Chris and a number of SUSA supporters have are a part of Christian Surfers in Basque Country. Here is a TV spot that aired recently in Basque Country. To get to the Christian Surfer interview quickly, slide the view bar to 7:40 (7 minutes and 40 seconds into the show) and you will get to the segment quicker.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Together in Basque Country
This is our first trip to Spain together. Bev and I escorted the students back to Bilbao. After the parents picked up their students we were free to travel. Here are some pictures of our adventure.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
2011 YL Camp - Basque week
We are in our 5th day at the Washington Family Ranch Young Life Camp in Antelope, OR. We have had great weather, great food great conversations and great FUN! This is part of the promise we make to families that their student will speak English and interact with teens, build friendships and explore faith. Click here to see more.
Monday, June 27, 2011
2011 Summer in the USA Begins
In the last couple days we have connected 74 Basque students with their American families. There were many tired students who were revitalized when they saw and heard their welcome from the cheering crowd at Sea-Tac international Airport.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Basking in Idaho's Basque Culture
This is an article form the LA Times. Click here
By Jay Jones Special to the Los Angeles Times
May 22, 2011
Reporting from Boise, Idaho—
For high school senior Alex Wray, there's no stigma to his membership in a troupe that performs traditional old-world peasant dances. The 17-year-old also is an offensive lineman, but he said his varsity football teammates never razz him about his primary passion: dancing with the young adults of the Oinkari company.
In many communities, the harmonious mix of arts and athletics could be attributed to "Glee." In Boise, thank the Basques.
Related
Basque culture in Boise, Idaho Graphic: Basque culture in Boise, Idaho
Exploring Boise's Basque culture
Once home to Aryan Nations, northern Idaho makes progress
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, is a relaxing lakeside retreat
"My mom is Basque," Alex said, referring to Basque Country, the small, semi-autonomous chunk of land straddling the border of Spain and France. "[The dancing] is just part of what I grew up around."
In the Idaho capital, a city of about 200,000, nearly one in 10 residents is thought to have Basque ancestors. It has one of the largest Basque populations in the United States, which explains the presence of several restaurants, a heritage center, a museum and a market embracing Basque traditions.
They're all on what is known as the Basque Block on Grove Street in downtown Boise. The Basque Museum & Cultural Center is a good starting point to understand how so many people from such a small place ended up in Boise.
"If you could pick up [Basque Country] and put it in our state, it would fit in our largest county here in Idaho," said museum director Patty Miller, whose grandparents were among the early immigrants.
"English and Scottish sheep and livestock owners that were in this area needed workers. And they found this work force in the Basque," she said. "Word gets out, and chain migration occurs. They were writing letters [stating], 'There are job opportunities here.'"
Because many visitors may know Basque Country only as home to a violent separatist movement, Miller includes a panel about Euskadi Ta Azkatasuna in the museum.
"It describes [ETA] as a minority," she said. "The majority of the Basque people do not believe in terrorism and do not advocate terrorism as a means of gaining their own freedom."
Museum docents lead guests next door to the Cyrus Jacobs-Uberuaga House, a rambling boarding house that has been restored to how it looked when Basques lived here in the early to mid-1900s. The oldest surviving brick building in Boise, the boarding house features a long table in the kitchen, around which several families would share large platters of food.
Meals are still often served family-style at Bar Gernika and other Basque restaurants in the city. They tend to feature simple dishes of lamb or pork, such as solomo, pork loin cooked with sweet red peppers, and chorizo, a sausage made from spiced, ground meat.
Another nearby Basque boarding house has been converted into offices, but maintains a unique — and original — feature: the fronton, a court on which a game called pelota — a mix of handball and racquetball — is played.
"When there are league games going on, the fronton is used three nights a week," Miller said. "There are probably 100 people playing, and you don't have to be Basque."
Ancestry also is not important at the only Basque preschool in the country, which welcomes non-Basque children as well. At Boiseko Ikastola, guests are welcome to observe as children ages 2 to 6 are immersed in Euskara, a language with no known relatives.
"Non dago hiru?" asks teacher Itxasco Cayero, a native Basque. The children, who know she has asked them "Where is three?" quickly point to the figure 3 on a classroom wall.
Miller, the museum director, is learning the language in her spare time.
"I think it builds better Americans, having some knowledge of where they come from," she said. "Basques took great pride in being hard workers and being good citizens."
travel@latimes.com
Copyright © 2011, Los Angeles Times
By Jay Jones Special to the Los Angeles Times
May 22, 2011
Reporting from Boise, Idaho—
For high school senior Alex Wray, there's no stigma to his membership in a troupe that performs traditional old-world peasant dances. The 17-year-old also is an offensive lineman, but he said his varsity football teammates never razz him about his primary passion: dancing with the young adults of the Oinkari company.
In many communities, the harmonious mix of arts and athletics could be attributed to "Glee." In Boise, thank the Basques.
Related
Basque culture in Boise, Idaho Graphic: Basque culture in Boise, Idaho
Exploring Boise's Basque culture
Once home to Aryan Nations, northern Idaho makes progress
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, is a relaxing lakeside retreat
"My mom is Basque," Alex said, referring to Basque Country, the small, semi-autonomous chunk of land straddling the border of Spain and France. "[The dancing] is just part of what I grew up around."
In the Idaho capital, a city of about 200,000, nearly one in 10 residents is thought to have Basque ancestors. It has one of the largest Basque populations in the United States, which explains the presence of several restaurants, a heritage center, a museum and a market embracing Basque traditions.
They're all on what is known as the Basque Block on Grove Street in downtown Boise. The Basque Museum & Cultural Center is a good starting point to understand how so many people from such a small place ended up in Boise.
"If you could pick up [Basque Country] and put it in our state, it would fit in our largest county here in Idaho," said museum director Patty Miller, whose grandparents were among the early immigrants.
"English and Scottish sheep and livestock owners that were in this area needed workers. And they found this work force in the Basque," she said. "Word gets out, and chain migration occurs. They were writing letters [stating], 'There are job opportunities here.'"
Because many visitors may know Basque Country only as home to a violent separatist movement, Miller includes a panel about Euskadi Ta Azkatasuna in the museum.
"It describes [ETA] as a minority," she said. "The majority of the Basque people do not believe in terrorism and do not advocate terrorism as a means of gaining their own freedom."
Museum docents lead guests next door to the Cyrus Jacobs-Uberuaga House, a rambling boarding house that has been restored to how it looked when Basques lived here in the early to mid-1900s. The oldest surviving brick building in Boise, the boarding house features a long table in the kitchen, around which several families would share large platters of food.
Meals are still often served family-style at Bar Gernika and other Basque restaurants in the city. They tend to feature simple dishes of lamb or pork, such as solomo, pork loin cooked with sweet red peppers, and chorizo, a sausage made from spiced, ground meat.
Another nearby Basque boarding house has been converted into offices, but maintains a unique — and original — feature: the fronton, a court on which a game called pelota — a mix of handball and racquetball — is played.
"When there are league games going on, the fronton is used three nights a week," Miller said. "There are probably 100 people playing, and you don't have to be Basque."
Ancestry also is not important at the only Basque preschool in the country, which welcomes non-Basque children as well. At Boiseko Ikastola, guests are welcome to observe as children ages 2 to 6 are immersed in Euskara, a language with no known relatives.
"Non dago hiru?" asks teacher Itxasco Cayero, a native Basque. The children, who know she has asked them "Where is three?" quickly point to the figure 3 on a classroom wall.
Miller, the museum director, is learning the language in her spare time.
"I think it builds better Americans, having some knowledge of where they come from," she said. "Basques took great pride in being hard workers and being good citizens."
travel@latimes.com
Copyright © 2011, Los Angeles Times
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Bergara Reunion
Bergara is a town located in the province of Gipuzkoa, in the autonomous community of Basque Country, in the north of Spain.
During the Carlist Wars, it operated as the capital and royal court of the Carlists. It was there where the agreement symbolized in the Vergara Embrace between Rafael Maroto and Baldomero Espartero, Prince of Vergara ended one of the period wars.
Many students have visited us from this beautiful town.
During the Carlist Wars, it operated as the capital and royal court of the Carlists. It was there where the agreement symbolized in the Vergara Embrace between Rafael Maroto and Baldomero Espartero, Prince of Vergara ended one of the period wars.
Many students have visited us from this beautiful town.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Chocolate and wine of Navarra
Elizondo is a town close to the French border, near the Pyrenees mountain range, where we traveled to see another student who visited the Robinsons. Nerea pulled out photo albums from her visit in 2000 and showed me a photo our group when we went to a Sonics basketball game. I definitely had less gray hair.
Elizondo is a place in the Autonomous Region of Navarra ( Spain ), capital of Valle de Baztán located 57.5 kilometers from Pamplona. Like the rest Baztán Township belongs to the speaking area of Navarre. One can see nobility in their palatial homes with monumental buildings ranging from late Gothic to Renaissance and Baroque style.
It is the capital and commercial center of the valley. Located on both sides of the river Bidasoa or Baztán. Settlement is more urban than rural because of the abundance of shops, bars, restaurants, shops, banks, etc., with the services their socio-economic base. While we were siting is a coffe shop a group of protesters walked down the narrow street. They wanted government to invite more businesses to the area near where they lived. They resented having to travel so far to their jobs.
We visited a shop, famous for their chocolate, called Malkorra. It has milk chocolate and dark chocolate with almonds or hazelnuts nuts. It came in large slabs, which I only bought a small portion of it (28 euros a kilo). Not cheap,but delicious.
I also noticed the wine served during meals was from the Navarra wine region. They are proud of their vineyards just as the people in the north are proud of the Rioja valley produced wines. In the pictures you will see bottles with the seal of approval from their region.
Today, many owners have converted this space to living quarters. This home was in the town of Erratzu which is a very traditional Basque area. We saw tractors parked out side several homes with chickens, livestock, and other domestic animals taking refuge. This is definitely a way to save on the heating bill, but I do not think I could put up with the aroma that comes with it.
Elizondo is a place in the Autonomous Region of Navarra ( Spain ), capital of Valle de Baztán located 57.5 kilometers from Pamplona. Like the rest Baztán Township belongs to the speaking area of Navarre. One can see nobility in their palatial homes with monumental buildings ranging from late Gothic to Renaissance and Baroque style.
It is the capital and commercial center of the valley. Located on both sides of the river Bidasoa or Baztán. Settlement is more urban than rural because of the abundance of shops, bars, restaurants, shops, banks, etc., with the services their socio-economic base. While we were siting is a coffe shop a group of protesters walked down the narrow street. They wanted government to invite more businesses to the area near where they lived. They resented having to travel so far to their jobs.
We visited a shop, famous for their chocolate, called Malkorra. It has milk chocolate and dark chocolate with almonds or hazelnuts nuts. It came in large slabs, which I only bought a small portion of it (28 euros a kilo). Not cheap,but delicious.
I also noticed the wine served during meals was from the Navarra wine region. They are proud of their vineyards just as the people in the north are proud of the Rioja valley produced wines. In the pictures you will see bottles with the seal of approval from their region.
Another fact of Basque tradition is in the way the homes of the past were constructed. To keep the animals close for protection and to generate heat for their homes, the lower section of the structure would house the animals. See picture below.
Today, many owners have converted this space to living quarters. This home was in the town of Erratzu which is a very traditional Basque area. We saw tractors parked out side several homes with chickens, livestock, and other domestic animals taking refuge. This is definitely a way to save on the heating bill, but I do not think I could put up with the aroma that comes with it.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Arrasarte - Leintz Gatzada
Bill Robinson had a student in his home many years ago named Liher. I remember Liher when he visited the states and was glad to see him in his country. We went to a town called Leintz Gatzada for coffee and conversation (where by they way I say a beautiful espresso machine that made terrific coffee - see picture above.) In the pictures you will also see pictures of 3 arches which are at the entrances to the town. Hundreds of years ago there were gates to the city to protect it from people who wanted to rob and harm them.
Its most important economic activity is salt production, but were also blacksmiths and other trades common in a rural setting. There is a decline of the salt business, but the region contiues improving its way of life, customs and historical heritage, natural and cultural promotion and strengthening of new economic activity. Currently 250 people are living in Gatzaga which is in the heart of Basque Country.
As we were walking to the cafe there was a huge mound of hay in the square with a Basque flag flying from the top of the stack. It is a symbol of their proud heritage. Farmers stack hay every fall, usually near their home. When it drys the animals can come to eat it. In my next blog you will learn more about where the animals are kept.
In the video below, Liher explains the hay stack. |
Thursday, January 20, 2011
La Tamborrada in Donosti
Basque Country is known for hosting the very loud La Tamborrada. It's a short but intense festival from midnight to midnight with companies of perfectly uniformed marchers parade through the streets of San Sebastian playing drums and barrels in honor of their patron saint, the Donostia of San Sebastian.
The activity begins on the evening of January 19th at the Plaza de la Constitution and winds through the old city for the next 24 hours (there will be a brief break in the morning around dawn--just enough time to throw back a brandy and some churros). The different corps of marchers represent the many gastronomic societies in San Sebastian, and the competition is fierce.
"As with many Spanish traditions, the origin of La Tamborrada is a bit twisted. It appears as though in 1720 a baker was filling water barrels from a fountain near the Iglesia de San Vicente. While filling the barrels he began to sing, and a group of young girls passing by started banging on the barrels as accompaniment. A crowd started to gather and this impromptu jam session evolved into the spectacle you see today."
I was in the home of Hur's parent's flat when the festivities began. Alfonso (top picture) served a tasty dinner, we had our baker's hats and drum sticks at the table. We entered into the fun and had a great time celebrating Basque culture. The old men stayed up til 1:30am. The younger people went out for the rest of the night.
When we woke up the next morning, we went out for cafe con leche and a chocolate croissant around 10am. The sound of the music and drumming could still be heard.
The activity begins on the evening of January 19th at the Plaza de la Constitution and winds through the old city for the next 24 hours (there will be a brief break in the morning around dawn--just enough time to throw back a brandy and some churros). The different corps of marchers represent the many gastronomic societies in San Sebastian, and the competition is fierce.
"As with many Spanish traditions, the origin of La Tamborrada is a bit twisted. It appears as though in 1720 a baker was filling water barrels from a fountain near the Iglesia de San Vicente. While filling the barrels he began to sing, and a group of young girls passing by started banging on the barrels as accompaniment. A crowd started to gather and this impromptu jam session evolved into the spectacle you see today."
I was in the home of Hur's parent's flat when the festivities began. Alfonso (top picture) served a tasty dinner, we had our baker's hats and drum sticks at the table. We entered into the fun and had a great time celebrating Basque culture. The old men stayed up til 1:30am. The younger people went out for the rest of the night.
When we woke up the next morning, we went out for cafe con leche and a chocolate croissant around 10am. The sound of the music and drumming could still be heard.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Visiting students
The recruiting team went to several schools and presented the Summer in the USA (SUSA) program to students in their English classes. Parents make it a priority to send their children to an English speaking country to be immersed in the English language. In our presentations we divide into 4 teams and play a Trivia Game on American teenage culture, spend 15 minutes having discussions with the students about America and what they like to do, then play the SUSA Student trailer. We stress the 4 Promises of SUSA:
During the school visits we see students who have been a part of the program. They are happy to see us and we are happy to see them. Many times we are able to record a video message to their American family. The day is long, but worth the effort.
- English Fluency
- Having Fun
- Making Friends
- Becoming Family
During the school visits we see students who have been a part of the program. They are happy to see us and we are happy to see them. Many times we are able to record a video message to their American family. The day is long, but worth the effort.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Tricio - The La Rioja territory
Tricio is a town in the territory of La Rioja (the name appeared in a charter of 1099) was formerly known as the province of Logroño for the fortified site around which it developed. The 16th-century church Iglesia de San Miguel, seen in the pictures, is in the middle of the town square.
The area was occupied by the Romans and the hills are full of holes made for dwellings. Pieces of pottery, dating back to Roman times, can be found as shallow as six inches below the ground.
La Rioja is known for their wine. Vineyards can be seen off in the horizon in every direction.
We visted Maite and Jason Richards. Maite was a part of the Summer in the USA program about eight years ago. She lived with the Robinson's for a full year, this was before the program was changed to one month in the summer. Jason is from Silverdale. In 2009, they were married in Tricio. The ceremony was help in 16th century church you see in the video below. Maite is employed by a furniture company in Tricio. Jason is restoring their apartment and finishing school through extension course from Liberty University. He wishes to start up an English Academy in the La Rioja region.
The area was occupied by the Romans and the hills are full of holes made for dwellings. Pieces of pottery, dating back to Roman times, can be found as shallow as six inches below the ground.
La Rioja is known for their wine. Vineyards can be seen off in the horizon in every direction.
We visted Maite and Jason Richards. Maite was a part of the Summer in the USA program about eight years ago. She lived with the Robinson's for a full year, this was before the program was changed to one month in the summer. Jason is from Silverdale. In 2009, they were married in Tricio. The ceremony was help in 16th century church you see in the video below. Maite is employed by a furniture company in Tricio. Jason is restoring their apartment and finishing school through extension course from Liberty University. He wishes to start up an English Academy in the La Rioja region.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Lunch in Donosti
Saturday was a sunny day. Hur and Venessa came down from Orio to show us a couple places that have very tasty tapas or pintxos. One place really stood out, Meson Txubilla - Japanese-Basque cuisine. Taste buds went crazy. (see pictures in last post.)
A Basque meal means going to several places or bars to taste their pintxos and then the final place is where you have cafe contado or cafe con leche (closest to a latte). No Starbucks here. The Basque culture wants you to sit, relax, talk awhile and enjoy the view.
A Basque meal means going to several places or bars to taste their pintxos and then the final place is where you have cafe contado or cafe con leche (closest to a latte). No Starbucks here. The Basque culture wants you to sit, relax, talk awhile and enjoy the view.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Arriving in Bilbao
We were able to get a direct 9 hour flight to Paris. The connecting flight to Bilbao would be 3 hours later. I had time to use my debit card to get euros from the ATM and bought a slice of quiche lorraine at the cafe in the terminal.
When we arrived in Bilbao it was dry and sunny. All but one piece of luggage arrived - the one piece lost had our gifts for the various families we will be visiting while we are here. Hopefully, it will be found and delivered to Olarain.
Olarain is housing, primarily for college students, but is available to the public. The universities in Basque Country (BC) are geared for students who commute, so they are not like American college dorms where students live. Olarain has college (uncomfortable) mattresses, a laundry room, internet and a cafeteria for breakfast.
We rented a car and drove to San Sebastian, which is an hour or so away. We made sure we went to the Movistar Telephonica to get our european disposable phones charged. The phone I had needed a new chip and new minutes. Bill and Sauna each bought new phones. The phones are essential to stay in contact with families and students who want to meet with us during the week. It is also useful to stay in contact with one another as we split up to visit people and schools during the week.
It the pictures below you will see Simone and Christina, who are the parents of Danni, who stayed with Sauna in Portland. We are in a bar called Pepe's off Av de Tolosa. The food was great and satisfying after a long trip.
When we ate the time in BC was 8pm, 5am our time, so we were pretty tired. For San Sebastian, 8 or 9 pm is the usual dinner hour for most families. Evening time is considered 9PM until early morning. We will have to experience the night life an other day. I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.
When we arrived in Bilbao it was dry and sunny. All but one piece of luggage arrived - the one piece lost had our gifts for the various families we will be visiting while we are here. Hopefully, it will be found and delivered to Olarain.
Olarain is housing, primarily for college students, but is available to the public. The universities in Basque Country (BC) are geared for students who commute, so they are not like American college dorms where students live. Olarain has college (uncomfortable) mattresses, a laundry room, internet and a cafeteria for breakfast.
We rented a car and drove to San Sebastian, which is an hour or so away. We made sure we went to the Movistar Telephonica to get our european disposable phones charged. The phone I had needed a new chip and new minutes. Bill and Sauna each bought new phones. The phones are essential to stay in contact with families and students who want to meet with us during the week. It is also useful to stay in contact with one another as we split up to visit people and schools during the week.
It the pictures below you will see Simone and Christina, who are the parents of Danni, who stayed with Sauna in Portland. We are in a bar called Pepe's off Av de Tolosa. The food was great and satisfying after a long trip.
When we ate the time in BC was 8pm, 5am our time, so we were pretty tired. For San Sebastian, 8 or 9 pm is the usual dinner hour for most families. Evening time is considered 9PM until early morning. We will have to experience the night life an other day. I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
January Trip to Basque Country
Get ready everyone. I am on my way to Basque Country again. This time I am traveling with a team of people to visit schools and participate in parent meetings. Our goal is to convince families to enroll ther student in the SUMMER IN THE USA English immersion program. I will be in the San Sebastian area from January 7th to the 23rd.
I will be documenting our journey and give you a perspective never seen before. I hope you follow along. Become a follower. Make comments. Enjoy the trip!
I will be documenting our journey and give you a perspective never seen before. I hope you follow along. Become a follower. Make comments. Enjoy the trip!
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