Two weekends ago, as I mentioned before, S and I drove to my bro- and sis-in-law's for a visit and to celebrate my m-i-l's birthday. I made her a succulent wreath and Gramercy Tavern's Gingerbread Cake. (I love this cake. Love, love, love it with extra ginger. Sadly, it isn't J's favorite.) This past weekend, we took S to Spain as planned, and we had a great time. I think she did, too.
One year old, but still a little too young to understand how to open presents
La Concha Bay in the background, family in fore: Tonton (uncle) Mat, Manou (grandma), and Papa with Sprout and Rosalie the Cow.
At the aquarium, in the tunnel:
In front of Basílica de Santa María del Coro:
Eating her first birthday cake on the lawn of Miramar Palace:
The cake she found so-so, but the pear we gave her afterwards met with her whole and fulsome approval:
The beret met with less approval. She is not a hat baby, more's the pity.
And a final frolic on the beach before heading home because Beaches = Happy Baby:
The weather was really on our side. With people swimming and sunbathing, it was hard to believe November is only a week away.
Then, Monday, it was J's birthday, and we headed south again, this time stopping in Basque Country* on the French side of the border. The weather was wet and blustery, though, so we didn't spend time outdoors, exploring, as I had planned. Instead, we ate lunch in Espelette, where eponymous chilis festoon white, white houses with pepper-red or Basque-green shutters. We then visited Edmond Rostand's mansion, now-museum, where his works, notably Cyrano de Bergerac, and life are featured. Photography is not allowed indoors, but you can visit the site here to see a little of the interior.
_________________
* This being the area of France J would like to settle in on that distant day when we shall decide to put down roots.
One year old, but still a little too young to understand how to open presents
La Concha Bay in the background, family in fore: Tonton (uncle) Mat, Manou (grandma), and Papa with Sprout and Rosalie the Cow.
At the aquarium, in the tunnel:
In front of Basílica de Santa María del Coro:
Eating her first birthday cake on the lawn of Miramar Palace:
The cake she found so-so, but the pear we gave her afterwards met with her whole and fulsome approval:
The beret met with less approval. She is not a hat baby, more's the pity.
And a final frolic on the beach before heading home because Beaches = Happy Baby:
The weather was really on our side. With people swimming and sunbathing, it was hard to believe November is only a week away.
Then, Monday, it was J's birthday, and we headed south again, this time stopping in Basque Country* on the French side of the border. The weather was wet and blustery, though, so we didn't spend time outdoors, exploring, as I had planned. Instead, we ate lunch in Espelette, where eponymous chilis festoon white, white houses with pepper-red or Basque-green shutters. We then visited Edmond Rostand's mansion, now-museum, where his works, notably Cyrano de Bergerac, and life are featured. Photography is not allowed indoors, but you can visit the site here to see a little of the interior.
_________________
* This being the area of France J would like to settle in on that distant day when we shall decide to put down roots.
- Current Music:Asa - The Way I Feel
Comments
Roots are good. (Carrots, potatoes, Queen Anne's Lace....) Are the French Basque as insular as I have heard of the Basque in Spain, or is that Spanish situation a mis-creation of the Spanish gov't?
The French Basque are known for their strong personalities and their fierce grip on their heritage. Some people will tell you that they are chauvinist and insular; however, as in all cases where people try to apply stereotypes wholesale, I believe it is a matter of who you meet, what your expectations are, etc.
Most of the ETA stuff happens, I believe, on the Spanish side. We hear less about the group these days.
Yes, I am catching up with your journal again ;-) I am late with my birthday greetings again, but they are heartfelt nonetheless: A belated Happy Birthday to you, young Sprout!
*Edited to change sigpic!
Edited at 2011-10-30 05:51 pm (UTC)
Glad to have you back around. I only wish you'd stay this time. ;)
How've you been?
Going to give Ni90 a whirl with me in two days? *bats eyelashes winningly*
I have every intention of staying this time :) I'm working up to a blog post about it, but the words are being a bit coy.
Funnily enough, I did wonder whether it was a coincidence or fate - you know, that I've chosen to return now. Just as a new round of Ni90 involving so many people I recognise from my first attempt is about to begin.
I've thought about it for most of this evening, actually.
I've decided that it's just a coincidence ;-)
Coincidences are good. Just not in fiction, apparently. ;-)