Even though I labeled myself strictly as an emergency driver, I somehow landed myself in the drivers seat as we entered Biarritz. Biarritz is the surfing hot spot in Europe with a picturesque coastline, natural bridges, and it also just so happened that the Roxy Womens Longboarding Championship was being held there for the days we were there. As with many beach towns, Biarritz also has small windy streets that go up and down hills. Couple that with all the cars parked both legally and illegally covering every square inch of curb and you have a tight squeeze for the big boy, La Zino. Imagine David Ortiz trying to fit into Dustin Pedroia's jersey and that gives you a pretty good idea of what it looked like with me trying to weave up and down these streets looking for any campsite that may or may not have been in that area.
So pretty much everyone was yelling at me... except Aaron who was repeatedly telling me "you are doing great", I was driving way too fast, down way too narrow of a street, with way too many illegally parked cars, trying to take in the beauty of the sun setting over the water and almost crashed La Zino. ALMOST is the key word there, I am confident that I would have taken us safely to our destination had I been allowed the opportunity, but instead Joris Ordered me to stop (in the middle of the street), which I did not do... but instead pulled over at a corner and relinquished the driving reigns to Bart.
To make the long story short, Bart delivered us safely to several campsites before we wound up finding an open spot for two days at a 4 star campsite (coming up in the world). To explain how ridiculous some of these luxury "campsites" (more like urban resorts) can be, when we got there, there was a hypnotist doing a show at the bar/games area of the campsite.
July 10th...
Our first (and last) full day in Biarritz had some great moments. We spent the morning and afternoon exploring the town and getting in some good beach time. While walking around, happened upon a pretty young lady and her camera crew filming a tv promo for the Surfing Tour and entertainment that accompanied it (called Roxy Jam). For some reason which escapes me, Aaron was carrying his pirate hat around with him... setting up a perfect opportunity. During a break in filming, Aaron bravely walked up to the woman with his pirate hat and asked if he could take a picture with her. She agreed, asking him, "Is it your bachelor party?". No, lady... sadly that is just his normal attire. Well done, Troy! (below find pictures of Troy with a long lost Matey and with the woman of his dreams)
After taking in the beautiful coast from a bluff that jetted out into the water, we spent the day on the beach and getting pounded by waves (I had to switch from booty shorts to regular suit because the first wave nearly left me bootyshortsless). We went back to the campsite to shower up and eat before heading back to the beach for the Roxy Jam concerts on the beach and other festivities. It should also be noted that I started mental and physical preparation for Pamplona at the campsite, exchanging my grizzly beard for a sexy mustache.
We made it back to the beach in time to watch the sun disappear below the water. Then we checked out the concert, had our daily dosage of ice cream, and had a drink. Our waiter, like many we had on the trip sucked big time bringing up a pretty good debate... what do you think... Is it better having to tip and getting good service, or not having to tip and getting the shaft?
Anyways, this was the last night we spent with Joris (sad) and in France and so started (in all likelihood) the craziest 24-36 hour time period of my life.
Some pics from Biarritz:
Roxy Jam Concert on the Beach
Sunset over water
Small Biarritz Streets
More!
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