Even the very word for being Basque, ‘Euskaldun’, means ‘a person who speaks Basque’ and the mere act of speaking it has the effect of a Mason’s handshake, opening up hither-to-unappreciated depths of acceptance into Basque society.
And so, here are my final words for those of you visiting Zubieta - seduced by its pretty portrait of pastoral life and the tinkle of sheep bells from the fields - do stop to learn just a few Basque words before you head to the bar. Although you will acquire a beer, all the same, a few words of Euskara may just make the reception slightly warmer and, who knows, the beer may taste slightly better too!
Kaixo - hello
Egun on - good day
Garagardo bat/bi garagardo mesedez - a beer/two beers please
Eskerrik asko - thank you
Agur - goodbye
(If you get it right, the next beer is on me!)