Our first post on Ciao Bella Shop’s blog comes to you from the Basque country in Northern Spain where we have spent the last 10 days with my son and his family. Craig just completed an externship in Basque cuisine at a Michelin 2 star restaurant, Zuberoa, in a small town Oiartzun, (oy-art -zun) about 45 mins. by bus from our current base, San Sebastian. San Sebastian, (pop. 200,000), whose Basque name is Donostia, sits in the primary gastronomy region of Europe, a province whose name is Gipozka (gi-po-ka).
One important comment about the Basques. They are the oldest continuing ethnic culture remaining in Europe, estimated at 3,500 years. They have developed a fiercely independent streak over the years, having been invaded by the Romans, Moors, and Visigoths, before the Celts who successfully embraced them. They were dominated during the Franco dictatorship, and maintain their desire for independence today.. The Basque region is in the Northern quarter of Spain stretching form Portugal on the West through the Pyrenees Mountains to Barcelona on the east. Gipozka is a capital of the Basque Autonomous Region, where signs and most written language is bilingual (Castilian Spanish and Euskerrian Basque). Only 40% of the population is estimated today to be ethnic Basque, and the ETA Basque terror group’s influence has been moderated; nevertheless as much autonomy as possible is still desireable within Spain’s Governmental framework.
Donostia-San Sebastian is also the surfing capital of Europe, whose temperate and humid climate is determined by its location in Northern Spain on the Atlantic Ocean, and lies between 2 other famous resort communities, approx 1 hr. on each side of Donostia. They are Biarritz, France to the north and Bilbao, Spain to the West. This is a wonderful area just to come and relax; excellent climate, food, shopping, and of course the siesta from 2-5 daily.
Our blog will document our travels and other important information as we continue trying to expand the products offered in our on-line and Northern Michigan stores, where we strive to exceed our purpose, “Living the Well Lived Life”, and doing so with selections which meet a budget.
Since we are proud parents of 3 successful children and 10 grandchildren, family will creep into our posts as well. Please feel free to comment, suggest products or travels you have experienced.
Diane and Craig Bell
Bell family at the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao Spain
