Exploring the Basque Country

After our long day with our Basque family, we made our way to San Sebastian. We didn't mean to fall in love with this city, we just needed a place to stay between here and there and this just happened to be on the way. We had reservations at a hotel that was just minutes from this pristine beach. It made for a very nice evening walk. The next morning we went for another long walk along the boardwalk, then made our way to a pastry shop for chocolate-filled croissants. Yum! This is the kind of place I could take my family and spend a whole week.

Writing in my journal about meeting the family.

 One of the funniest memories of our trip was driving. We were completely dependent on the GPS we got with our rental car (totally worth the extra money!). We had several times where we were sure the GPS was leading us on a wild goose chase, then ended up right where we needed to be. This "chateau" was no different. We were driving along on a perfectly busy freeway then all of a sudden we were instructed to turn onto a small road that, in some spots, ended up being a one-lane road (watch for oncoming vehicles!). This castle was placed perfectly on the edge of a rocky cliff that overlooks the ocean. Chateau Abbadia was built in the 1860s-1880s by a man who spent a lot of time in Ethiopia. The interior is very reflective of the culture and landscape that the owner must have experienced there. We weren't allowed to take pictures inside but you can see more pictures here.

Here is a close up of one of the exterior details of Chateau Abbadia

More Flysche, this time in France: French Flysche

The Basque Country is dotted with beautiful seaside towns. Here is a picture of Saint Jean de Lutz. The traditional Basque exterior is white with red shutters and handmade tile roofs. Here we saw an old church where Louis XIV was married in 1660. We also ate some yummy gelato topped with some really expensive whipped cream that eventually found its way to the pavement. . . . we blamed it on the seagulls.

I wish I would have counted how many cathedrals/churches we walked through. Here is a view from the cloister of the Bayonne Cathedral in Bayonne, France. This particular cathedral was built in the 1200s. As you can see, its being restored.

Also in Bayonne is the Basque Museum. We had a great time exploring this extensive museum where we learned a lot about the Basque culture. Chris is holding a paddle that is used in the Basque game zesta punta. It's similar to racquet ball.

 In Biarritz, France we stayed at the Hotel du Palais. This Palace was built in the 1800s for Napoleon III's wife who liked to vacation here. It has since been turned into a hotel. It's situated so that it overlooks the ocean. The ocean here was rather rough and stormy but it made for a beautiful view. The palace was beautiful. We felt a little like the Clampetts as we showed up with shiny foreheads and disheveled travel clothes that we had been wearing all day as we explored the coast. The guard at the gate couldn't speak English and we couldn't speak French and he thought we were just there for the restaurant. He told us in his made-up sign language that we wouldn't be allowed in because of our shoes (the restaurant has a dress code). But we were finally able to make him understand that we were there to spend the night.

Another view of the Hotel du Palais

We were finally admitted to the hotel, checked in, and taken to our room. We were told that we needed to wear the provided bathrobes over our swimsuits if we wanted to use the pool. To get to the pool we had to go downstairs, through the lobby and out to the patio where we could then follow the sidewalk to the pool. Imagine our surprise and embarrassment when we made our way through this labyrinth in bathrobes, only to find that the pool closed 20 minutes ago! 

One of my favorite parts of the trip was traveling along the French countryside to Cambo-les-Bains. This little town is home of villa Arnaga, the residence of Edmond Rostand, author of "Cyrano de Bergerac". I wish we could have taken some pictures of the interior of this beautiful home. The walls of each room on the main floor were decorated with murals, each painted by a different artist. It was very light and airy and comfortable. I would have loved to live here.

A view of the French countryside from the driveway of villa Arnaga

The backyard of the villa

Chris playing Cyrano. His nose isn't big enough!

Looking down from the second floor at the gardens of villa Arnaga

From our experience in this remote French town, it seems they don't get a lot of Americans. This was the one place where we had the most trouble with the language. However, we got along alright and we found the people to be pretty helpful and kind.