BORDEAUX & ST. EMILION, FRANCE

Friday, December 26th

Steph, Bobby, Nick and I headed out to Bordeaux on Friday morning. After about a 4 hour drive we arrived at the hotel that Nick and Steph found. I was so amazed at how much French Nick and Steph understand when the concierge was speaking to them. Bobby and I had no clue what they were saying. 

We headed out to get some lunch and see a bit of the city.

We stepped in the old Opera house. There were a few ballets playing. Nick inquired at the front desk. He couldn't quite translate it, but he thought they said "Black swan" was playing that night. We decided it would be fun, so we went for it! We bought their cheapest tickets for 8 Euro. I was so excited! Nick described the title of the ballet to Steph. She laughed. She said that it meant "Nutcracker," not "Black Swan." Hahah! Oh, Nick:) I've seen the Nutcracker a hundred times, and I've ever performed in it as an adult. I guess it wouldn't hurt to see it just one more time. ;)

We continued our walk down the main shopping street.  We were all starting to get hangry. WE finally decided on a Thai food place that was super smokey, but it was delicious. (That or we were just REALLY hungry.)

Next we walked the promenade along the water. 

Nick being the guide. :)

Unfortunately, it started to rain on us a bit. We'd seen most of the main sites in the city; so we were content with walking back.

We found this on near our hotel. That beautiful stone covered by asphalt.

We also had some cool old Roman ruins right around the corner from our place. Those Romans sure did get around!

That night we went back to the Opera to see the Nutcracker. This is what 8 Euro will get you! Hah!

We ended up switching seats that were still open. I had a better view of a woman in the audience that passed out and was carried away in an ambulance than I had of the show. Haha! Oh well!

We went to dinner just across the street that night to talk about the show. It was Bobby's first ballet he'd ever attended. I think it will likely be his last. :)

Saturday, December 27th

The last full day of our trip we drove out of Bordeaux to St. Emilion. They're known for their wine.

St. Emilion was one of my favorite towns we visited. 

We had to climb to the top of the highest tower of course. :) 

This was taken on top of the tower right after Nick pretended to throw me off. :) Haha!

Italians would say, "Very normal people."

King Nicolas looking over his acres of vineyards. 

And he has to dance through this town too. :)

We made it back to Uncle Doug's by nightfall. Several other family members were there for dinner as well. I think totally we had about 16 at Uncle Dougs. It was fun hanging out and getting to know everyone.

Sunday, December 28th

The next day we drove back to Lyon to fly back to Venice. On the way we were hit by a big snowstorm. There was a LOT of snow sticking on the side of the road. Luckily, we didn't have much of a delay.

This is Nick and Uncle Doug in front of the home where Nick stayed as a child with his family. 

It was so fun to finally get to see Uncle Doug and Claudie's place after I've heard so much about it! And so fun to get to spend time with loved ones around the holiday. What a treat! 

Happy New Year! 2015! Can it be already?