Wedneday 24th May... Despite the success of the wedding, I think everyone let out a huge sigh of relief that all had gone well and from the Wednesday onwards there was less a sense of urgency and more a case of 'What can we fit in in the rest of the week?'. On Wednesday it was decided that everyone could do what they wanted, separately or together. Holly, Dean and Fran had planned in advance to go off to Bilbao, but though they ahd space in the car, was too tired to be dragged up for a 7:00am start so decided to pass (hence I eventually got up just before lunch). Some stayed at the chateau and some of us went into Bayonne (I think by this time, Kerry had seen Bayonne so many times, that the chateau and book-reading was a welcome quiet alternative... and as I keep telling Kerry to rest, relax and enjoy the week off - but her enjoyment usually seems to be involved in organising, creating and catering - the fact that she's actually quietly sitting reading is a victory! ;) ). Bayonne is just a short trip out anyway, and we're gone only a few hours. We had a look around Bayonne's main church and then enjoyed mucho eating. The highlight was a tie between my consuming of a crepe suzette AND a banana split... and the group viewing of Shaleah's impressive jugs.


The group divided up into girly shoppers ("Isn't it ironic we're going shopping in an American make-up store in Bayonne?") and the manly explorers ("Quick, let's make shadow-hand-puppets against the castle wall and discuss the velocity created if we fell off one of these battleme...THUD!")

Both groups headed home separately late afternoon and sedate relaxing ensued. With Dawson having left the evening/early morning before, there was no discussing of Buffy and no energy to stay up late. Holly got back late evening and by the time everyone else retired, the sound of contented Spanish-themed snoring wafted gently across the servants' quarters...