Bonjour!
I don’t understand why, but recently I’ve taken to guessing at how big events would translate into “stages of reaction” for Katie and I. Katie and I have both traveled all over Europe previously, but never for such a long time. Both of us know there will be mixed emotions as time endures. Leaving the dogs alone made for hours of sadness. In thinking about the move to France (I call it a “move” because 2 months is certainly different than a 10 day romp around Europe, or a “vacation” in Bordeaux) I knew that there would be basically three stages of reaction. 1) Euphoria. We’d be romanced and completely blown away by the idea and reality France, the Chateau and our flat here, the change itself, etc. 2) Frustration. Language barriers, etiquette misunderstandings, getting lost, driving the wrong way down one-way streets, etc. And 3) A stage I call “Biting the bullet.” Learning what we must of the language, beginning to find our way, understanding more of the French, etc. This stage is to be (hopefully) followed by some bit of comfort.
One quick note:
I know that I am incredibly lucky for the opportunity to travel abroad, let alone the chance to work, contribute, and learn about winemaking in France. Again, thank you so much to all of those I work with that helped me get the chance, and to those picking up after me at my home winery and allowing me the opportunity. That being said, please understand that although a great opportunity, the trip will surly have its challenges. I will detail the triumphs and tribulations (usually for their comedic value) of our stay, and want everyone to know that I am eternally grateful for the opportunity, regardless of the tough times that I may discuss. Likewise, I am not gloating when I discuss the truly wonderful parts of the trip (take now for instance, as I sit behind this 17th century chateau, Chardonnay in hand) and truly hope anyone interested gets the opportunity themselves.
The trip over was free of any true issues. In fact, it was quite enjoyable. Air France was great, and the meals on board were distinctly French. Cheese with dinner and breakfast (genius!) and baguettes as well. Katie and I both slept well on the flight. Paris has a serious airport, but aside from our first taxi driver, who pushed us out of the taxi and assured us that we could take a bus to our hotel from there instead of wasting his time, our travels were comfortable and pleasant. Indeed, thanks to a very nice airport janitor, who showed us the way, we made it to the Marriot bus, and eventually the hotel.
We were treated exquisitely at the Marriot, and would recommend it to anyone. Dinner at the hotel restaurant was fantastic! We had a bottle of 2004 Pommard 'Trois Follots', Domaine Pascual Prunier-Bonheur, from Burgundy that blew our minds! So fresh and so true to Pinot Noir! The evolution of this wine in the glass over dinner, from fresh cherry and caramel to mushroom and forest floor, was wonderful. Following dinner the Sommelier, having discussed the first wine with us at length during the meal, brought over a bottle of 2003 Domaine de Chevalier LE ESPRIT de CHEVALIER (2nd Wine of Domaine de Chevalier) Rouge, Pessac-Leognanfrom. It had been a by the glass pour that was open at the end of the night. The Sommelier did not want it to go to waste, and shared it with us instead. Very bold and full of cedar, spice, and tobacco nuances, it was the perfect nightcap.
We took the train from Paris the following morning (yesterday at this point) and drove from Bordeaux’s train station to the chateau. You can see the masculine auto I have chosen to be our steed throughout the trip. You should hear this baby roar (or perhaps buzz, is a better word).
I will save details of the Chateau itself, and our flat, for my next post. Suffice to say for now, that staying in a 17th century chateau is grand, yes, but also quite creepy (think haunted castle). The area (Blanquefort) is a town of 13,000 just outside the city of Bordeaux. It is quite industrial, save the plot of land in which our chateau is located. I liken it to Modesto, or better yet Lathrop. Inside the chateau walls though, you feel a million miles from anywhere. It is eerily peaceful and as gorgeous and you could possibly imagine. Aside from not being able to watch football (the American kind), I can’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday.
Katie and I are certainly both still in stage 1.
Stay well everyone.
JB
4 comments:
that car is badass! Don't let anyone (especially the French) tell you otherwise
Your father read your entry to me. How fun it was to hear him attempt to pronounce the wines and locations. I think I will have him read all of them to me. It takes me back to the "Stuart Little" days when he would read to you at night. We look forward to reading more of your Euphoric Adventure. Tres Bien! Love to you and Katie, C.
Yes, the car is badass! It goes for a little thing. Seriously, there are three or four makes of cars on the roads here. All very small, like ours. No 4x4's, and no SUV's. Kind of nice really.
Good thing small cars aren't too thirsty at the petrol prices the French pay!
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