Juantxo's

I have many fond memories of Juantxo's. Some of my happiest days in Spain have happened because of Juantxo's or within the presence of Juantxo's. Futhermore, it is one of the places that has never deceived me nor let me down. Just the sheer mention of the word "Juantxo's" and this ridiculous smile begins to take over my face and I immediately get really excited and also really hungry.

What is this magical place?, you might be asking yourself. And how do I obtain this ridiculous smile?, might be the following question.

Juantxo's (pronounces Juan-chos) is a small bar/pintxos restaurant in La Parte Vieja in San Sebastian. They have the best sandwiches in the entire world. I am not exaggerating. We discovered this bar the last time I was in San Sebastian studying and it became a regular part of our existence. We probably visited Juantxo's at least once a week, if not more. We started to get to know the waiters and waitresses a little more and it was always a pleasant experience. They have the best tortilla de patata sandwiches in the entire city but I always order the "pechuga con vegetal" which is a grilled chicken breast with lettuce and tomates on baguette bread with mayo. I have probably eaten this particular sandwich 100 times and have never gotten tired of it. I actually still crave it...alot.

After I moved back to the States 3 years ago I would still talk about Juantxo's and sometimes dream about the sandwiches. Anyone I met that was coming here I would tell them to find Juantxo's and have a sandwich there. Plus, it is really good way to see another part of Basque culture and hear the Basque language. Everyone knows about Juantxo's and everyone goes there.

Tonight Gesse, Mylene and I went to Juantxo's for the last time together (probably the last time until I return). I, of course, ordered the same sandwich as always and right after I ordered the man behind the bar said: "I knew you were going to order that." And then he asked me if it was last year that I studied here and I said that it was 3 years ago. And he told me that I always order the same thing and that he knew I was going to order the same sandwich. He said he remembered me and couldn't believe that was 3 years ago.

I was surprised by this but it also made me really happy. I mean, I know I go there alot but I didn't think that they remembered me. Apparently they do. One other time when I went and one of the girls started to speak to me in basque and I answered her in Spanish and she was like: "Oh, that's right, I always forget that you don't speak basque." She had remembered me also! It's a bit flattering. Especially because we try really hard to fit in here and obviously it is sometimes impossible. And also because the basque ice is really hard to break most of the time so even the smallest acknowledgement of outsiders is quite the step forward.

Ummmmm, Juantxo's....you are such a filling and wonderful part of my life. Until I see you again...