what a week!

It has been quite a roller-coaster week for us. Our last post proved a little hopeful and things didn't turn out quite as we had expected. Our friend had an accident on a motorbike which meant he wasn't able to install the new engine for us. We were stuck in Biarritz for 5 days until the neighbour from the farm we were working on came to our rescue and fixed our car for us. What a legend! On Thursday we were able to hit the road and start our way back to Avignon. It was a long drive but the car worked a treat and we are so happy to have our car back again. We are now back in the Provence and there is Lavender and Cicadas chirping everywhere. It is nice to be back.
- m & k

ressurection renault

Some of you may know but when in Biarritz our beloved Renault 4L died. A piston had blown and metal had gone throughout the oil and engine. This happened a few days before leaving for farm life 200km away. We left it in the hands of our new friend Rico, an old German rocker, who lives in Biarritz with whom we speak English. Rico initially was going to help us sell it as scrap and we would hitchhike the rest of the way home to Avignon (500km), but called one day to say he found a new engine for only 150euro!!! We are so happy to say we will be picking her up this weekend to take her on the road again. We have many more journeys around france to have with her and we just hope she treats us well.
-morgan

Bidart

This week we have had the pleasure to stay in the small beach town on a hill, Bidart. This place is truly Basque country. White houses with certain coloured shutters are obliged, the water is wild and refreshing and we have truly enjoyed living with a lovely family of 7. Sadly and with much joy, we leave for our first farming experience on Sunday. -morgan

Forget Me Not

The other week, Morgan and I stumbled upon a little boutique/cafe called Forget me not. Shops like this are quite common in Australia, but here in France this was quite a rare find. We shared a pot of organic rose tea and had lovely chats about the world with Marie, the owner. If you're ever in Biarritz, try and find it, you'll love it.

-kim Forget Me Not
2, rue Simon Etcheverry
64200 Biarritz.

this week.

This weekend just gone, we moved to a new location where we will be spending our final week here in Biarritz. We are now living with some friends of ours from Australia (a family of 7), and helping them prepare for the opening of their second hostel in July. So far we have been painting, assembling bunk beds, and cleaning lots. All great fun. This Sunday we will be heading inland to work on the farm, so we are trying to make the most of the beach and enjoy our time with english speakers.
-kim

Biarritz

We have been working here in Biarritz for over 2 weeks now and I am sorry we have not even posted photos of the town. Biarritz is an old, rich, beachside town. The weather is nice, the ocean is cold and there is a surprisingly little amount of French people living here. It's understandable that many people from overseas would travel here to surf, sun-bake and shop. For us, it's beautiful, but not quiet France. We have loved the hot summer days and the 15 degree swim in the oceans. Tomorrow we move south to the nearest town, Bidart. It's been amazing to spend time working in the hostel, serving people from all over the world and learning so much. Many laughs, some new friends and plenty of yummy breakfasts.
-morgan

Hossegor

Yesterday we went for a little drive out to the sleepy beach town of, Hossegor. It was nice to get away from the busyness of Biarritz and relax by the beach. The ocean is still really cold but the hot days we have been having make it almost bearable. We also went and visited the natural reserve, Etang Noir. It was nice to escape the heat and walk in the rainforest.
-kim

Bayonne

Yesterday we went for a little drive north to Bayonne, a small Basque town filled with lots of charm. The weather here in Biarritz has been grey and rainy, so when we had a day off AND a sunny day what better to do than explore. I find myself constantly taking photos of building fronts, shutters and windows. I guess a house front is the way I know I am in a new French town. It was so nice walking through the old streets mazed around the big, old cathedral. We visited many cool shops and had a half decent coffee. It was a perfect adventure. We will see you again Bayonne, soon, I hope.
-morgan

Biarritz Surf Hostel

So we have spent the last week working here at Biarritz Surf Hostel, which is more of a big home for travellers than a hostel. It has been a bit of a change to our last jobs back at the Hotel in Menerbes but we are enjoying the relaxed and social atmosphere. We spend our mornings making breakfast for the guests and then cleaning the hostel. The rest of the time we are hanging out with the guests and exploring Biarritz. We are speaking english a lot which was initially quite a shock, and I am having to make sure I force myself to keep speaking French so I don't forget all I have learnt. If you are ever coming to Biarritz, we reccomend you book a bed here at the surf hostel, whether you surf or not. It's is such a lovely place.
-k

San Sebastián

We got given the day off on Wednesday so we took the opportunity to jump in the car and check out San Sebastián. It is pretty funny driving to another country for lunch, and it made for a great little adventure. One of the guys from the hostel came along with us and we had a great time strolling the streets and trying our best to remember how to read and speak Spanish. It was a great little day out.
-kim