pinkbirdflies

Leaving bordeaux we travelled by train for 3 hours towards the french Pyrenees, followed by another train  and bus. The second train was the venue for another picnic lunch thrown together quite remarkably and managing to be really gourmet actually! The topography changed from flat gravel plains into rolling green hills and rushing rivers backed by the snow capped mountain range called the Pyrenees whcih divides France from Spain. Luchon is a village at the base of the Pyreees or ‘French Alps” nestled in a valley with spectacular alpine scenery. The weather has changed dramatically and the 2 days were sunny with blue skies and balmy spring air. The air is clear and trees are budding, streams gushing with snow melt and flowers adding colour and vibrancy. The main street is lined with shops and restaurants and has a spectacular backdrop of snow clad peaks.  We had a beautiful morning walk through the valley to a waterfall and then went to soak on the thermal pool. The complex had a vaporarium which was very unique in that it was in a large, steaming cave with pathways and seats to sit on and soak up the heat. I followed my experience with a hyrdomassage bath in which I couldn’t stop laughing as the place was so old fashioned and clinical… it was really nice though. We dined out both nights and celebrated our last night in France with a flute (plastic) of Moet of course. We are all dying for salad and vegetables as the french food is all rich. The markets are full of lovely fresh produce but is hasn’t appeared on the menus during the whole week we have been here…lettuce, a tiny slice of tomato, maybe green beans and potato done a hundred ways. We have taken to the “supermarche” to get salad and fruit as best we can.

Bordeaux is a city on flat land with a large river called “la garonne” which has been used as a river port. It is not what I imagined! It is however very well laid out and clean and has a great , modern tram system. We caught one into the main, older part of the city and the shops and buildings were lovely. Got myself a backpack….finally conceded that my bag was too cumbersome for intrepid style travelling. However, everyone is so fond of the old elephant that Phil and Gina have adopted it to carry their shopping home in!! All tired and dying for fresh salad or vegetables but ended up in a funky bar for Mojito’s which were the best followed by a seafood dinner which was very adventurous. I stuck to the Sole but Kisane and Louise shared fish soup. langoustine, brown shrimp, whelks and other shellfish. Bordeaux red to accompany the meal of course…our french language skills are improving especially when deciphering menus.