Ahh, finally a chance to relax. Bordeaux is a beautiful town full of free museums and charming houses, divided by a winding river with a reflecting pool where children get to play in the mist--but I got to see all that in a day. Sure we happened to be there on the day that the terrific Gay Pride Parade cut through town, stopping all the traffic for a party full of transvestites and glitter--but that's not why I was so glad to be there.

I was thankful for the position of Bordeaux between the tourist-crazy cities of Barcelona and Paris. I relished in its cheap delicious wines, a bath in my hotel room, and plenty of time to sleep in and not have any obligations. Bordeaux has been one of the few times that this trip has really felt like a vacation.