What is the Basque Country anyway? (by Michelle)

We really don't know who is reading this blog, but we just reached 1,000 hits. We figure that about 50% of those hits are just us when we post (and then edit over and over again), but there is probably somebody else out there besides the grandmas (though maybe not). Anyway, I thought that it might be beneficial to explain the Basque Country for anyone who doesn't know.

El Pais Vasco (as its known in Spain) is a region in the northern part of Spain along the northern coast of the Atlantic over to the Pyrenees into France. The Basques have a distinct culture, language and history from the Spanish and French. The origin of the Basque language ("Euskara") is a linguistic mystery because it is unrelated to any other living language. Euskara is infamous for being difficult to learn but Basques take a great deal of pride in it. In fact the Basque word for a Basque person, "Euskalduna," means "one who possesses the Basque language." The Basque culture and people pre-date the Romans and even the Celts on the Iberian Peninsula, but have amazingly kept an identity that is separate. The Pais Vasco is a state of Spain although historically the Basque Country has enjoyed varying amounts of autonomy as part of Spain. The Basque people are famous for having an ancient system of laws and practicing a form of democracy long before the Enlightenment. The Basques are also famous for being explorers and whalers and much more.

The geography of the Basque Country, at least the northern part, is mountainous, hilly, and green with lots of forests, but dotted with old caserios throughout nearly all of it, even steep, rugged, seemingly remote areas. Caserios are farm houses all of which have very similar features. Here is an example. This is the home where David's great-grandmother was born. One interesting thing about caserios is that traditionally every house had a name (they still do) and people's surnames were originally derived from the home that they lived in rather than their ancestory! Of course, the geography also includes some of the most stunning coastline of Europe.

Unfortunately, the Basque Country is known to many today as a place of nationalist terrorism. ETA terrorists have recently broken a ceasefire with the Spanish government and have returned to violence. While many Basques sympathize with their desire to create an autonomous Basque nation, very few support ETA's violent tactics. Ironically, Basque nationalism has been fueled in part by Franco's efforts to suppress the Basque language and culture for decades. For many years it was illegal to speak Basque, but today it is flourishing with it being taught in elementary schools and with TV stations all in Basque . . . we even watched an episode of Clifford in Basque!

The Basque Country is a special place for our family because in 1909 David's great grandmother emigrated from a small town near Gernika and moved to Boise. There is actually a large and active community of Basques in Boise. [(In fact, the best Basque food I've ever had was at a restaurant in Meridian, ID - thanks again Uncle Phillip!) (To be fair we ate at Telepizza in Donostia rather than one of the many acclaimed places for cuisine. Ah, next time.)] Anyway, in Boise she ran a boarding house mostly catering to other Basque immigrants. David grew up knowing he was part Basque and learning a few songs (even a dance!), but it wasn't until we were coming to Spain that his real interest was piqued. Now, years later, he has published several academic papers on Basque literature and is preparing a class for BYU on Basque literature and culture in a few years.

Our connections were made even stronger when a few years ago David and his mother were able to contact some of our "long-lost" relatives here. David was nervous about contacting a stranger and saying, "Hey, we're your relatives from America!", but we were accepted with so much warmth and kindness that we now consider them an important part of our family. Several students mentioned being touched seeing the affection that they have for us. It is a testimony to me of the power of geneaology to bring families together.

We love the Basque Country and are looking forward to returning again when Dave's family comes next month.