the mini paris

Bordeaux was beautiful. It reminded me a lot of Paris, but prettier in some ways. It was a lot calmer and less people. However, St. Catherine's Street got extremely packed late Saturday afternoon. It's really weird the hours that people come out on the streets. I never know what to be prepared for when we go out. I never know if it will be dead or packed because every city seems different.

They have an amazing bridge that crosses the river. It gives you a great view of the whole city. When you cross to the other side, you can see the immense stretch of connected buildings that line the river side. And in between the river and those buildings, there are plenty of pedestrian parks to walk through. It's beautiful.

Jardin des Plantes

City of Bordeaux

Sunset on the Bridge

We stayed with my friend Lucie, which was awesome. I loved her apartment. We spent the nights with her and few of her friends, which was nice. Then she sent us to a place that has an awesome Sunday brunch and it was great.

We had great weather Saturday, and then not so nice on Sunday, which is what Lucie said it's usually like. But Meghan and I did a wine tour on Sunday so we weren't outside a ton. We took a bus to a Château about 35 minutes away. Saw the vineyard, cellar, and such and then tasted a couple wines. Les vins moelleux are soft, sweet wines, but nothing like anything I've tasted before. Their wines can get very, very, very sweet. Too much for me.

The second château we saw made dry whites and reds. I liked this one better. They had these massive cuves (I don't know what the word is in English) that held the wine and were very impressive. And I enjoyed their white wine better. Still not big on the red, but it was good.

Château Gravas - (the first visit)

*****

Speaking of wine, last night our whole group went out for dinner for Niina (from Finland)'s birthday. We had delicious wine and probably the best meal I've had here so far. And deadly dessert, haha. It was good :)

Melissa comes down here Thursday, and then we're taking off for an Italian adventure starting Saturday! Ciao.