Editor A Basque Country Focus on Simplicity

As we sat in our hotel rooms in Basque Country watching the disastrous events of March 11th, 2011 in Japan unfold, the PAPERSKY crew continually asked ourselves: What should we do? and How did this happen?

These questions would linger with us during the entire trip in Basque. However, it was in this small, but beautiful and proud country that I would find hope for Japan. The answer I felt was a need for an inner change – a new way of thinking. A return to ‘simplicity.’ A return to a lifestyle that was based on nature, culture and a respect for both oneself and others.

The humble pride of the Basque people amazed me the people we met were young, yet, had a strong sense of culture and camaraderie. We were fortunate to meet with two top athletes playing for two of the top sports teams in the world; one was Athletic Bilbao’s Fernando Liorente and the other was cyclist Samuel Sanchez from team Euskaltel-Euskadi. What was amazing was that both of these athletes were from the tiny Basque region. In fact, the teams they performed for, both strong teams on the world stage, were made up of entirely Basque atheletes. How is this possible? By staying simple, knowing what’s important and having no excess.

Basque’s focus on simplicity as a lifestyle is found everywhere. The tiny city of San Sebastian has more Michelin stars per capita than any other city in the world, but the food is not fancy –  just fresh, organic, local and prepared with love. Basque stands out in the arts as well. Its traditional dances are said to be the birth place of ballet. Meanwhile the city of Bilbao is using contemporary art to inspire it’s citizens.

It’s our hope that Basque will inspire Japan to once again live a life that is based not on excess, but rather, simplicity.

Papersky #35: BASQUE | simplicity

Tags: culture, sport