Au Revoir 29

Well, we've moved out of 29 Perspective de la Côtes des Basques. I did it. How do I feel? Relieved but sad. Reading all the news from the US and posts from Carmel Valley about fires, break-ins, and gunshots, I've realized something: for the past year, I’ve felt safe. My only real worries were being pickpocketed or scammed online—but that rarely happens if you pay attention. How do I feel? Anxious. What will this reintegration feel like? Will I feel relieved to be back to “my normal”? Will the boys be happy? Will I be as calm and happy as I’ve been this past year? Honestly, I want to stay here. The boys have such a safe and well-rounded life here. But we will move forward and embrace what will come.

We are so excited to see Gabe. This is the longest we have ever been apart. We all miss him so much. This month, I have had to accomplish some difficult tasks without him. And I am so happy to report that I did it! Thanks to the help from our amazing people here. Not only did the boys and I pack everything, but the boys also got their bikes to the Gores (Sam is selling them for us on Le Bon Coin), Bruno delivered Gabe’s bike to Veloocity, Stacey took a few of our things to store in their Box, Ashley and Luis helped me empty the apartment and deliver sold items, and thanks to Ash and Bryan (Wyatt too), three boards are in travel bags ready for our flight. The apartment is all clean, and to top it off, I sold the car! Our friend Micci is buying it. Thanks to Ashley mentioning it to her! Bruno figured out how to complete the online documentation on our behalf. Unbelievable! I was beyond thrilled to call Gabe and tell him, first, that I sold the car, and second, that the paperwork is done! The car is safely parked in the Castro's driveway for Micci to pick up at the end of the week. Woah.

The boys and I are ready, but we are not ready. We are sad. Our last day here, I rode bikes with Ashley to have my last coffee, and the boys and I rode over to St. Charles for Charlie to get a haircut from my coiffeur, Johanna. She did an excellent job, and Charlie is so happy. We had lunch with the Castro family, took a walk around town, and then a sunset Etxola gathering to end this amazing year.

How do I feel? So many feelings. I can’t believe this is it. Well, this IS it. Au Revoir Biarritz.

So many things have been happening the last few days:

I rented an LWing for Luke for 2 days - stoked

We rode bikes to Nomad’s Land in Bidart to see a band play.

Spending two nights with the Castros - so grateful for their hospitality.

Etxola Bibi and pizza on the grass with many friends.