Back in Vine country, Bordeaux and serious house hunting.

We're finally back in vine country. I love this area! And it is definitely an area I want to live in!! We arrived on Friday at a small camp in a town called Montpon-Menesterol. It's just our base for the area for the time being.

While on our way back to the Dordogne area, we encountered two trucks carrying the same load - we tried to guess what it could be - and finally decided that it must be something for an aeroplane, since airbusses are built somewhere nearby. But getting past them was stressfull to the MAX (right hand car on left hand roads - not fun!!)

Can you guess what it is?!?!

We also saw some of the pretty little towns getting ready for their festivals.

We popped over to Bordeaux this morning, to see the fabric & general market, as well as the city in general since last time it was very, VERY wet. But today, it was gorgeous weather – clear and warm! When we got to Bordeaux at about 9am, I was stunned by the lack of traffic!! It was so light for such a big city! Anywhere else in UK, and it would be murder to get in …. but this is of course France. It is Monday. And it is early. And we must not forget that it IS of course August. We were in a queue of …. seven cars. I am sure that the traffic will be considerably heavier from September onwards. However, within the small number of cars that are on the road, many of them are CRAZY! Changing lanes at high speed with no indicators, and actually, a general disregard of the lanes in the first place! It was quite nervy at times – heaven alone knows how I'd cope in Paris where they're famed for their crazy driving!! We finally parked up, and walked over to the market. At 9:30am, I thought it would be fully set up, and traders in full swing ….. uh, this is France, and it IS still Monday. So no, not everyone was set up yet, and some hadn't even arrived yet! So we meandered along Rue Victor Hugo, got a few more pics of the car hanging out of the parking lot, the Grosse Cloch (Enormous bell tower) and the arches. We saw a lovely sculpture of a tortoise in Place de la Victor. A lovely square where something always seems to be happening – concerts, or like today – blood donations. Hey, it's still something happening! Unbelievably, many of the shops only open at 10am, and even then, it seems begrudgingly – but they're fast to close up for lunch time – even cafes and pizzarias are sometimes closed for lunch – yes, I know it seems mad. But again, it must be remembered – it is Monday, in France. So, we wandered back to the car, via the market, which by 11:30am, was finally in full swing. There was a lot of fabrics for clothes, ready made clothes, and other 'general' things. The food market is on every day except Mondays. We drove around the city and saw loads of interesting buildings, where my husband used to live and work, and a few other places. It was really good not to have to do a lot of walking in the heat! Tomorrow and the rest of the week have promised high temperatures again. Should be interesting as we officially start the hunt for a house. The paperwork alone should keep us occupied for the next few years!!  

Entering Bordaux at 9am. We were at the
back of the 'rush hour' queue.  Not many at all!

Architecture in Bordeaux is just amazing!!

The bell tower of the
Bordeaux Cathedral Saint Andre.

The Market is held in the square
just next to the cathedral. 

This car has been like this for nearly 20 years - it's a feature
of the multi story parking in Bordeaux on Cours Victor Hugo.

Port d'Aquataine aka Place de la Victoire

There's a beautiful sculpture of a tortoise in the square, and
of course the kids had to ride it. Little did we know how hot it
was - being metal - and I'm taking my time with the pictures ...

.... and of course a funky pose too!
And a QUICK exit off the roasting metal!

This is the Grosse Cloche (the enormous
bell). It' is hard to appreciate just how
big it really is from the pics!
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Back to the market, and by 11:30am it
was finally in full swing!

The long rows of appartments and building on the
river front are very impressive!

In the last 20 year, there have been a
number of improvements to the city.
One of them is the tram system -
inexpensive and covers the city pretty
well.

As with any city, it is rapidly expanding to accommodate
 a growing population.

Porte de Bourgogne

WHICH WAY!?

The main road along the river

Pont Jacques Chaban Delmas
This is the new bridge, and it can raise up
and lower again to accommodate taller boats.

You can even go up in one of the four pillars
to see the view from the top,
just so long as you enjoy climbing stairs!

An old bus, now restored and used for tours around the city.

On the river front, there's a small area where kids can run
around on the square, and it has a centimetre or so of water on
it - and every now and then, it sprays water out!
Wonderful on a hot day!!

On the way back to camp, we saw this huge building.
Apparently here, they make the caskets for the wine!