We take photos with Larry before we leave. He's been wonderful company during our stay at Fleur de Gites – a very interesting life and some amazing stories. We take away many fond memories of our stay here – nights by the fire sipping great Bordeaux red wines, cats on laps, misty views from bedroom windows, creaking floorboards. I don't think I have ever slept so soundly anywhere else before.
St Emilion was such a special place to visit on our drive from Bordeaux to Hautefort that we stop in there again on our return trip. Another lunch in the square and a chance to buy some of those things we wished we'd bought the first time.
Would you believe my bag weighs only 14 kg – thanks to all the parcels and boxes sent home. Ryan Air is a very no-frills airline but it does what it promises and gets us to Porto on time.
We catch the train into town and get off at a station that seems to be in a very derelict part of town. It is raining and there is graffiti everywhere, decaying walls, chipped pavements, ugly houses – all a bit of a shock after France where it seems everything is picture-perfect even when run down.
However, our hotel the Rex has some semblance of former grandeur – elaborate ceilings, dark heavy ornate furniture, chandeliers. We check in then head out for dinner. More grubby facades down narrow lane ways but it does change to wider avenues and gracious but decaying old buildings and the fabulous port area where we have dinner in a restaurant watching the rain fall on the harbour.
Over to our food writer Sue:
“The nibbles come unordered as appears to be the custom. We have fish and potato balls, a soft cheese and olives with bread. Alan has his soup – this time a vegetable soup followed by calamari. 'Not as good as Greece'. Lee has grilled dora and I have the sea bass. Both are grilled and served with boiled potatoes tossed in olive oil with a bit of salad. Nice onions. Meal is fresh - clean tastes.”
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| goodbye France |
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| hello portugal |
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