One extra

One extra, unexpected day of vacation, wandering around London. Nice day for a stroll at Picadilly

Maybe we make it.....

.... And maybe not, we'll see. Always an adventure for the Botkin-Robins travel tours....

Final night

We've managed to find our way to Ana and Gonzolo's house just north of Bilboa on the coast in Gexto, where Elijah will live for the next two weeks. This is the lovely view from the upstairs room. We all went for a long walk along the pomenade by the cliffs, the boys kicking the soccer ball and adults filling in the blanks. We've had a great two weeks here, it'll be hard to leave. We return tomorrow.

Yet another

Yet another beautiful Spanish beach town. Ho hum.... About ready to head back to Paco's for the 2nd world cup semi-final, France vs. Portugal!

On the beach

Elijah and Noah enjoy some one-on-one at the beach. Near Noha and Santoña, we found a lovely beach. Lots of public beaches, no parking fees, just come, enjoy, have a beer or snack at one of the many cafes.

Our mascot, Pintas

He lives ae house, very friendly, the kids really enjoyed playing with him

Breakfast views

Looking west from the patio, past tiled roof tops, to the hills. We has a great hike with Paco up the mountain to the east.

Breakfast nook

Here's where we eat breakfast, the patio on the south side.... With views of...

Huge yard

Full of small fruit trees (figs, pears, apples, apricots), rose bushes. Here's a shot of the back of the house. To the right is that garden area. This house was Paco's grandfather's, and Paco was born here. Continuity is a nice thing.

And you can peek into the garden

Through the iron gate. That's the study up on the first floor. Nice place to read a book and view the mtns tothe west

Our digs

Criuse out of Ramales de la Victoria south, climb a switchback for 3 km and you come to Lanestosa. Second house on the right is Paco's. This is it from outside the stone wall

Pizza!

we had a great weekend with Paco, who's now gone back to Madrid, and we're on our own. Today we walked around old town in Laredo, then hit the beach at Orona, and now back in Castro Urdiales for festival (amusement park rides and music) and found this pizzeria on the boardwalk. Beautiful weather so far, very lucky!

Men's club

A private (men only) mid-day meal with Paco in his hometown of Lanestosa. What a hoot! Several local wines, and some food coming.