Written By: Jack Robertson

Today, we had the opportunity to explore San Sebastián, a historic city located east of Bilbao. While taking in its beautiful surroundings, we also learned a great deal about its history and how it has developed into the city it is today.

One notable building we visited was the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus. This church was absolutely stunning, with a frontal structure full of architectural details that reflect an older era of Spanish history. Our tour guide also told us about a notable figure from Spain who was nearly killed by arrows, which was depicted on the front of the church where he is shown pierced by them. Learning about this church was fascinating and offered valuable insight into the historical and cultural roots of the city.

We also learned about the multiple times the city was destroyed by fire. In the statue above, a woman is shown carrying bricks, symbolizing the efforts to rebuild the city after one of its most devastating fires. While the destruction was tragic, it was also incredibly inspiring to hear how committed the people were to restoring their home. Even though these events happened many decades ago, the stories of their bravery are still powerful and moving today.

Though not historic, we also got to see beautiful sand art on the beach. It was fascinating to look at, and it was surrounded by several other pieces created by different artists. This really emphasized just how beautiful and artistic the city is. Our tour guide also reiterated how much she loved living here, which made the experience feel even more special.

Though today wasn’t heavily focused on professional development, I really enjoyed exploring and learning about the history of this beautiful city. From elegant churches to fascinating beach art, touring San Sebastián has definitely been a highlight of this trip. I even got to swim in the ocean for a bit, which made it even more memorable!

Having these kinds of experiences makes me feel incredibly grateful. They not only teach me about history and a culture very different from my own, but also help me grow personally and professionally. I hope to carry these cultural insights into my future career, where I’ll be working with people from all kinds of backgrounds. Today was a great day, and I’m looking forward to everything the rest of the trip has in store!