As Far As You Know

I saw my first snow of the winter this morning, at least from a distance, on the peaks of the Pyrenees. Of course, it was summer while I was Down Under, and my other destinations on this trip more or less stay warm year-round.

I left just before 10 this morning and drove north from Figueres--the town just north of Girona where I spent the night--to cross the Spain/France border, and then I headed west, pulling into Pau around 3:30 in the afternoon. Most of the drive was back roads, though I opted for the autoroute (i.e., motorway/autobahn/highway) for the final hour of the trip. I did see lots of vineyards along the way, as well as some impressive châteaux.

After driving around the city for half an hour, I located my hotel, settled in, and headed out to explore the town. The next day or so should be pretty relaxing: a chance to read, get caught up on downloaded TV shows, and enjoy this French city at my leisure.

There's a different sensation waking up in a European hotel. The light from the window overlooking the narrow streets and the different sounds percolating up from those streets and immediately give the sense that I am far from home.

It's a treat to head out and pick up The International Herald Tribune and digest it over a continental breakfast.

Happy Valentine's Day, loyal readers. Here's a fitting tune from a pair that I am now thoroughly embarrassed to admit were by favorite recording artists circa 1975: The Captain and Tennille. Here is "Love Will Keep Us Together."

It's a bit chilly, windy, and rainy here in Pau, which suits my purposes just fine. No grand sight-seeing agenda today. I am just kicking back a bit before visiting Chuck Timlin in Zaragoza tomorrow through Saturday and then spending a couple of busy days in Madrid and London before heading home.

Had a couple of mini-marathons in the last couple of days, getting up to date with the last three installments of 24 and the last two of Heroes.

A little French-flavored ditty from Beauty And The Beast, courtesy of Jerry Orbach and Angela Lansbury: "Be Our Guest."