Day 11 - Beautiful Biarritz

Bonjour!

I was pleasantly surprised that the entire beach house went to bed before midnight.

However, I was woken up by the smell of cigarette smoke. Some dude decided to have a smoke and sit on the toilet at 4am. I guess he figured no one would know. Well I had to restrain myself from going into full blown "party's over Mom mode". I couldn't get back to sleep. I really couldn't wait to get out of there. I felt like a square peg in a round hole. I left my door open a crack to get some fresh air and the beach house cat pushed his way in. 

He was looking for love and came to the right place. First, he inspected all my gear (security check) then sniffed my boots to see where I've been. I was petting him and he was purring, giving me happy, squinting eyes. He jumped up on my bed (I guess I passed the test) and he fell asleep. 

I tried to pack up quietly so he would stay... and he did. So I had to stay too. It's an unwritten rule that when a pet is snuggling with you, they leave first, not you. You are the chosen one and that shit is sacred 🤣

I came to find out on my way out the door that the cat's name is Zorro. I felt instant relief from social anxiety as I left the house. The air was cool and crisp, perfect for walking again. I found a place to buy a coffee nearby, in a bakery and suffered through the incredible smell of fresh, baked French bread just for my morning fix of caffeine.

The town was sleeping and that made for a peaceful start. Most of today is busy street side walking so I may bypass some of it with a bus ride and save my steps for the beach. 

I shortened my walk today by hopping on a bus to avoid the stress of city walking. The mere 13kms I have put in so far were not easy. The town of Biarritz is full of hills. I was too early to check in so I dropped of my baggage and spent the day exploring town. I tried to stay by the sea but was drawn into the beautiful pedestrian streets and shops at some point. 

The rocky shoreline is stunning with stairs and bridges carved into the stone and views from every angle of beaches and churches and castles. 

I have learned how to save money here. Before I reach the tourist areas I hit up a local grocery store. I buy ham, cheese, fruit, juice and salad and even wine if I want. When I get to a scenic spot I set up my little picnic and Voila!

 Lunch for less with guaranteed gluten free, nutritious and without the language barrier. I may miss out on that perfect table and the local fare but dinner time is when I go all out. Besides from a servers perspective nobody wants to give up a table for just one.

I had a picnic with a view today and had a dozen little birds gather around me in hopes of me dropping a few crumbs.

 I felt like snow white. I ate while watching dogs playing on a little beach and I liked that I was able to keep away from the many tourists. There was a Cathedral by the Coastal road that I went to explore. Not as extravagant on the inside as the outside but I appreciated it all the same.

 The architecture here is for the most part very extravagant. Many castles mixed in with modern store fronts. The town is spotless and everyone smells good. Without the backpack, I'm not getting the glares and the judging eyes...it feels good to blend in. After seeing the entire town, my little feet needed a rest so I found a table for one in the sun with a view of the sea and ordered a glass of wine and some free wifi.

Although I could use a nap, it's still to early to check in so .... more walking. I scoped out my route for the morning and enjoyed the views of the south beach and the hundreds of surfers. 

I checked in finally after 3 and wow... do I feel like a princess. Definitely a splurge night. My room is gorgeous.

 And it has a giant tub so I ordered wine to my room and had a glorious bath to soak my sore body followed by a much needed nap.

While I was out walking earlier, I scoped out my dinner options and found a traditional basque restaurant.

 I am currently enjoying a vegetarian paella and my 2nd glass of wine... here. That's 4 now today if you're counting haha. I got here just in time to beat the dinner rush. People are chatting away in French loud... and it's just white noise to me. I ate the entire paella!!

Perhaps I can fit in a crême brulée?

No sooner did i fit the last  bite of paella in my mouth (yes, I ate the ENTIRE thing) than the server whisked away my plate, do you think he wants to have his table back? 

I think I'm going to take my sweet ass time eating dessert. It came before I even finished typing that sentence lol. 

I love crême brulée so much I'm considering buying a mini torch to make it at home. 

This was the best meal I've had yet I think...

I feel like a little piggy.

As I sit here amidst the noise, I can't help but wonder if I'm missing the sunset. 

30€ for 2 glasses of wine, a giant pan of vegetarian paella and a crême brûlée. 

Time to walk it off and go to bed!