Orange
Our first important task was to sort out our cell phones at the Orange store. Although it took some time and patience, we were ultimately successful in getting French phone numbers. Luke, in particular, had an extra reason to be thrilled as he received his first-ever phone. His excitement was contagious, and we couldn't help but share in his joy. It marked a new chapter for him, one that would allow him to navigate this unfamiliar territory with a newfound sense of independence and responsibility. I hope this was not a mistake. Eek! On the other hand, Gabe was determined to ensure a safe and controlled phone experience. With diligence, he added various restrictions and safeguards to Luke’s phone, giving us peace of mind knowing that we had taken necessary precautions. At least I hope so. I drove the rental car to the airport while Gabe dropped off the van. Driving to the airport proved to be a slightly stressful experience, but with the help of Google Maps and Luke, I managed to navigate through it.. After dropping off the van, we decided to find a lunch spot in Biarritz. It was during this time that Charlie's courage shone through as he confidently asked for the bill in French.
Once our lunch was finished, we strolled around Biarritz, passing by the Villa Maria Elena, the building that will become our home starting in September. One of the best moments was when we ascended a set of stairs and were greeted by the view of the ocean. The sight of the vast expanse of blue, the crashing waves, and the surfers filled us with excitement. It is the view that we will have the privilege of witnessing every day for the next year. The scene before us seemed like a dream come to life. We stood there, momentarily taking in the beauty and power of the ocean. It was a reminder of the adventures that await us, the moments of joy that will be woven into our daily lives. The view symbolized the beginning of a new chapter, filled with possibilities and the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the the culture that now surrounds us. After walking around, enjoying a crepe, and some rain, we realized that we needed to go to a large market in Biarritz to stock up on food for the next few days. I couldn't help but notice the abundance of fresh ingredients. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas of the produce, meats, and cheeses was a sight. The variety of fruits, vegetables, seafood, and other culinary delights was impressive. There's something special about the way the food is presented here. The evening approached, and as the sun began to set, Gabe and I took the opportunity to enjoy the picturesque walk from the house to the beach. The beach goes on and on in both directions.
There was an area designated just for the little kids with play structures and even a large above ground pool for swim lessons. Several restaurants were open with people hanging out on the terraces enjoying the view and company. It is quite the scene. Churros were selling 6 for €3 while back home at the MBFC games 1 churro is €12! We kept walking and ended up on the jetty viewing an old lighthouse from 1948 and a gorgeous sunset. People were zooming by on their bikes, mostly electric bikes. I said to Gabe, “I definitely need to have a basket on my bike.” He agreed wholeheartedly, jokingly adding, "How else will you carry your rosé?"
Later on, we decided to have an outdoor dinner, with Gabe taking charge of cooking pesto pasta and tomato salad. Just as we finished our meal, a sudden rain shower began. It didn’t last long. Luke expressed his craving for ice cream, prompting us to venture into the center of town. Charlie, on the other hand, wanted to stay in and play cards. We all went for a walk to the centre ville. Surprisingly, luck was on our side, as we stumbled upon an open ice cream shop, offering us a sweet treat to enjoy amidst the otherwise closed establishments in the late hour. I find this situation quite amusing because I'm not quite sure how to handle the laundry, given the limitations I have. Firstly, the washing machine is pretty tiny, and there's no dryer available. Secondly, I only have a small drying rack and NO clothesline at my disposal. Now, I'm wondering how on earth I'm supposed to dry three sets of bedsheets along with all of our clothing. It's rather comical, don't you think? I can't help but wonder what people with large families do in such situations. Do they opt for a laundry service?
