Ahhh wine country (aka Bordeaux, France)

I've got nothing but good things to say about Bordeaux. By night, the big town by the river is illuminated and crawling with twenty-somethings trying to get to a club. By day, it was old and majestic with stone buildings and cobble-stone streets lined with cathedrals and shops. Despite not knowing the language, I felt like I could live in Bordeaux too if I wanted.

We stayed with a friend, Gaelle, whom I met in Mexico. She lived on the other side of the river and took us on a quick tour of the city on the first night. The next day was 4th of July!! Um, we were in France, so we did nothing, but here's a pic of a US and France flag outside an army store. THAT'S something you don't see everyday. Besides that, Kate and I roamed the streets, climbed towers, and did a lot of shopping, both at flea markets and this one street in particular that's littered with shops. Now I'm not much of a shopper, but how could I not get shoes that were only 5 euros??

The following day, Gaelle took us to a famous wine town, Saint Emilion. It was the prettiest little French town I've ever seen in my life (ok I know I haven't seen many French towns but it was pretty damn cute). I guess it was also pretty touristy. There were soooo many wine shops with tastings that would leave the amateur's wallet empty. We, however, chose to sip a glass of white wine and take a tour of a Chateau that made the best Merlot known to man. They gave us two tastings at the end of it and if I had $50 and luggage space, those bottles would be mine!

Evaluations

food: galette (like a crepe) with Ratatouille, bacon, and cheese ****

coffee: not too strong ****

beer/wine: Merlot - to die for *****

bike-to-person ratio: 1 to 15 maybe?

would I return? yes, with more money and suitcase space!