June 3rd-4th Bordeaux, France

     How many times can you say "Je suis un grandpere por quatre jours!"?....I think at least half the Bordeaux parents of young babies now know that George is a G-Pa.  Bordeaux is incredibly charming. Life along the river Garonne is now pulsing. A new mayor 15 years ago had a vision and has implemented a fantastic plan of rejuvenation and reclamation. Underground electric  powers trams noiselessly around the quay area and into the pedestrian centers of the inner city. The modernization has not disturbed the medieval buildings.   

   Though there is evidence of Roman influence from the time they inhabited "Gaul", the bulk of Bordeaux's history revolves around the time of Eleanor of Aquitaine in about the 11th century. Her marriage with the British King Henry II put this area of France under British control for 300 years. Bordeaux enjoyed special tax treatment and commerce flourished with the draw of exporting the great wines of the Dardogne region.



Entrance to St. Emilion Vinyard Town

The first French Pope Clements II moved the papacy to Avignon in the 13th century and the golden age of spired cathedrals flourished in France. We visited one in Bordeaux that took over 300 years to build, the work of generations of craftsmen.

 Immigrants from around Europe built exporting businesses along the Garonne River and their homes in Gothic style still stand in grandeur. The current mayor has given all home owners 10 years to clean "sand-blast" their buildings or face a stiff fine...the result is a beautiful series of Limestone gems strug together by several original 10th-16th century City gates. Some of the old Roman central area buildings were torn down when Louis XIV wrested  Aquitane  from the British and reunited it with the rest of France. The winding "rues" and smaller "calles" with outdoor brasseries and minstrels and mimes just make this place more inviting.

Louis XIV commissioned Building of the Arts ..with the 12 Greek "muses" built in the original Roman City Circus

   According to one of our guides, this area has put a great deal of effort into "mixology." Every wealthy housing area must accommodate a certain amount of low income housing. Step-into ponds are placed in accessible areas to draw rich and poor and middle class children to enjoy together....and it seems to be working....at least on the surface.

and a reflecting pool at night......