We went on a Fred Olsen cruise on the Balmoral last May. There are many tales to tell. Later. We were hoping to meet some friends who live near Bordeaux but they were in the UK, as luck would have it. So, that’s an excuse to go back.
Right by where the ships dock - the small ones that can get up the river - is the Miroir d’Eau. It’s a daft water pavement thing. Every 15 minutes or so mist comes through the many holes and then it fills with water, only to a depth of about three inches but…wet, wet, water. Not just mist.
Kids go on it, a few tourists go on it. I’m there. I’m ready. I have one of the “paddle towels” we take to the beach secreted in my little bag. Shoes are off and I’m in. Or, maybe “on”.
Our dinner table buddies laughed at me. Folk mocked me for doing the “tourist” things. I suspect some of these were jealous that I carry a towel with me like Ford Prefect.
If you don’t live there then…hello… you’re a tourist. Embrace it. Do the touristy things. (Well, within reason. I’ve been known to mock those who go to the Beatles exhibition in Liverpool .) Have the courtesy to spend money locally.
Within five minutes’ walk of the ship there are little squares of cafes and restaurants where waiters will indulge your need to practise your O-level French but will take pity on you and switch to English before everyone starves. Walk a little further away from the river and the main shopping street has stores SO much better than at home.
The weather wasn’t very kind so the photos are a bit murky but here’s the scrapbook page:
