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| Bazas is often referred to as one of the unspoiled French countryside towns. Saint-Jean the Baptiste Cathedral Square, a UNESCO Heritage Site, has such a lovely presence. It feels great to be here again. I feel at peace, and at ease when I am in Bazas, it is unlike other places I have visited. It truly is a beautiful little town. |
Throughout Bazas, there are references to Saint Martin of Tours, the patron saint of the poor, soldiers, conscientious objectors, tailors, and winemakers. For example, this Librairie (Book Store) is one of my favorites that I have visited in France. They have a great selection of bande dessinée, often called BD (pronounced beh deh) in French. BDs are graphic novels or, more simply, hard-bound comic books. I have already expressed my love of TinTin and Asterix, but they also have more modern ones like Faut Pas Prendre Les Cons Pour Les Gents (Don't Mistake Idiots for People), 
I still have yet to try any restaurants in Bazas. So, when Céline suggested we go to Hugo Délices for the déjeuner (lunch), I let her know I think this is a great idea. Hugo Délices is a new-ish restaurant located in the Cathedral Square. The food looks and tastes fantastic! This eggplant ratatouille with crème fraîsh and walnuts is very light and delightful! A perfect appetizer.
The main course is a Hake fish risotto. I loved this flaky, flavorful white fish when I first tried Hake in Ireland. It is so much better than Cod and much lighter than Halibut. This dish is incredible! By the time I finish lunch, it is late in the afternoon. I shake my head when the waitress asks if Céline and I want dessert. No. I'm full. This was delicious, I tell her.
Another surprise awaited me that evening. Celine's boys, Noé and Abel, presented me with a birthday gift. Inside the handwritten Happy Birthday cardboard box is a wooden spoon they carved for me. This is a special moment for me. I was not expecting this, having just met Noé and Abel. I love the thoughtfulness and creativity. Plus, everything from the box to the spoon is handmade. It truly is the simple things that make great moments!
Noé and Abel rush to the freezer and pull out another surprise. This one is handmade this time, but not by the boys. The boys begin to sing Happy Birthday to me and light several candles on the peach ice cream cake made earlier today by the local baker. It has been years since I've had an ice cream cake. Even though this one is small, about 15 cm (6 in) round, it packs a lot of flavor!
Over the last couple of weeks, I have been blessed to have celebrated my birthday on more than one occasion with some special people. It has made my 50th memorable and one of my best birthdays. Each moment has made me feel like a young child again. I couldn't be happier! This sunset caps off another magical day!
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