San Sebastián: A View From Above

After probably having eaten an insane amount of delicious pintxos while fully exploring the gastronomical delight that the city of San Sebastián is, maybe some exercise might be in order. And even if not, the Monte Urgull, the eastern exclamation point of La Concha, is worth the hike. In leisurely pace, the short easy hike will take you just about an hour; and on top, you will be stunned by the fantastic views the “mountain” offers. The tiny beautiful wood set islet in the middle of the bay, Isla de Santa Clara, can be seen, as well as the coast and city of San Sebastián. To hike up, start at the church of Santa María; here a stepped path leads up the sandstone hill which was once an island. Dotted with old cannons and shaded by pine trees, the path up to the top makes for a lovely afternoon stroll. There is even a bar on the way, in case you need a refreshment or simply wish to admire the view.

At the top of Monte Urgull you’ll find reminders of San Sebastián’s military past. The crumbling fort, Castillo de la Santa Cruz de la Mota, which is topped by the huge statue of Christ awaits you on top. This large monument of Christ, which is slightly reminiscent of the Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, can be viewed from all parts of San Sebastián, but is quite amazing to see up close. The Mota Castle, which is a fortification dating back to the late 18th century, is in great shape and now houses a museum of military history, that is also worth a visit. Not much of the other parts of the defensive fortifications remain, which is why it was turned into a grassy city park with plenty of lawns for a quick nap. Numerous winding paths lead you past monuments, interesting historical remains, a cemetery and little church, but also woody areas and one or the other stray cat.

For a wonderful retreat from the heat and the crowds below in San Sebastián, Monte Urgull is a must. Plus, the breathtaking views of the cityscape and Parte Vieja below, the beautiful string of beaches and tiny Santa Clara Island, as well as the counterpart Monte Igeldo, make this short hike really worthwhile.

If you can’t wait to make this excursion or try some excellent pintxos in San Sebastián, come check out our apartments in San Sebastián!

March 1, 2010 | Tags: , , | No Comments »

Rome: True Craft Gelato

Maybe it’s the weather, the water, or the love with which it’s made, but ice cream is just better in Italy. Every visitor to Rome is in search for the best ice cream in the city, and while there are many excellent gelato parlors, there is one that especially stands out from the rest.

With unique flavors like amaretto, malt whisky, yellow plum or grappa, Il Gelato di San Crispino is just in a completely different class than the rest. This tiny gelateria has its original location a little outside from the city by the Basilica of San Giovanni and a new, more centrally located branch near the Trevi Fountain. The intellectual ice-cream making brothers Pasquale and Giusseppe Alongi have stayed true to the art gelato: their ice cream is always homemade, made only with fresh and local ingredients without artificial flavors or sweeteners or preservatives added. Another secret is the makers’ obsessive control over the whole process.

When entering the store you might be surprised that you are not able to have a peak at the different flavors, being able to judgmentally choose one by their candy look floss. Il Gelato di San Crispino keeps their treasures save in tubs because they believe that the ice cream should not come in contact with normal air or light right before it is eaten, because exposure to these elements will only deteriorate their taste. Without pictures of the flavors, it might be hard to choose for the indecisive ones among us, but no need to worry, you can’t really go on with any choice. With all the traditional flavors, this place is constantly striving to innovate new flavors, and this is exactly what makes the gelateria so special. Blends like cinnamon and ginger, chocolate and orange, chestnut and rum, meringue with hazelnuts, pink grapefruit with whisky cream and lemon and licorice, fresh walnut and dried fig are just a few of the unusual yet excellent combinations. The signature San Crispino flavor is a basic Italian crema made with corbozzolo, which is a wild-strawberry-tree honey from Sardinia, and was inspired by a famous Buontalenti recipe. They are also famous for the Zabaglione wine flavor, which tastes of the finest Marsala, because that exactly what it’s made with. But one thing they all have in common; the process and fine fresh ingredients of the ice cream can be tasted in every single flavor. The gelato at Il Gelato di San Crispino is creamy, rich and, most importantly, always flavorful. The pear ice cream makes you question if you have every really recognized the taste of a pear before, and their eponymous gelato is like dipping your tongue into a pot of honey. But don’t ask for it in a cone, Il Gelato di San Crispino believe that cones spoil the taste and purity of their perfect concoctions, so paper cups rule. For true craft gelato, you have to come to San Crispino! Get ready for the best ice cream experience of your life and come have a look at our apartments in Rome!

| Tags: , , , | No Comments »