While Paris was exciting, new and a tad hectic, Biarritz was charming and relaxing. The ocean is beautiful, and thanks to the city’s strict building regulations, all of the houses match making it look like paradise (especially for those who like matching things.) The reason the houses match is that they’re in the Basque style. Don’t know what Basque is? I didn’t know what it was until Annie, the friend of my family we stayed with, explained it to us yesterday. There is a Basque culture in southern France and northern Spain. Nobody knows where they came from, but the language is different from most others (not a romantic language or any other grouping.) The Basque architectural style is white walls with red or green trimming and a burnt orange/red roof.
Basque houses
Annie did a fantastic job orientating us into the French culture. She cooked delicious French meals for us, and Christine and I now know we like Rosé wine. I learned a lot of random facts like their milk is pasteurized differently and it can be left out of the fridge for up to 6 months until it’s opened – then it’s only good for about a week. I’m now a fan of Pâté (mixed meat used on sandwiches) and Orangina (a beverage.) In case anyone’s wondering: women do in fact sunbathe topless. Don’t show too much skin when you dress, but going topless on the beach is fine? Europe is bizarre. Also, the streets and drivers are crazy. I understand that the streets were built after buildings so they’re winding and narrow and the drivers have adapted to them, but they’re dangerous!
I spent three days with Christine down in Biarritz during which we shopped, took a surfing lesson (we were both first timers,) picnicked on a beach in Spain, saw the sunset over the ocean and explored a good portion of the Basque country. It was absolutely lovely.
Biarritz, will you marry me?
Being silly :P
When Christine left, I slept in late a few days getting rid of the last morsels of jet lag. I finished my reading for my “A history of Paris through its art and architecture” class and finished off a book for fun. Annie helped me find a French phone through the company Orange – I’m now the proud owner of two cheap pay as you go cell phones: my US phone and my France phone. Also, Annie took me to a market and also to a supermarket where I was astounded to discover that while their supermarkets aren’t everywhere like in the States, the ones they do have a ginormous! Biggest I’ve ever seen ginormous. It was incredible. Between all that and spending a couple of hours a day on the beach, the remainder of my three days in Biarritz flew by.
It was very sad departing from Biarritz. I was headed back to real life with times and places to be and the dreaded hw. On my last night, Annie took me up to the lighthouse with the best view of Biarritz and we walked all around town. It was the perfect ending to my time discovering the non-city French culture. A million thanks to Annie for showing us Biarritz et le Basque Pays!
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