6/13/2009
Hendaye, France
We really had no idea what we were going to in Hendaye. Through all my research I could not really find anything on it other than travel into Baritz or just wing it in Hendaye. Of course we decided to wing it, and what a day. We had to wait a lot for the tender to get to shore. They never seem to be able to get the tenders (or as I call them the lifeboats) ready to go as soon as they say. It is kind of frustrating, but we have figured that out and just do not get in a hurry. The view from our balcony was incredible. We could see the Basque region of France to the left and Spain on our right. How many of you saw two countries this morning out your window??? There are many sailboats in this area and beautiful beaches. The tender ride was very pretty. It is Saturday so there was a lot of activity. We arrived planning on walking to the city center, once on shore there was a ‘flea market’, so we just walked through it and shopped. Then of course we found the grocery store and made sure they had wine and beer there. I think every store has wine and beer in Europe! We then walked further and found some restaurants for lunch. We are still nervous about menus without pictures. We found a little pizza place and decided on it. Trying to play it safe we ordered the Trois Fromage ( 3 cheese) (also, Kathy Coll if you are reading this, I do not need any French lessons ;) ) and who knew Blue cheese has a totally different name in French. Dawndra was not that thrilled with the choice once it arrive. But the beer was cold to wash it down. We then went to the beach. And yes, tops were optional. It is very interesting to see who goes topless. And no, I did not wear the Speedo. Thanks Crystal!! The beach is gorgeous and the water is clear and cold! It was only in the 70’s, we thought so it was not real warm, but we did lay out for a while. Afterward we started heading back. We stopped at a small bar to get a drink and go to the bathroom. The public bathroom was disgusting and it is easiest to buy a beer and go to the bathroom. The grocery store was our next stop before getting on the tender to get back to the ship. We bought a couple of bottles of wine for our stateroom and dinner. One of the bottles we had this evening was great. Too bad we will probably never find it again.
Once on board again we took a nap and then went to dinner. They had a chocolate extravaganza this evening so we waited for it to start. While we were waiting we went to Request night with the Sea Breeze Band. In honor of Jerry (Meers) we requested Always on My Mind by Willie Nelson. It was funny to hear it with the Indonesian musicians. (see picture). The requests were limited by the list that they provided, it was no Kyle Abernathy request hour. The Chocolate Extravaganza was not that great either. They mainly make designs out of chocolate that you take pictures of first then eat. We preferred to go back to our room and eat the chocolate we bought in France.
That is about all for today, tomorrow Bordeaux France.
C&D
Hendaye, France
We really had no idea what we were going to in Hendaye. Through all my research I could not really find anything on it other than travel into Baritz or just wing it in Hendaye. Of course we decided to wing it, and what a day. We had to wait a lot for the tender to get to shore. They never seem to be able to get the tenders (or as I call them the lifeboats) ready to go as soon as they say. It is kind of frustrating, but we have figured that out and just do not get in a hurry. The view from our balcony was incredible. We could see the Basque region of France to the left and Spain on our right. How many of you saw two countries this morning out your window??? There are many sailboats in this area and beautiful beaches. The tender ride was very pretty. It is Saturday so there was a lot of activity. We arrived planning on walking to the city center, once on shore there was a ‘flea market’, so we just walked through it and shopped. Then of course we found the grocery store and made sure they had wine and beer there. I think every store has wine and beer in Europe! We then walked further and found some restaurants for lunch. We are still nervous about menus without pictures. We found a little pizza place and decided on it. Trying to play it safe we ordered the Trois Fromage ( 3 cheese) (also, Kathy Coll if you are reading this, I do not need any French lessons ;) ) and who knew Blue cheese has a totally different name in French. Dawndra was not that thrilled with the choice once it arrive. But the beer was cold to wash it down. We then went to the beach. And yes, tops were optional. It is very interesting to see who goes topless. And no, I did not wear the Speedo. Thanks Crystal!! The beach is gorgeous and the water is clear and cold! It was only in the 70’s, we thought so it was not real warm, but we did lay out for a while. Afterward we started heading back. We stopped at a small bar to get a drink and go to the bathroom. The public bathroom was disgusting and it is easiest to buy a beer and go to the bathroom. The grocery store was our next stop before getting on the tender to get back to the ship. We bought a couple of bottles of wine for our stateroom and dinner. One of the bottles we had this evening was great. Too bad we will probably never find it again.
Once on board again we took a nap and then went to dinner. They had a chocolate extravaganza this evening so we waited for it to start. While we were waiting we went to Request night with the Sea Breeze Band. In honor of Jerry (Meers) we requested Always on My Mind by Willie Nelson. It was funny to hear it with the Indonesian musicians. (see picture). The requests were limited by the list that they provided, it was no Kyle Abernathy request hour. The Chocolate Extravaganza was not that great either. They mainly make designs out of chocolate that you take pictures of first then eat. We preferred to go back to our room and eat the chocolate we bought in France.
That is about all for today, tomorrow Bordeaux France.
C&D
"It is vey interesting to see who goes topless". Other than Dawndra, Who?
ReplyDeleteFor your information, I DID see 2 countries out my window this morning. You don't know.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious as well, did Dawndra go topless? Oh the courage! I wouldn't be able to stop giggling if I did.
As long as you have a drink in your hand (who cares if its 9am), let the tenders be late.