Les Parallels, La Palmyre

Heard good reviews so gave it a go on the last night.

22 euro menu looked ok. Both of us went for pan fried prawns in garlic and that's exactly what we got. I assumed they would be peeled but they weren't. Spent quite some time peeling and eatingthem (and then wiping our fingers). However they were very good.

Roast perch went down well with my partner and I had a traditional Blanquette de veau. Nice rice, nice veg, reasonable veal but the sauce was strange. Chef said when asked maybe he forgot the salt but it seemed to me to taste of semolina (and sweet semolina at that).

Two home made tiramisu to finish were perfect. Two small pichets of wine and that was it. Waitress spoke very good english and the (translated into english menu) was done well with no schoolboy howlers. Worth another look next visit to France.

San Sebastien

lightning trip to this rather elegant and cool resort. 250 miles from the caravan, most of it on motorway (with a rather delightful sign that said lorries may not overtake for 30 km) ((which they ignored)).

Guidebooks and received wisdom said follow the crowds to the old town where there are hundreds of tapas bars. Eventually chose Bar Zeruko, Pescaderia, Parte Vieja.

Received wisdom also said that tapas or pinxtos as they prefer it to be called are counted by the bar staff and at the end of the evening you pay the bill. They don't cheat you...

Not speaking spanish was a handicap. Tried french but they didn't want to know. They gave us a plate, used the sign of the international gesture to say tuck in and we tucked in. Some that we chose and put on our plate were removed and sent to the kitchen to reappear a hot dish. Some we had no idea what we were eating. Eventually I managed 16 different tapas and partner did 8. Wine glasses were topped up at regular intervals and after 2 hours I asked for the bill. 100 euros? No it couldn't be that bad. 50 euros? Sounds reasonable. I was handed a bill that said bar 32 times followed by lots of 1.20, 2.50, 3,00. It was 84 euros. I proffered my credit card and the landlady made a great show of saying that the machine was broken. I paid cash.

A very strange feeling not knowing what the bill would be but on balance for 2 people with unlimited wine it was £32 each. Not too bad at all. The ambience was great. Strange for us english was the smoking in the bar. People would flick ash on the floor and then drop tab ends on the floor as well.

The following day I spent 2 hours for a cheap T shirt that said San Sebastien. Finally found one but when I tried it on 2 days later found out it was a woman's style. Tchahh!