The txalaparta is a fantastic instrument! I have Oreka Tx's cd and saw them playing with Kepa Junkera. It's the most amazing thing to watch.

The Basques have lots of cool instruments. Personally next time I visit the Basque country I want to get myself an Alboka - double hornpipe affair - loud! see here or a Txistu - kind of an advanced whistle with a huge range and a very sweet tone - see here

Oh and open mike is right about Basque food - boy do they know how to eat :-D