Masingill's Spain Adventure: Last Day.... France

In what would be our last non-travel day in Spain, we aimed to take advantage of the entire 24 hour cycle. Eva had agreed to drive us into France so woke up early, garbed up in our now customary Spainish uniform that included, rain gear, umbrella, camera and sunglasses for the brief periods of sun that would occasionally push through the veil of cloud cover. Out the door and umbrellas up, we walked over and to meet Eva. Jumped in the car and drove to France and directly to Biarritz. Eva, doesn't speak French so she was in the same boat as we were in finding the center of town and parking. Biarritz is a commanding presence sitting up on cliffs overlooking the great pond. Arched rock formations, houses and buildings sitting on the precipice of the ocean. The town is elegant and oozing of money. We walked around to take in the views and Megan and Ryan climbed the rock formations. Europe, in general, is not like like America where there are officials or fences that prevent you from doing stupid things. Here, you could walk right up to the edges and take fate into your own hands. If you get hurt, my guess is that you couldn't sue the town for not putting up enough warning signs. It is very invigorating and/or nerve racking if you look at it from Staci's perspective.

We walked around the downtown and the girls shopped in several stores. Ryan and I hung outside and played w/ his GoPro video. I sensed a few French noses up in the air! It is also remarkable the amount of smoking that still goes on in Spain and France. They still have things called smoking sections which, it seems to me, is like have a peeing section in a swimming pool. Really! We walked around for a restaurant but couldn't read any of the menus. The girls stopped in at another store and I said screw it. I saw a restaurant with a patio and heater so who cares about the menu. Sign me up. One of the waiters came over to me as I was perusing the menu that I couldn't read anyway. Bonjour Monsieur! Parlez-vous anglais? His response....sometimes! Not sure if now was sometimes but not a bad start. I held up 6 fingers to indicate the number in our party and he nodded. Shouted at another man who started moving tables. The girls and Ryan came back out and the table was set. I felt like the hunter who dragged dinner in from the field for my family. They actually gave us English menus and we had to explain to Eva what some of the items were...nice! We had a great meal and some very good wine. Staci was thirsty so she chugged her beer and order up a wine. The waiter, behind her back, looked at me with an animated look that said wow is she really ready for another one! I gave gave my nod of approval! You have to love a little bit of chauvinism! We finished around 3 and started to get up the hill heading for a bakery that we had seen on our way over. More rain! Umbrellas up! March up the hill! Bakery closed! Never can figure out the store hours over here. We jumped back in the car and drove down the coast. It really is beautiful and we passed through several towns each distinct in their own ways. I would love to be in St. Jean de Cruz during the summer. The beaches and restaurants looked unbelievable. Still raining, we headed back to San Sebastian!

Up From Garage! Success!

Bonjour!

Maybe will Rent this Place Next year!

Weewee! Do you mean oui? Whatever!

Fast Friends

One More Day. Just One More Day!

Where is my Ipod?

Patriots On Top Of The World. Perhaps prophetic!

I Know! I Know! Another Door!

Feet Don't Fail Me now!

Had To Go to France To Find Paella! What's Up With That?

The Castle!

When we got back to San Sebastian, Eva dropped us off at the door. All of us packed and prepared for our departure the next day which we all knew would be a long one. At 7:00, we went to Eva's flat to say our goodbyes and pick up some of Megan's clothes that she no longer needed and that we could fit in our bags. With our goodbye's complete, we hit the town for bar hopping and to revisit some of our favorite Pintxos.