks that were from canons, but I couldn't take that home as a souvenir.

Maya itself was a sleepy town. Come to think of it, I didn't see a single person outside of their home. All of the houses looked alike  (I'd hate to have to find mine if I were too drunk, lol), and there were only two apparent businesses in the entire city. A small restaurant, and a bar-both of which were closed. The church was by far the most notable building of size (outside of the fortress). 

I wonder how life must be, to be so alienated from the rest of the world. A town with less than 300 people, and the nearest grocery store an hour away. I am not sure if this is a very simple life, or a very difficult one. I suppose it would be according to what one values in life. I'm sure people are probably a lot more self sufficient than what I'm used to living in a big city.

We spent about 2 hours looking around the ruins of the fortress in Maya-probably deliberately delaying the inevitable, but eventually we got back into the car to finish our long LONG drive east. Unfortunately the switchbacks and winding roads made me quite car sick, so we had to stop a few times so I could get my bearings. The scenery was stunning along the way, I just wish I was feeling better so I could enjoy it a bit more. Eventually we saw Barcelona, and I was very relieved to be able to get out of the car. 

To be continued!