Arrived in Biarritz yesterday afternoon and was able to stay up with the (early to bed) locals as I attempt to adjust to the 9 hour time difference. This is a charming seaside town on the Cote Basque, less glitzy than the Côte d’Azur, and known for surfing. Sorta like Laguna on the Atlantic with some Gothic churches and old Victorian hotels. Yeah, just like Laguna.
After years of watching the sunrise over the Atlantic, and more recently the sunset over the Pacific, it was a new experience to see the sunset over the Atlantic. Sorta a reminder that I am truly on the other side of the planet. Almost.
At dinner I overhead 2 couples talking about the Camino so being the ex-NY’er that I am I butted in and ended up joining them from dinner. They are from Sacramento and are beginning the walk on Tuesday as well. They seem to be more experienced hikers than I am, but they also have a few years on me, so I was encouraged that I will be able to accomplish this feat! I’ve heard that the Camino is a real community, and based on the brief encounter so far, it seems to be the case.
I head to St. Jean Pied to Port today — another train and bus experience, but I will have 2 nights there to adjust and relax before the walk begins. A bientot!
got your text. code done. good for you, making friends at dinner.