https://youtube.com/shorts/sAk2DfEO35w?si=QajFjaAJrJoioeZM

It’s been a while since I’ve posted here, as I couldn’t make photos upload; however, I think Kieran’s sorted the problem now, so here goes, fingers crossed.

It seems to have become something of a tradition that Jan, Kate, Liz and I get together for a break in the autumn; they all came to mine this year, accomodation was tight, but do-able.

The weather, which had been fairly nondescript for the previous couple of weeks, suddenly brightened and we had a week of glorious sunshine, perfect for all we had planned.

Once they’d all settled in and unpacked the packs of baking powder and curry powder I’d requested, it was time to start enjoying ourselves. Our first trip was to the Bassins des Lumières in Bordeaux. The theme this time was the Egyptians; amazing photos of mummies, pyramids and everything ancient Egyptian, all set to music and reflected in the water.

A wander around the gift shop found some unusual Christmas presents, followed by lunch in a nearby café, then home for dinner, with plenty of wine and great conversation.

Jan had booked a nice Airbnb in San Sebastian for a couple of nights, so we took the train to Hendaye, from where we changed stations, a walk of about 50 metres, to catch the next train to San Sebastian. French and Spanish train tracks are different gauges, so no through train.

Fortunately, Jan’s Spanish is good; I was disappointed at how little I understood, but real Spaniards speak so much faster than they do on Duolingo! We couldn’t check in till 4pm, so we found somewhere for lunch, then sat on the beach with our bags, enjoying the sun, the sea and……. the nudists?? Yes, we’d unwittingly ended up on their part of the beach! At least they didn’t insist on us joining them!

We wandered around the old quarter of town, finding some fascinating little shops, then went to one of the many tapas bars in the evenings.

Jan has an old friend who lives in the town; when we met up with her she suggested that we get tickets for a sound and light spectacular at the cathedral. It was breathtaking! The whole place was in darkness when the music started, swiftly followed by light projected onto the walls and ceiling with unbelievable precision. The history of the town and the cathedral was narrated while we sat, open mouthed, watching the incredible light show all around. It was truly spectacular. I took a video, I think there’s a way of putting it on here, using YouTube, so I’ll have a go – but no promises! Here are a few photos, in case it doesn’t work.

At the end of a few very busy, but very enjoyable days, we caught the train home, arriving in time for a quick bite to eat, before heading to Hossegor, where the new Downton Abbey film was on in “version original”. The ladies’ club was having an outing to watch it, so we joined them.

The visit coincided with the painting club’s autumn exhibition, so we had a leisurely walk around the lake and called in to the Grange to look at the paintings; everyone manning the stand that day was delighted to meet my friends.

Somehow, a week had passed in the blink of an eye. I took them back to Biarritz airport with a heavy heart, we’d had so much fun and laughter; but there’s always next year, maybe Florence?

I think I’ve done the video, but it’s as a second post.