To help prevent any boredom during my last week in Europe, in which I would have no classes or commitments, I planned a four day, three night trip to the south of France. Gascony, for example, is in Southern France, and revolves around the Garonne River, and is famous for its top product, wine. I planned this trip to relax before going home, and experience a taste of France. Sounds fun and simple, right? Well, there were some hitches in this plan. Follow along my somewhat surprising, humbling, and rewarding experience in the heart of Gascony, Bordeaux.
A Whirlwind of Emotions
Upon my arrival to the Bordeaux airport about 20 miles outside of the city, I was greeted by the sight of three soldiers, armed to the teeth, slowly marching around the waiting lounge in the airport. Sadly to say, this would become a common theme during my trip to France. France has been hit hard by terrorist attacks by the small groups of Muslim extremists in the world. France has reacted by placing extreme security measures, doing customs even for EU flights, having soldiers walking around public places, placing concrete barriers anywhere they can be put, and having security checkpoints at the Christmas markets. This sense of foreboding only added to the discomfiture I felt. I had been warned that most people in France would either not speak any English, or would be unwilling to speak any English (French snobbery is NOT a stereotype). But, what I wasn’t warned about is that there would be no tourists at all in these regions. I felt utterly alone for the two days I was in Bordeaux. It was a new type of culture shock I had never experienced in Portugal, constantly surrounded by English-speaking students. I felt fear in asking people questions, assuming they would turn up their nose at my inability to speak French. So, I just decided to mostly wander around, soaking in as much as I could, trying to look inconspicuous. This activity required no French (the French accent is really hard when you already are juggling a Spanish and Portuguese accent). This decision, while made in a stressed out moment, was not a bad one. Over my days in Bordeaux, I saw much of the city, and was inspired by its simplistic beauty. The buildings were symmetrical but beautiful, made out of stone. The Promenade of St. Catherine stretches for 2 miles of shopping-filled bliss, and exposed me to what brands the fashion-forward French like the best. I mingled with the working class French every moment I walked around.
I also saw the rampant homelessness problem that Bordeaux is experiencing. Old bearded men and mothers with children sat on cardboard squares pleading in French at every corner of the Promenade and outside the main tourist attractions. The problems in France were also evident in the huge protest that marched through the main riverfront avenue for miles, with 10,000 people shouting their demands of the local government. As I later learned, Bordeaux, which has a large aeronautics industry, was seeing a widespread reduction (or even removal) or retirement benefits amongst other things, and the throngs on the streets were quite unhappy about this. While the stone walls of Bordeaux’s buildings may not have showed flaws, I definitely saw major cracks in the foundations of democracy and goodwill in France. I’m not sure what this means for the future. These issues could explode into something violent, or could simper out. But, I know now to keep my eyes to France.
Let the River Run!
I kept my eyes on other things while in Bordeaux, however. Bordeaux was the smallest city outside of Portugal I had visited so far, with a population of only 250 thousand. Thus, there also was not as much to see in the city. Bordeaux’s main draw is the numerous châteaus outside of the city where one can taste the famous wines (such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) that have asserted Bordeaux’s significance for centuries. However, I never left the city proper, so I had to get my taste of the city’s culture and wine-based history within the city limits. Of course, as in every European city, I visited the large Basilica in the southern quarter of the city, with its tall tower separated from the main basilica, an abnormality in my European travels. Another main difference in this one was the stonework, and the lack of a remodel. The Basilica was raw, original, work. You could see the age in the water-stains and small cracks spread throughout the foundations and walls of the buildings. The Basilica was dead empty, and was ominously quiet. Solemn, like a church should be. Once outside the Basilica, a lively street market where vendors sell everything from furniture to children’s clothing provides color to the pasty Basilica and surrounding buildings. One can also easily get lost in the spiderweb of surrounding narrow streets, cobblestones underfoot. These streets are quiet. It allowed me to appreciate the ivy providing some pop to the mostly barren walls, and the blissful early winter weather of southern France. Eventually, the streets spit you out to one of the two main squares of the city, where one finds the lofty towers of Saint Andre’s Cathedral. The interior of the cathedral is more well-lit than the basilica, and a fresh remodel is in process on the outside. The cathedral itself is still quiet, with the only sound breaking the peaceful reverie a children’s choir bellowing at the top of their little lungs, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” Yeah, that was actually quite funny.
But, one cannot ignore the main attraction of Bordeaux in my opinion, the Garonne. This river flows 374 miles from its source in the Pyrenees to its delta near Bordeaux, both cutting Bordeaux in half and providing the moisture necessary for the region’s famous grapes. I took a long walk (nearly 6 miles) along the river, crossing both of Bordeaux’s famous bridges, the old-fashioned Pont de Pierre and the modernistic and blue-hued Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas. It was a peaceful river walk, full of the wind rustling the remaining leaves on the trees (it takes forever for the trees to lose their leaves here!) and the odd jogger and dog-walker taking advantage of the beautiful weather. The Garonne is meant to be taken at a snail’s pace. But, even more so to be appreciated is the wine industry. Although I did not visit a château, I did enjoy a wine-tasting at the wonderfully informative Museé du Vin et du Négoce de Bordeaux. Here, I learned all about the development of the wine industry, and how it affected the citizens of Bordeaux. Even in the 1500’s, Bordeaux’s wine was world renown and highly acclaimed, with the ministers of Bordeaux ensuring the exclusivity of the wine by placing high tariffs on outside wine. This resulted in the wine trade business especially taking hold in the Chartrons, the locale of the museum, and formally outside of the city walls. Here, wines from all over France were traded freely, and networks of cellars connected to the Garonne. Merchants then could easily sail up and down the Garonne, selling wine as they went to common citizens, and larger sea-going merchants. Without the Garonne, Bordeaux may not be what it is today. I would not have known to visit Bordeaux to try the delicious red wines that make up most of Bordeaux’s selection (90% to be exact). As long as this river runs, Bordeaux runs with it.
Thanks for reading. I am currently home after the crazy and amazing 4 months I lived in Portugal. I am happy to be back, but missing terribly so many of the people I became such good friends with. That has been the hardest part. But, I am confident I will see them again soon. Also, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas tomorrow! It is good to be home to celebrate with my family. Also, we near the end of my posts. I have two more in the works, one about Toulouse, and a final reflection upon returning. Look for those last two before the new year. Until next time,
Jeremy Caldeira
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. What a lovely blog you have here… I love the details you brought, especially the way you brought them out. Do you mind if I quote a few of your words on my blog? I really love the grapes, I guess I just can’t do without them. I hope you can read waptrick on my site. Please reply me or let me know when you make a decision. After all, I will be subscribing to your RSS feed and I hope you write again very soon!
Yes, feel free to use my words as long as you give me credit! I’m glad you enjoy my posts. I will unfortunately not be posting anymore as this was for my trip in Portugal and I’m back at school in the States now. I’ll give your blog a look.
Jeremy
The passion you have for Bordeaux and its sights is definitely evident in your story. http://www.confiduss.com/en/jurisdictions/france/. I’m just in love with France and ready to return there again and again, at least reading your blog about the trip. Thanks for sharing!
Fantastic post, very informative, probably one of the most detailed that I read about Bordeaux! http://www.confiduss.com/en/jurisdictions/france/. You must continue to write. I am sure that you already have regular readers!
Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed
reading it, you may be a great author.
I will be sure to bookmark your blog and may come back in the foreseeable future.
I want to encourage that you continue your great writing.
thanks for sharing…
https://mstwotoes.com/waptrick/
Your article really made my day. I’ve been surfing through the internet to get an interesting article to read. I stumbled on your content and it really intrigue me.
Unfortunately, in my life, I am only interested in buying a russian wife . I couldn’t find someone to form a solid and stable family with lovely children for a long time, but after browsing this site, I found a really pretty Russian girl. I purchased her plane tickets after two months of active communication with her, and she traveled over to me. We now live together and adore one other while planning our wedding date and location.
wow. i cant believ this is the first time I am visiting this blog. You are indeed a talented writer. i read in the comments that I can use your reviews to write something on my blog as long as I give credit to you
It’s really a nice and useful piece of information.
https://www.sportspaedia.com/fzmovies/
Nice post
You need to learn about Asd Google Docs
I am really enjoying reading your well written articles. It looks like you spend a lot of effort and time on your blog. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work. for More Information Click Here:- HP Printer Blue Screen Error
you have a nice site, I love the articles on your site and the arrangement is also good. if you are looking for the best phone to buy this year 2022 you can check out the information consigning best phone to buy this year.
wow, you have a nice site, I love the articles I can find on your site and the arrangement also. I saw interesting content consigning how to be popular you need to check it out.
wow, you have a nice site, I love the articles I can find on your site and the arrangement also. I saw an interesten content consigning Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra hands on is a beast you need to check it out.
I saw an interesten content consigning BIO full form Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra hands on is a beast you need to check it out.
on is a beast you Prestige Avalon Park is an newssow Residential Development venture of Prestige Group. need to check it out.
on is a beast you need to Prestige Avalon Park is an hindineed Residential Development venture of Prestige Group. check it out.
This is very interesting blog. Thanks for sharing this information with us. Customized Lip Gloss Boxes
After study a few of the blog articles for your website now, and that i really like your method of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark site list and are checking back soon. Pls consider my internet site too and inform me what you consider. Buy Coffee Cups
In this age of modern technology, where new digital apps and devices are created and developed every day,Times Tech City is the name of fame. We have joined the industry with the mission to provide the latest information about technology,best ways to earn money online, reviews about buisness and much more in tech industry.
Nice post. I find out some thing tougher on various blogs everyday. Most commonly it is stimulating to learn to read content from other writers and exercise a specific thing at their store. Tiles Shop in Dubai
That’s Very Nice Information about Europe’s Rivers
by: motorola kaha ki company
I am really enjoying reading your well-written articles. It looks like you spend a lot of effort and time on your blog. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work. for More Information Click Here:- https://www.henryguru.com/
This is a very interesting blog. Thanks for sharing this information with us. Do check out some great articles, one of which is right here: https://www.henryguru.com/o2tvseries-download-tvseries/
कालीघाट मंदिर कालीमाता के दर्शन करने के लिए हावड़ा से कालीघाट का रास्ता पता करें
Thanks for this blog post, it was very intriguing, educative and important for everyone. Keep it up. Applications are now open for Payne Fellowship Program 2024! The Payne International Development Fellowship Program opens doors to exceptional individuals who aspire to build a career in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Here’s my blog post and I will like you to check it out.
https://www.makeoverarena.com/payne-fellowship-program
I really enjoyed reading this article! It was well-written and informative, and I learned a lot. I appreciate the author’s insights on the topic. I would definitely recommend this article to anyone who is interested in learning more about this.
Cloth Towel Accessories Cutlery Hooks Hanger for Bathroom, Kitchen, Home – Quality Ball Hooks
Grace International
Great article! Your approach to this topic is truly impressive. You've successfully combined information and writing style to make it readable and valuable for readers. I look forward to more of your work!
Students find themselves stuck in assignments, exams, researching, and other activities and they know very well how much time these marketing assignment help.So we have now many writing assistants and the perks of hiring in UK is it will save your time, your work will be correctly written, it will be submitted on time, and increase the chance of getting the highest makes.
Nice post. I used to be checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! Extremely useful info specially the closing section I maintain such info much. I used to be seeking this particular information for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.
I have read some good stuff here
Marketing Essay Help USA is a specialized service designed to assist students and professionals in the United States with their marketing essays. This service provides expert guidance in understanding marketing concepts, theories, and case studies, helping clients craft high-quality, well-researched essays. It caters to various marketing topics, including digital marketing, consumer behavior, market research, and strategic marketing planning, ensuring essays are insightful, engaging, and academically rigorous.
Thanks admin keep it up.
5 mistakes after knee replacement
Great to be here.
acestreamapk
I got this site from my buddy who informed me about this website and now this time I am visiting this web page and reading very informative articles or reviews here.
http://www.ssegold.com is a really good site to save money for you.
ALEXISTOGEL merupakan link rekomendasi bandar togel hongkong terbaik dan terpercaya yang memiliki minimal pemasangan hanya 100 perak dengan hadiah 4d terbesar.ALEXISTOGEL
Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with extra information? It is extremely helpful for me. ae888.city
I got too much interesting stuff on your blog. I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! Keep up the good work. ae88.app
ALEXISTOGEL adalah situs slo*t online terbaik dengan permainan s*lot gacor resmi winrate tertinggi setiap hari untuk Anda. Daftar dan Claim Bonus Member Baru 50%, Raih keuntungan sebanyak-banyaknya!ALEXISTOGEL
TESLATOTO merupakan agen sl*ot yang mudah menang di lengkapi dengan persentase kemenangang yang tinggi dan pastinya terpercaya.TESLATOTO
آزمون آزمایشی تیزهوشان
خرید کتاب تیزهوشان پویش
بهترین کتاب کار ابتدایی
کتاب کمک درسی
منبع آزمون نمونه دولتی
قیمت کتاب کار علوم
کتاب کار فارسی
کتاب هوش ششم