Bordeaux

This will be an attempt at the blog and I am dictating instead of typing so hopefully the proofreading will catch any bad phrases.

We had a smooth 10 hour flight from Portland to Amsterdam sitting in the back of the bus, but free drinks. We taxied for 25 minutes, I timed it, until we arrived at the gate.

Immigration control in Amsterdam was a nightmare as we had to form a line that went the entire length of the airport shops, Two or three people a breast to arrive at the Q for a single file ten line back-and-forth wait.

With a six hour layover in Amsterdam so got a day pass to the lounge and got our money's worth.

We were met at the airport and rode in with another couple and a van whose driver wanted to tell us all about himself, his family, where his kids lived instead of telling us what we were seeing. I was unfortunately in the passenger seat and had to pretend like I was interested after a long night and day of travel.

Our hotel is centrally located right across from the opera house and tram station. We think our room used to be the maids quarters as it is slightly larger than the kid’s bedroom.  To get to the room we take the small elevator to floor 3, which is really the 4th floor, turn left, up three steps, turn right,  up two steps, down two steps, turn left, up five steps, through a swinging door, up a step run left, open another door and we are there!  "Where is the cheese?"

Every table top was covered with junk such as $12 bags of Fritos, Pringles, and chocolate. A      tray for laundry or shoeshines. The desk is barely big enough for Pam’s laptop. Two small             closets, one won’t open all the way because of the suitcase.

There WAS a 2 1/2 foot diameter table and an armchair In the room but we could not get around each other so I asked them to take those away which they did. They put them in the hall where I am dictating this because Pam is having a nap. Maybe we have just become spoiled over the years.

 Our View!

My office down the hall.  They used to be in our room at the foot of the bed.

The hotel staff and travel assistants are great. Morning breakfast are American style with everything you could want.

The welcome dinner was OK, nothing spectacular and I was able to convince them to bring out it few beers instead of just wine.

They took us out to a chateau (try to guess what two words the dictation app came with for that) for our theme dinner which was nice. They had an open self-serve keg and plenty of wine. Chicken and beef. I took a picture of the beef to make Jason squirm as it was bright red.

 Helping the Band

 This is for Jason

We took the train to Saint Emillion yesterday, Thursday. We took a tram to the train and hopped on the 9 o’clock for a 40 minute ride to the city. Had a choice of a 30 minute walk uphill or a three euro tuk-tuk ride. Best six euros we have spent so far. It was a nice hill town that had a famous underground church that we toured.

It was 88° and a little humid. We had a few beers during the day and our tour was finally at 2 o’clock in the cooler catacombs. We were done by four but our train wasn’t until six.

Happy on the trip out, not so much on the trip back!

We got on the 6 o’clock train that did not leave until 7:15. It had a few stops along the way for some reason. And we arrived back in Bordeaux at about 830. Having not eaten, we decided to order up some ice and make cheese and chips and beverages our dinner.

Today We took the day off had a late breakfast and then took the tram down to look for some shops, unsuccessfully, It is sprinkling a little today and much cooler.

We’re going to dinner with another senior couples from the Pittsburgh area, but not until 730 when the restaurant opens.

I will try to add some pictures and hope all is well with everyone at home.