Wined and dined in style

Monday 9th September

Our day begins very leisurely as we have no baguette sadly, but we do have a pleasant day ahead we hope starting with a trip on a little white train. We go to the Chateau at 11am for coffee and felt a wee bit silly as we seemed to be the only ones going but we had seen a crowd of French people being taken around the winery. Later we were to learn that they do a special trip for English speakers in the afternoon.

Next as promised the little train appeared and at the same time so did lots of others and we all boarded for what turned out to be a very pleasant trip into Blaye, around the old town and then the Citadel. Then to everyone’s surprise and delight it turned into the citadel and drove over a drawbridge and went inside. All the while we were given a running commentary which was most informative. 

When we returned at 12.30pm we were taken into the restaurant and directed to our table which we shared with four others, a French couple, Francois & Marie, and a couple from Finland, Ekku & Sari. At first I thought Ooer! We’ve been sat apart as we were on one side of an oblong table and the other four were opposite, but as it turned out it was to ensure we received a translation of everything. As you can see from the photos everything was laid out beautifully and the food was excellent. 

The menu was a 4 course meal with a different wine for each course. Starting with Pate, a seafood cocktail and a melon compote to cleanse the palate. For the main course we chose Lamb shank with mashed potato & salad garnish. Next came a very nice cheese with jam and finally a desert. Mine was ice cream and a very alcoholic sorbet, Joan had gateau, plus as we had decided it would be our anniversary meal we also purchased a glass of the Chateau’s best wine.

This is the others making a joke

We initially broke the ice with the others by offering to take photos with their phones and from then on we all chatted away like old friends, which made the whole experience so much better. I must confess this was helped because they all spoke English and by the very frequent filling of the glasses! Poor old Ekku could not join in the drinking as he was driving, and so his lovely wife helped him out, aren’t wives wonderful? 

At this point we should have gone on the tour of the Chateau but it was only for the two of us and we politely declined as frankly we enjoy drinking it, but couldn’t give a........well I didn’t want to chance Joan’s knee. To be honest I think the young lady was not sorry and we returned to the van and promptly fell asleep. This whole day had cost us €38 each and it was well worth every penny. We had a great time and Sari came to our van and gave us their details which was rather lovely of her, so now we will have to try and go to Finland some time in the future.

But you know what’s been the best thing today? Joans knee has not hurt all day!!

So fingers crossed for tomorrow.

Good night xxx