Basking on Basque Block

Linda Burton posting from Boise, Idaho – Oh come on, my pun’s okay; even the Basque Museum posts a window sign that says “Who Is That Basque Man?” Not knowledgeable about Basques in Idaho, I realized I had a lot to learn. I can tell you this – Basque culture is very much alive in Boise; the ethnic community numbers about 15,000 and is the largest such community in the United States (fifth largest in the world, behind Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and of course the Basque Country of Spain and France). But seriously, who is that Basque man? One is the Mayor of Boise, David Bieter, elected in 2003, and in 2007, and in 2011; fluent in Basque and Spanish, he is extensively involved in Boise’s Basque community and in 2005 was awarded the “Basques Throughout The World” award for his work on behalf of Basque peace and self-determination. I wandered the area known as Basque Block, a vibrant downtown section between 6^th and Capitol Boulevard on Grove Street, to find out more. » read more