Viaje a Burdeos

Jardin Public, home of a mutant turkey duck

 Two weeks of radio silence, I do apologise, time got away from me completely. I solemnly promise to try harder. My excuses for lack of posting are as follows:

1. I was ill and then
2. I was stressed about missing college due to being ill and then
3. I went on a little holiday

The best part about number three is that it gives me something to write about! This weekend I went to Bordeaux to attend to some very important business (boyfriend) and a lovely time was had by all. I had never been to Bordeaux before, or indeed anywhere in France other than Disneyland Paris (flight layovers in Charles De Gaulle don't count, even if you do go outside) so it was all very new and interesting. Even getting off the plane at half eight on Saturday morning was exciting as it was cold enough to see my breath (I like winter). The weather in Seville at the moment is resembling an exceptionally pleasant day in springtime in Ireland which is making it difficult to get excited about Christmas, but rest assured I am doing my best. The Christmas markets in Bordeaux were sadly still in the setting up phase, but there were enough decorations around to keep me happy.

yayyyy 

 First of all, Bordeaux is gorgeous. They have some of the prettiest buildings and streets I have ever seen, as well as what I'd consider an impressive tram network. The only "touristy" thing we did was go to the Cathedral, which is in the middle of an impressive cleaning project. Although not half as imposing as Sevilla's cathedral it's very pretty and not nearly as gaudy. If you visit Sevilla Cathedral you'll understand, there really is an awful lot going on in there.

the contrast between the part that has already been cleaned and the part that hasn't is amazing

Bordeaux is so pleasant to walk around, however, that we really didn't need a plan, and I was happy enough to wander and take pictures of buildings and fountains. I enjoyed walking along the Garonne river (much more impressive than Sevilla's Guadalquivir, I have to say) and seeing so many squares full of those lovely typically French buildings with little balconies and attic windows. I must say that I am a little jealous of the shopping opportunities there, but I suppose it's a good thing that Spain is so Zara-heavy (am I the only one who thinks "meh" when I go into Zara?) otherwise I'd be broke. 

the french know their chocolat

One thing that was strange for me was being in a country where I knew so little of the language (I really only have a few words and the standard "merci, bonjour, je ne parle pas francais" fare) that I was dependent on someone else to talk for me. It's not as much fun as being able to communicate with people, so now I'm more determined to get around to learning French eventually.

My tour guide, buildings, and a fountain. The weekend in a nutshell.

 I'll more than likely go on another visit next term so perhaps then there'll be even more to tell you. Now if you'll excuse me, I still have some work to catch up on from when I was sick. Adieu for today x

p.s. potential trip to Madrid in two weeks, super exciiited.