JodockWorldTravel

If you’ve been to Bordeaux but haven’t been here in the last five years you might not recognize it. We’re told the government has invested significant money sprucing things up and it appears they have succeeded.

We arrived in Bordeaux early one sunny Sunday morning to find people walking their dogs, joggers getting their morning run in, and cyclists enjoying a quiet morning ride.  As the day progressed we observed friends and families gathered in community gardens and open green spaces for impromptu picnics or enjoying the city’s “swimming pool,” large concrete area similar to what we call “splash pools” in the U.S., but with water seeping out of small openings throughout the pads rather than through fountains.  The air was filled with an unmistakable “chill” vibe, and it was immediately clear that whoever you are, wherever you are on your journey in life you are welcome here.  Floor to ceiling apartment windows were flung open to fresh air and sunshine, their small balconies beckoning the inhabitants to take a step outside while enjoying their morning drink of choice.,

We didn’t have any excursions planned for our first day here; instead we spent the day wandering the streets, admiring the many monuments around the city and drinking in the culture.  We passed by the Bordeaux Cathedral, dedicated to St. Andre, and its bell tower, Tour Pey Berland, topped with the beautiful gold statue, Notre Dam d’Aquitaine.  A service was underway so we didn’t get to see the inside, but you can just imagine how magnificent it must be.  At the end of the Quincones Square, the town’s principal square, we found Pam’s favorite statue, the Girondins.  Girondis is a monument to the memory of all of those who perished during the French Revolution when many people were killed for trying to implement democracy.  The French Statue of Liberty positioned at the top of the monument represents the triumph of the Republic in this very important battle.

After a relaxing day exploring the town we were treated to another Around the World Special Event – dinner at Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, a 14^th Century winery purchased by a couple of French Olympic skiers in 1990 who knew nothing about the wine business, but loved the location of the winery and the fact that it was one of the few in the region that produced both white and red wines.  When they purchased the property, the winery was not known for producing quality wines, but the couple quickly set to work learning their new trade and by 2000 the reputation of the winery was beginning to change.  They are now viewed as trendsetters, using satellite imagery to determine when best to initiate the hand-picking of all their grapes, applying the latest optical sorting technologies.  They have a beautiful property that offered a wonderful setting for a delicious meal.