Biarritz: Day 7--lighthouses and kitchens

I did it. I climbed the 248 steps up to the top of Le Phare lighthouse this afternoon. Let me just tell you that it was a circus trying to climb stairs in a circle! But, the view from the top is always worth the climb, right? It's true. I wandered the streets this afternoon as well, trying to get a few last-minute window shopping excursions in before leaving on Saturday.

Not only did I tackle the single most exhausting sight-seeing venture this afternoon, but I cooked dinner fore 12 tonight! Can you believe it! With my winnings from the horse race on Tuesday, I decided to buy groceries and cook dinner for the family. Little did I know that company would be coming, so when I told Laetitia that dinner was on me, she chuckled and said, "we have company coming." So, I did what any woman would do: volunteered my services for the masses. From appetizer to dessert, I did it in true Hannah-style. With Laetitia's hors d'oeuvres, aperitifs, and the Duc's (the guest family) desserts in addition to mine, we had quite the feast all night long. It was so fun and so perfect. I loved every moment of my time in the quaint little kitchen this afternoon. You know me, the kitchen is my favorite room of any house.

As for the company, they were a marvelous family. The father is an international race car driver, and I loved hearing his stories of his adventures. The mother is charming and has a contagious smile. You know those people that make everyone else smile the moment they do. Laura is 21, and lives in Bayonne. She is the girl with whom we had dinner at the Italian restaurant last night. She is studying at the university in Bayonne, and lives there. She arrived with hands full of prizes, one for me. I have the most adorable little red bandana with the Bayonne flag on it, a trinket souvenir that I will always keep on display somewhere. Thank you, Laura. Remember to find me when you come to America. The little ones are playful and excited about life. I loved watching them run around and try to eat their sorbet, although most of it dripped and splattered on their clothes. Thank goodness for washing machines.

So, I've not really any other news to report, save that I soaked in the oceanside view once again today. I sleep quite peacefully at night with my window wedged open and the swishing sound of the soft midnight waves floating into my room. It's vacation and I love it.

Tomorrow, I hit the other end of Biarritz, heading to the Chambre d'Amour and the extraordinary golf courses. No, I do not intend to play 9, or even 1 for that matter, but I have to snap a photo for my dad. He would love it here.

I hope you are having a great day today. Know that I am thinking of you and that I can't wait to see you again soon.