Queue up: Gillian Hills’ Zou Bisou Bisou

[I took a sick day today and stayed in bed. I’m turning over the post, for the day only (I hope), to my editor.]

Off to France today. The French Basque Country is only 30 minutes away and we visited three towns along the beautiful coastline: Hendaye, Saint Jean de Luz, and Biarritz. Though I did not experience the usual Lucy Ball high jinks today associated with Mary Andrade, it was a super fun day in the sun.

Yes, the first news of the day is that it was sunny. It was our first all-day, completely sunny day, without even a hint of rain, in about two weeks and it was glorious.

We saw several beaches, harbors, lighthouses, a castle, a cathedral, a fort, a sea arch, and sea stacks (remember this is Peter writing this after all). The terrain reminded me of the Santa Barbara Coast or Carmel, rolling green hills along a steep drop into beaches, coves, and fiery surf.

Just a couple of cultural observations and one man’s opinion: more houses and less apartments than Spain; the architecture is really different and you can see the French and Swiss Alps influence; more cars and less public transportation. It was church day and many people were dressed in their Sunday best. The French like to camp (who knew?) so more campers and more campgrounds. Lots of surfing and surf brands we would recognize like Rip Curl and Quicksilver.

Mary said don’t talk about food, so I will. The French are not into fast food or standing up to eat. We had a very civilized three course proper meal with a view of the beach. It was quiet with all of the French Sunday Brunchers enjoying their champagne and speaking in low whispers.

After three courses we did have a nice walk and a nap in the car as we returned to España.

(Hmmmmm, Peter, no mention of the beer and donuts thing? Only to be followed by the chocolate soufflé?)

I know you all hope Mary returns to authoring tomorrow, as do I. A votre sante.

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