Bordeaux

Saturday, September 5th

The bike is unpacked, finally, and there were a few unexpected "surprise" - most annoying were the brake/gear levers which were both bent inwards suggesting the bike had been on its side with something on top. A little force and they were straight again. The rear derailleur cable was also disconnected, possibly when I took the bike out of the bag...?

 

Anyway, it was time to give it a trial run, so we did about 20 leisurely kilometers around the side of the river. This bridge raises so that ocean liners can dock up the river...

...and if you don't believe me

The "peloton" stops for a photo opportunity.

This is one of a number of bridges over the Garonne, and definitely the nicest (and oldest).

It's Saturday afternoon, and there are lots of people out for a walk, cycle, play or lunch. This "pool" is shallow enough for children to appear as though they are walking on water,

Did I mention the tram? Here's another one stopped outside one of the nicest buildings beside the river.

They told me I shouldn't wear my English jersey in France - don't mention Trafalgar?

After a couple of laps of the city centre looking for the "perfect" lunch spot, we found a place in a pedestrian mall where Graeme (in particular) could watch the world go by (by which I mean the French girls!).
 

Lunch was a €4.50 panini with a can of iced tea.
 

Graeme took us on a tour of the local park where we seemed to go back in time, or were we only dreaming?
 

After a short rest we went for coffee - Robin and I to a cafe opposite the nearby main railway station, and the others back into town.

For dinner, Robin and I caught up with former ANU colleagues who have been living just outside Bordeaux for the past 20 years - remarkable how none of us had aged since we last saw each other over 25 years ago.

The restaurant (L'Oiseau Blue), the food and the wine were excellent.
 

We took the tram back to the hotel, and even after midnight (which it was!) they were all fairly full. Oops, I've mentioned the trams again...
 

Tomorrow we finally start the big ride. Only one more sleep.