Nadia and I jumped on a train to Biarritz to spend the weekend with some other language assistants. It seemed like the perfect time to get out and do some exploring of the region. We couldn't have had more luck (good luck or bad).
So we arrive to the glamorous city/town called Biarritz. Just some background on this place.
Spain is Biarritz's neighbor... lend me some sugar!
Surfing is a huge sport here- the popularity dates back to the 50's here
Sand- I love the beach... LOVE... can you tell I have been beach deprived?
And so the weather wasn't as pretty as we could have imagined for the beach, but we were still happy to be in a new setting.
Greets and meets
So we settled in at the apartment and met about 8 other assistants as we prepared a massive feast of deliciousness and a super slumber party
.
I always find it interesting how living abroad brings the most random people together to form a group of friends. Always unexpected pairings and groupings with very little in common. For us, it was that we were all assistants of some language... not just English, but we had Spanish and German in the mix too.
I really enjoy this interesting melange of people. Its like Chex Mix. miam miam
So on with the night, we left the apartment shortly after dinner to enjoy some karaoke... France style. After living in Korea for a year, I found myself disappointed by the lack of enthusiasm that many of the performers displayed. Their voices were weak and their song selections were pitiful. Someone get me to a noraebang ASAP! I guess it still made for some good entertainment to say the least.
After karaoke, we went to a super chic (and practically vacant) night club and I am so sorry, but I cannot remember the name of this place. To describe the décor, I need you to think of the most 1991 era yacht. White leather furniture, ceurelean blue fluerescent lights gleaming along the ceiling, and a sexy bar.
"This has got to be where the pretty people hang out," I thought to myself.
Unfortunately, we did not stay here very long, because it was too expensive for the average budget of a language assistant and aside from the swanky elderly couple swingy around showing off their best moves, we were the only ones inside.
Off for a walk along the beach. Best idea ever.
Back at home for sleep before our day trip to San Sebastian, Spain... A day trip to Spain!?
Saweet!
So excited.
Off we went the next morning. After a few train changes, we finally arrived. It was awesome to change the frigid gray skies in for a sunny blue warm air... even if I couldn't understand anything that was going on. It was crazy how just a short distance away from Biarritz would feel so different.
The day was great. We walked around the beautiful city, witnessed a demonstration (I love cultural events), walked around the beach and napped on benches.
Later that afternoon, I tried to get money from the ATM. Of course, I forgot to warn my bank about my Spain trip, so they blocked my account after the previous charge I made that morning.
No icecream and back to France.
The following morning, Nadia and I had to run to the train station to get our train on time. Our new friends lived 45 minutes from the train station- on foot... which was practically the only way to get around the city, since public transportation isn't like the Seoul Subway.
Running Running.... we feared we would miss our train, so we begain to run. Clunkity clunk clunk my maroon and rose striped suitcase jumped around on the cobblestone. With nearly 6 minutes until the departure of our train and no tickets, Nadia and I almost began to give up hope. Just then, a car slowed down beside us and a man got out and asked us if we needed a ride to the train station. AHhhh! yes please. We jumped in and he started to explain how he was our guardian angel. He was, but just as we got there, we had no time to purchase our train tickets, so we jumped on the platform and ran into the train reminding ourselves that we could buy the tickets on the train.
Note to self (and anyone reading this who plans to travel in France):
DO NOT BUY TRAIN TICKETS ON THE TRAIN UNLESS IT IS AN EMERGENCY
Instead of paying 16 euros, I paid 32 euros for my train ticket. Doubles.
Back at the Bordeaux train station, I decided to check my email using the free internet from the cafe. I pulled my laptop out of my suitcase and terror struck over my face. My biggest nightmare has really happened! The screen on my laptop is officially done for. At the same time I realized it was a permanent gash along the screen, a random beggar approached me begging for money. Did he really ask for money from me? I must have had a look of crazy on my face, because this man knew to walk away.
And so I will be sans computer for the next 6 months. FML
And this was my lucky unlucky weekend to the beach. So I want to apologize in advance for not updating my blog that often... computer usage will be very rare these days.
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