Bordeaux

I find bordeaux charming. My hotel was adorable too. The old city centre is full of long standing buildings that glow at night. There is a river that flows through the middle of the city where there is a wonderful walking path, as well as a fountain on the ground, a sort of water park, called miroir d'eau. ( apparently it's a 'public art installation') It's great for kids and people with bare-feet! At night the water reflects place de la bourse, which makes for a great picture!
Of course there are many churches, squares and... antique markets? Yup there's one that is permanently at esplanade de quinconces, while i found another in front of St Michel church. This one consisted of locals selling their personal 'antiques'. There was some interesting jewelry, pottery and paintings but there was also old watches, keys and broken objects. I think some people need to throw away more of their old stuff lol.
I stayed two nights and unfortunately I arrived to the city late the first day... And the next day was a bank holiday. That means I didn't actually do anything that cost money (museums, go up the tower) because it was all closed. Luckily I love wandering around towns to see what lies around the corner. Here there are grand gates, monuments, fountains and parks. And, on Sunday morning, a political rally lol. Quite a lot of people walking down quai richelieu, chanting and holding signs. (Speaking of chanting, I got woken up at 6:30 am Monday by LOUD clapping and chanting people. WTF? When I left that morning, all I saw was a line of people at the apple store. iPad 2?)
On my full day, after antiquing and rallying, I took a train to saint emilion where there are countless vineyard chateau's and (my lucky day!) an open house on the holiday weekend! I walked and walked.. It was beautiful. I only got to 3 chateaus but received 5 glasses of wine (all red because it simply is better :p), walked in caves and learned about the process of making & aging wine. Did I mention the scenery was beautiful? As was the town. With a UNESCO status, the bell tower was right outside the tourist office. There is a wall around the town and the countless narrow stone streets and alleys made me feel like I was in a different age. The weather was great too. 25 degrees and sunny... But there was lightening in the distance.
Returning to bordeaux, I came back to rain and double rainbows. On my last night, I decided to try Pastis, which was a favourite drink of Hemingway's. The French ladies next to me had to remind me to add water to it. It is yellow and it is licorice flavoured. Honestly I've never been a fan of sambucca or black licorice so I had a hard time finishing it but I'm glad I gave it a try!
Now I'm off to Biarritz, one of my absolute favouite places. I just hope the weather cooperates! It's supposed to be colder and rainier than Bordeaux. It will still be gorgeous though.
That rhymes lol.
Ranelle