This weekend, a group of 9 of us ventured away from the city of Burgos for a beach weekend in Santander (north about 2 hours and on the coast of the Atlantic). Being poor college students, we elected for the most economical trip possible. Our adventure began at 4:15 AM at the bus station in Burgos. They majority of us chose not to sleep, but rather take a longer siesta on Friday, resulting in a slap happy, and in some cases slightly tipsy, bus ride. I found it impossible to sleep on the bus ride, as the roads wind through mountains and valleys, resulting in some mega-ear-popping. The bus pulled into the station in Santander bright and early at 6:55, we filed off and proceeded to the streets to explore. We weren't allowed to check into our hostel until noon, so we began a thirty minute hike to the beach with all of our belongings in tow. On the way, we found a cafe that was juuust opening, to grab some coffee and juice to go along with the muffins we had purchased at the market before leaving Burgos. The walk to the beach continued as the sun rose over the city. We walked along the inlet where the boats and fisherman are situated until we reached the beach.
one of our fisherfriends with his statue friends around sunrise
Upon arrival to a surprisingly empty beach (we just wanted the BEST SPOT), we changed into comfy clothes and swim suits and lounged on the beach. I managed to nap a little bit before competing in a sand castle competition ... unfortunately our replicas of castles lost to a sand creation of a car (dannng you Hannah!). We hung out on the beach for a few more hours, then ventured to our hostel via metro train. We arrived after asking for directions to get to the desired location, and the hostel was way more impressive than I expected. Hannah and I got a room with a double bed and two balconies overlooking the inlet and the park, which was referred to as the honeymoon suite for the rest of the weekend. Muffins filled with chocolate were complimentary, so we chowed down ASAP. Afterwards we found a restruant that served American and Spanish food and had a buffet of hamburgers, french fries, calamari and morcilla (sausage casing filled with rice and onion and blood... sounds gross... sooo yummy). We participated in the mandatory siesta after lunch, then explored the night life in Santander.
The next morning, we woke up, packed up and took the train back into the city for another day at the beach. Our post drinking lunch/breakfast was a Spanish Penn Station: hot subs and french fries :) Afterwards, we walked to the beach again, stopping at an outdoor book fair and a famous ice cream parlor. The lemon ice cream was like a frozen lemonade, soo refreshing after walking with a giant backpack.
Currently there is a summer Spanish program through WMU in Santander. One of the students in that group will be coming down to study with us for the rest of the time here. We met up with her on the beach and she took us to another American style dinner... hot dogs and wine... yum-o. Seriously, BEST HOT DOG EVER. Covered with mayo and potato chip crumbs. Obviously we weren't enjoying the local food this weekend, but everyone so often a girl needs a hot dog or some french fries.
Monday meant another week of classes and homework before we get to venture out for a wine tasting excursion this Saturday. I'm loving all of the traveling and sightseeing, and can't wait to share more later!
Adios!
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