Wednesday, May 29th
Holy Cow!! We did some serious rocking and rolling last night in the Atlantic. We actually sailed north of Bordeaux to enter the Garonne river that flows southward right into the center of the city. We arrived at our pier around 11am and we have a fantastic view out our balcony right into the city. We can literally walk off ship right into the city. We will overnight here and not depart until tomorrow at 11pm.
At noon it was 53 degrees with rain showers passing over then followed by sun shine. We were supposed to go on 5 hour tour to St Emilion and some vineyards that departs ship at 2pm. Due to rain showers and late return time to the ship we turned in those tour tickets and instead will do a 3 hour tour of Bordeaux that leaves ship at 2:20pm.
Bordeaux has a population of nearly a quarter million people and is the 9th largest city in France. Bordeaux is the world's major wine industry capital. There are nearly 300,000 acres of vineyards which produce 960 million bottles of wine every year. Aircraft manufacturing and tourism are also economic players here.
Our "Bordeaux City Tour" was very nice. Half of it was on the bus driving around the city and half was walking tour. We were lucky as the sun came out and we did not get rained on. Right after we got back the the ship it started raining. Our guide had a French accent so was difficult to understand her at times. Bordeaux was a very clean town with very interesting architecture and streets. Around 4pm I noticed that there were LOTS of teenagers walking around on streets and in the squares.
Sailing up river to Bordeaux
Taken from our balcony
It was a very nice overview and we did not get wet!
Bridge we went under this morning to get to pier. Center part goes up stands when ship is going by.
Very modern electric trams
These are old WWII German submarine repair pens. Allies tried bombing it but roof had 20 feet of concrete so bombs would not penetrate
Nice garden
Girondins Monument--The largest monument to the reign of terror during the onset of the French Revolution. Built in 1820
Coming up on Quinconces Square
Palace de la Bourse
Caihau Gate--Used to be entrance into village from port.
Our guide had French accent and was not loud enough so I have no idea what she said.
Old bell tower
Built in 13th century
On walking tour now
Old fort and prison
Cathedral of St Andrew
City Hall inside
Plaza Comedie
St Andrew Cathedral
Golden statue of the Virgin Mary on top
Palais Rohan (City Hall)
Grand Theater (Opera House)
Opera House again
Inside Opera House
Parliment Square
Quinconces Square again
Girdonins Monument
On pier just behind our ship is a river festival. The sail ship came here from Mexico.
Taken from aft deck of our ship
Cut & paste to your browser to view photos.
https://goo.gl/photos/xQ9TKzfB7Huj3z5Q8
Holy Cow!! We did some serious rocking and rolling last night in the Atlantic. We actually sailed north of Bordeaux to enter the Garonne river that flows southward right into the center of the city. We arrived at our pier around 11am and we have a fantastic view out our balcony right into the city. We can literally walk off ship right into the city. We will overnight here and not depart until tomorrow at 11pm.
At noon it was 53 degrees with rain showers passing over then followed by sun shine. We were supposed to go on 5 hour tour to St Emilion and some vineyards that departs ship at 2pm. Due to rain showers and late return time to the ship we turned in those tour tickets and instead will do a 3 hour tour of Bordeaux that leaves ship at 2:20pm.
Bordeaux has a population of nearly a quarter million people and is the 9th largest city in France. Bordeaux is the world's major wine industry capital. There are nearly 300,000 acres of vineyards which produce 960 million bottles of wine every year. Aircraft manufacturing and tourism are also economic players here.
Our "Bordeaux City Tour" was very nice. Half of it was on the bus driving around the city and half was walking tour. We were lucky as the sun came out and we did not get rained on. Right after we got back the the ship it started raining. Our guide had a French accent so was difficult to understand her at times. Bordeaux was a very clean town with very interesting architecture and streets. Around 4pm I noticed that there were LOTS of teenagers walking around on streets and in the squares.
Cut & paste to your browser to view photos.
https://goo.gl/photos/xQ9TKzfB7Huj3z5Q8
