How I know I live here now ...

Two posts in one day!  What a miracle.

I realized today walking to meet some friends that I really live here now.  I know I've said that a lot before, but it hit me especially today.  The past few weeks have been blissful in San Sebastian.  The weather is colder, but still reaches 65-70 every day and cools down to be lovely and crisp (but not freezing) at night.  Perfect weather to have your window open at night and be able to hunker down under the duvet.  The change in temperature has also signaled a change in the town.

Tourists are gone and pintxos bars are full of locals and people who know how things work around here.  The mood is more relaxed and easy going.  People are talking about futbol and life instead of "la playa".  I know most people probably prefer the summer, but I like this time of year here.  The weather isn't as spectacular, but I sort of like the moodiness of the weather.  The change from warm to cool and the rainy days are somehow comforting.

But this weekend is different.  Tuesday is All Saints Day in all of Spain and in France.  Since everyone has Tuesday off (really everyone - everything is closed, like usually for a holiday), most people are also taking "el puente", the bridge.  This means they take Monday off and get a great long weekend.

*** Side Note *** For those of you keeping track, we also had a holiday last Tuesday and then two weeks ago on Wednesday.  And then we have holidays on December 6 and 8, too.  They love holidays here.  Back to the story.

Because it's a holiday here, throughout Spain and in France it means they're back.  The tourists, that is.  They've overrun the town and are making me crazy.  I walked to meet some friends today, and had to weave through lost tourists to meet them in time.  I suddenly felt like I was back in Chicago weaving among the hoards near Wrigley.  I also got really annoyed by the street performers who are WAY more terrifying than street performers in the US.  The guys today where three people dressed up in these huge scary wolf/dog metal skeleton costumes with scary sharp teeth and light up eyes.  It was scary for an adult, but parents were taking their kids to see it.

Anyhow, I guess I am becoming a local, because we headed to a cafe that is completely free of tourists and relaxed there for a while before heading back into the throngs.