Days 141-149 Thu 19–Fri 27 June 08
A few days before Cathy and John arrive – have spent the time in the sun round the pool, catching up on a bit of reading and doing some shopping ready for our guests. Also had a lovely meal in the local square here one evening and enjoyed some live music which was part of a Village Music Festival. We meant to go into
As before, we are making our guests sing for their supper so here is what they had to say -
Guest Addendum by Cathy and John Alexander,
This is your ace reporter John Alexander giving you the full and truthful account of life in
I must warn you that this part of my account has been heavily censored by our warm and loving hosts. Every day has been fun packed. George is an excellent cook on the BBQ. The weather has been variable but warm and we have ventured on to the beach-very nice sand and the waves are quite big-a lot of surfing going on. We have decided to pass the chance of surfing to Lester.
Went on the little choo-choo up to La Rhune. It’s a great big mountain. The carriages had completely open windows We left in clear weather but by the time we had climbed the 905metres to the top it was shrouded in mist. George made the other passengers laugh by taking a photo of a large poster showing the view from the mountain on a clear day. What a cheat.
We have developed a taste for Boules- boys v girls. I have to report that the girls stuffed us at first but the boys have come back big time and the championship all hangs on the final game which we are confident of winning.
Stop-press - we didn’t beat them, jammy women. We were winning but my partner- correction- ex partner played, how shall I put it delicately - CRAP. The result was a bit easier to bear when I remember the beating George and I gave the girls at cards last night.
If I can be serious for a few milliseconds we have had a brilliant time. George and Anne have been brilliant hosts. Our only regret is that we can’t stay any longer. If we get invited again we are coming for a month. Sorry, got to go now- George has just fainted. Can’t think why.
Lots of love, Cathy & John
Brilliant – thanks for that John (ably vetted by Cathy)!
We had a great time too and really enjoyed your company and the time went all too quickly. One highlight for us was going to an International-Standard game of Pelote one evening – a very athletic and spectacular game played, essentially by throwing a ball against a wall with a curved basket-like stick sometimes from 80metres away, by two teams of three players. The fitness and skill involved had to be seen to be believed.
We had some lovely news this week – our previous guest bloggers Pam and Lester Biffin became Grandparents for the first time on 23rd June. Many congratulations to Claire and Alex who are now the proud parents of Tyler George Biffin.
We really like
Dominating the Grand Plage (adjacent to the town centre) is the Hotel du Palais which previously was the Imperial Residence of Napoleon III and the Empress Eugenia, and the Casino Municipal which is a superb building of Art Deco style. Behind are lovely leafy squares with lots of restaurants and pavement cafes.
Further on is the landmark lighthouse – Le Phare – built in 1834 and 73meters above sea level. There are 248 steps to the top which Cathy and George climbed to see the amazing views from the top. Anne and John decided to keep their feet firmly on the ground and managed to sneak in an extra coffee in the Lighthouse Café while the others were gone.
It is not surprising that over the years this has been a popular up-market seaside resort for the French. From 1825 the beaches were prepared to receive visitors and famous French and foreign families stayed in
We are here for another week, until July 5th, and are looking forward to exploring more.
