Noël
Vanessa's visit and our Christmas shenanigans were a hoot! We kicked off the week with lunch in Anglet and an optic store marathon – Vanessa tried on every pair! The girl can rock anything and left with three unique ones. I even got myself prescription snow goggles. Total game-changer on the mountain! No more blurry sights or struggling to see. Bring on the slopes! Then, the Christmas surprise from Gabe—a new surfboard from Belza surf shop, and it's a Terry board, shaped right here in Biarritz. Stoked is an understatement! We spent that late afternoon in San Sebastian which was a rainy yet festive affair. Next, Christmas Eve. Gabe whipped up his legendary stuffing for the potluck at the Sivaks. The sunset at Etxola was perfect, and dessert concluded the gathering. Not ready to call it a night, we strolled through town, checking out the light installations at the aquarium, Eugenie church, and the tourist office. The nightcap at the Palais Hotel, in Napolean’s bar, was the royal touch to our evening.
Christmas Day began with presents of course. Instead of the consumer frenzy, we embraced the European way. The boys got the practical gifts they needed, and one grand one: each picks a European weekend destination. They'll research, plan, and make it happen. Can't wait to hear their choices! Oh, and to complement the adventure spirit, they both received new international carry-on size luggage. Bon voyage! The day was glorious, defying the typical winter chill. Luke surfed with Bruno and Emile, Gabe swam, and we explored St Jean de Luz. We encountered a man while walking around town who suggested we go into the church. He explained there is a ship model suspended from the ceiling. A gift from Eugenie, Napoleon 3rd's wife, it symbolizes an ill-fated paddle ship incident near St Jean de Luz, with Eugenie onboard, narrowly escaping disaster. This church is beautiful.
Bruno and Emile were our Christmas day companions, sharing a bottle of wine and snacks. After a good time in the sunshine, we headed home for our respective Christmas dinners. Gabe's culinary skills took center stage for dinner—a belini and caviar starter, green salad, baby lamb and roasted potatoes, then a cheese course, and the highlight, a Silvie Sardo buche de noël. Hands down the best one we have ever had. I am going to hug her. The grand finale was creating slow-motion improv videos. Even though Nico and Sheila were missed, our Christmas turned out to be something special. Gratitude fills me for our American crew here in Biarritz, always including us in holiday celebrations, Christmas included. Our Christmas dinner with Vanessa was sweet. All in all, a season to remember.
Then came the infamous December 27 Ordizia market - with the Sivaks. An hour's drive led us to a lively market filled with music, Basque traditions, artisans, and fresh produce. A special shoutout to Sassoune for hooking us up at Bodega Hika, where we got a tour, wine tasting, and a private lunch. Those Tolosa beans and the chuleta with fire-roasted piquillo peppers were just SO tasty. What a week!
In a week, post-New Year's, we will find ourselves at a juncture of solitude, and it's both liberating and rejuvenating. The delightful whirlwind of hosting visitors has come to a close, allowing us to transition into a phase of personal immersion. As much as I adore the company of our guests, there's a certain eagerness in anticipating a return to our routine and a deeper embrace of our French life. It's a chapter where the quiet moments and daily rituals take center stage, offering us the chance to savor the essence of our surroundings on a more personal level.
