Nothing funny to report, just St Emilion's beauty

Sorry, there is a distinct lack of funniness to report at the moment. The reason being is that, unlike as reported in previous posts, we are becoming a little more at one with our home 'Hugo' now, and therefore we are learning all his little foibles. There has been lots of fun, but I suppose trying to relive jokes through a blog is like trying to tell a joke a second time.

Anyway, onto today. A short hop from Bordeaux, took us less than an hour of travel today. Once off the motorway, we ended up flashing (a glamorous term to describe a pootling pace) through the localities where the vineyards pass by one after another. The rows of vines parallel and tidy, and then the endless Chateaus lining the roads and hillsides. If this is living the dream, then I'm quite happy. 

So into St Emilion, a bit of a beautiful place really and a bit of a wine epicentre too.

An old town with obviously a rich heritage, and apparently the starting point for macaroons in the 16th century.  However, in the crumbling walls and pale stoned buildings there are 85 wine shops/caves. Think Ilminster, add a few extra streets, and then fill with wine shops. Quite amazing. Wines to be tasted here and there. For a couple of people who like wine this is not a problem, however, I don't really care which grape or which chateau etc. It just must taste good. Speaking of tasting good, we then had an outdoor lunch beneath the shadow of the clock tower in the little town square ( it was baking hot by the way).

A beautiful lunch, where we took photos of what we ate.

A little uncouth, but that doesn't matter, we are tourists and I'm slowly getting into that bit.

After lunch, we moved Hugo to his new home on a vineyard 1 mile out of St Emilion. Stunning. As I sit in the back of this van, the sun has dipped over my left shoulder and over my right shoulder (may I remind you that our front room has 3 aspects!!!!!) a rainbow hangs over the town with glazed clouds of orange under a very light rain. 

We cycled back to the town for more of a mooch, purchased macaroons, I tried foie gras. I had no idea about it, but it worked for me, but would've been better with a wine I think. Upon returning we went to visit our host for the night and sample some of his wines. I think he knew we had no idea, so saved his best wines for himself. We were presented with 2 wines, which were lovely. So we picked the loveliest and bought 2 bottles. We then got into a cracking conversation about him being the 6th generation of this particular wine grower, the history of the English cobbles in St Emillion in the 11th century and how local vineyards are being swallowed up by wealthy hobby farmers or industrial giants. His nearby neighbours are of Chanel fame! So our guy is a little island surrounded by people who know nothing of wines.......apparently!

All in all a lovely day that ended with much laughter at tea time about not very much. However, the laughter, the sun, the heat and a simple bread and cheese supper made for a fitting end to the day. 

Ed