Rugby World Cup Champions !!!

The drive from Periqueux France down to San Sebatian Spain was long and dull. The motor way stretched on and on, broken only by an indecent number of tollbooths. By the end of the day we had paid over €23 to drive this road. But we were pretty focused on getting into town by 4 at the latest as tonight was the RWC final. 

We were booked into a private hostel/ bed and breakfast apartment and the host had already informed us that his TV channels did not include the game coverage, but he was pretty sure a nearby bar would.

So after a bit of stress negotiating the location, one way roads, pedestrian only areas and parking issues, we finally arrived. We scouted out the German bar, had a quick walk around then settled in to watch the game, ignoring the fantastic sights and buzz on the streets as families strolled the area, eating Al fresco.

Heather and I were the only kiwis in the bar, and we were joined by 2 other rugby enthusiasts, one of which translated the French commentary back into Spanish explaining the referee decisions to the other, and gesticulating to us at episodes of great and poor play. 

When the final All Blacks try near the end of the game cinched the win, we were jubilantly shouting and cheering, a spectacle to others in the crowded little bar. But we were overjoyed, though having no others of significance to share the victory with, it did make us realise how much we missed home. 

We had needed to justify our placed the bar, so had a couple of beers each, and by the end of the match when I realised I was a bit over my limit I realised the German beers we had been enjoying  were  8 %. 

We wandered around the busy streets, singing the praises of the All Blacks and enjoying the Halloween  festivities. Stopped off at several bars, trying the selections of tapas that are served everywhere here. Which of course meant a few more drinks, and then we headed home for Panadol, bed and the sleep of the contented. 

The next day we enjoyed a slow day, wandering the streets, enjoying the beaches and that lovely sea air we had been missing. Enjoyed more tapas for a late lunch then back for a siesta with a selection of pastries we picked up along the way. 

The weather was sunny and a warm 23 degrees, and we had thought we might have a swim. But the water reminded me of an icy dip we had in Oriental Bay, and there was no way I was getting in, despite a number of older regulars enjoying the water.