TOWN OF TOLOSA
Today we spent some time in the Basque countryside stopping in Tolosa, south of San Sebastián, on the way. Tolosa is a junction point between Navarre and San Sebastián and from early times was an important trading area. Today it has a population of just over 20,000 people and hosts a large and busy Saturday farmer’s market.
This was evident in the crowded underground parking garage where our guide had to go round and round before he found a spot for the van. Sensibly, there are small lights over each space, green indicating an empty available space and red one that is occupied. Looking across the garage, you can then see and head for a green light.
I was struck by the town’s striking architecture, tall buildings with colored facades, a metal sculpture that folks both walked through or around, and an ancient stone gate to the city. Plus a three piece band was playing catchy music on the corner when we exited from the garage.
FARMERS’ MARKET
I always enjoy seeing markets in another country, even though tomatoes and lettuce look pretty much the same wherever you go. For me, there’s something appealing in how the produce or the cheeses (some not wrapped) or the eggs (baskets) are displayed.
This is semi-open air with a clear glass canopy, and lots of folks stocking up on sausages, cheeses, walnuts, apples, or pumpkin for the week ahead. A busy place.
RETURNING TO THE GARAGE
After our tour of the town, we were ready to head out really to the country, a small town, and eventually a large pig farm where we would have lunch. But first, the issue was getting the van out of its parking space. The orange car on one side had parked head out, but well into the green band, the pedestrian walking area. Our guide, Angel, made five or six attempts to back out, but with that car sticking out and a car parked directly behind us, it was impossible.
He was thinking about Plans B and C, but he went and found two garage staff. Their first response was they would call the police. The woman brought me a chair which she put in an empty parking spot—guess I looked like I needed to sit, probably the white hair!
The man went with Angel to provide guidance while we waited out of the way in the spot. Shortly thereafter, the car directly behind us left, and this gave Angel enough space with direction from the parking staff to back out. We breathed a sigh of relief—we were not going to spend the rest of the day marooned in Tolosa.
Note: All photos ©JWFarrington (some rights reserved.)
