3RD June 2012 Sunday

We had a very special day here in Lourdes, in the rain and amazing conditions here at the Grotto, St Bernadette's crypt and the Baths. The place is enormous and so many people from all over the world, many wishing healing come with their attendants and in groups of their country of origin.

We attended Mass at 8:30 in the rain by the Grotto.  The rain didnt deter the hundreds who gathered there or walked past and spent a moment or longer in their own thoughts.  We then went shopping for some special remembrance items and it was also essential to have a hot chocolate and pancake to stave off hunger at the Dutch restaurant.  Back at the hotel Ibis we unloaded and had a cat nap before heading off for a particularly tasty baguette on our way to a special individual attendance near the Grotto.

It was time after that for some wandering around the upper streets before stopping at the L'European bistro for a three course meal.  A quick walk around the upper part of Lourdes revealed some great views of the castle nearby and some special houses built in grander times.  We sent to the evening session of the movie "Je m'appele Bernadette" which should be suggested viewing for everyone on how to maintain your convictions in the face of adversity.  We were the only ones in the theatre given it was so late and most of the tourists were tucked up in bed at such a late hour.  Made it more special. 

MONDAY 4th June

Primary task was to get some more water from the Grotto and on the way we passed yesterday’s brekky spot and we got a big hello from Madame there.  After refilling our bottles we took some last photos and got some croissants and something hot to drink and some take away for the train trip. We boarded our train to Bordeaux in plenty of time and got window seats facing south toward the mountains.  Once we had passed the hills blocking the view of the snow we got some pics and movie clips as the train sped quickly along the river toward our new place of abode for 3 days.  We left Lourdes with special memories and experiences.

Once at Bordeaux we stepped into lunch across the road from the St Jean Gare.  A simple affair of baguettes and beer – par excellence.  We hopped on a tram which is identical to the yellow tram in Melbourne with identical met tickets and in 10 minutes we were at the old Bordeaux part of town with its stunning buildings and vast pedestrian street network.  Here parking is authorisee, with the emphasis on authorisee.  We collected a map at the Tourisme office and soon arrived at our apartment building together with its 2 person and 2 suitcase lift.  To greet us on the 4^th floor was Mnsr Robin’s wife and he arrived soon after.  They are such lovely people and did not ask us for a security deposit.  Guy’s terrible French ( which in current French is excellent ) helped to concrete an excellent deal.  We put the washing on and headed out for a self guided tour of the main part of town. 

We headed south along out street Rue Sainte Catherine, a beautiful pedestrian mall that stretches from the rear of Place de Bourse alongside the river to almost near St Jean Gare.  At the end we turned left to find ourselves in the boonies so we headed toward the river and passed through some lovely squares full of cafes, people and landmarks.  We also discovered a 14^th century churches, St Paul and Sainte Croix, and St Michel’s Basillica from the same era undergoing renovations on a grand scale.  We shifted to the riverside boulevard and approaching it we were surprised by several police cars and armed gendarmes on foot converging on the street.  We quickly took stage left and when well away we turned around to find all the Algerian men in the area pouring out of coffee shops to watch the cops in action.  It was so funny to watch them behaving like little kids ( like we used to) and they were all double guessing who was in trouble.  We found out way back to our street and went home to change shoes.  We then found a wonderful supermarket recommended by the apartment owners and bought some goodies for dinner and the next few days. 

Apres dinner demanded a good walk down to the river to take some photos at the Place de Bourse and its famous mirror stone lake.  Fortune had it that the full moon was rising just above one of the stunning bridges and Guy spent many minutes perfecting his impossible photo opportunity.  That done we found another great spot, part of the original wall that was preserved as a gate to the city.  It was 30 metres high and built to celebrate victory by Bordeaux over the Italians in the 15^th century.  On the way home we found a nice glacerie and munched on that until out apartment door appeared.  Guy was still taking night shots.

By popular demand we added a photo of glace eating as depicted in this classique shot of Guy in Montagnac at the Glaces de lasceaux shop - superb