in which bordeaux is toured (virtually encore).

Yesterday we went on a tour of Bordeaux (one of those embarrassing walking excursions with thirty people and assorted umbrellas, half of them hauling backpacks and the other half ducking their heads in shame; but we did speak French. That was a plus).

Since I can't seem to get Blogger to upload pictures in any order but backwards, we're going to start at the end.

First: the Grand Theatre, I think. Inside, dangling tutus and a painting on the ceiling.


Second -- oh, wow, these are so out of order. Oh well. A statue for your delectation.
It is in the center of this plaza, which has a reflective pool in front of it. Behind me is the Garonne River. The plaza is actually called "Place de la Bourse," Stock-Exchange Place. Don't ask me. I don't know.Random street (I like the graffiti):
Random bookstore/cafe on first floor, random apartments above. The one on the left has not been cleaned like the rest of Bordeaux, apparently.

Church which I've forgotten all about, sorry:
The Grand Theatre from the outside (on top are statues of Greek gods and goddesses, what with the major Greek Temple Thing going on here):

The Garonne, and the bridge over it, which Napoleon built. The river is low here; and it's pretty ugly, frankly, very muddy and sort of sluggish.

The waterfront (lots of construction going on):

Today we headed over to Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte and had a tour and wine tasting; I have pictures, but the posting will have to wait for tomorrow. I have, apparently, a presentation to work on. Who knew?