Day two.....and three and four....
Art in the sub pens, Bordeaux, France
I’m finally getting into travel mode, after several days to recover from jet lag. It wasn’t terrible but I would get tired before my regular bedtime and have to turn in. We’re much better now.
We flew into Heathrow via British Airways, having an uneventful flight. The upgraded seats were actually pretty good. They recline a LOT more than a regular seat, and have nicer blankets and pillows in addition to more space. After dinner (on real plates with real silverware!) I put something on to play and drifted off. As best I can tell I got around 3.5 hours sleep…..not a lot, but better than none.
We flew into Heathrow via British Airways, having an uneventful flight. The upgraded seats were actually pretty good. They recline a LOT more than a regular seat, and have nicer blankets and pillows in addition to more space. After dinner (on real plates with real silverware!) I put something on to play and drifted off. As best I can tell I got around 3.5 hours sleep…..not a lot, but better than none.
Fish and Chips in a Horley pub
When we arrived at Heathrow we went to passport control. The UK now has electronic passport gates and it took less than 60 SECONDS to clear passport control. I was amazed! Do a passport scan, facial recognition, and be gone in less than a minute. Let’s just say I’m a fan.
We took a bus from the terminal straight to Gatwick, where our flight to Bordeaux left the next morning. We checked into a hotel that’s part of the actual airport, about 40 yards from where you enter the terminal. Nothing fancy, but it had everything we needed. In the morning when we had to check in at 6 a.m., we just walked across the street.
We took a bus from the terminal straight to Gatwick, where our flight to Bordeaux left the next morning. We checked into a hotel that’s part of the actual airport, about 40 yards from where you enter the terminal. Nothing fancy, but it had everything we needed. In the morning when we had to check in at 6 a.m., we just walked across the street.
Horley train station
We couldn’t go back to sleep so early. The first day you want to try and stay awake for as close to a normal bed time as possible. We decided to take the bus into the town of Horley, around a mile from the airport. We walked around, looked in a few shops, and had fish and chips in a local pub. It was a nice reintroduction to the UK….and we love pubs.
Night time view from our hotel balcony in Bordeaux
The next morning we flew Easyjet, a UK based budget airline we have flown many times. No issues, on time, and we landed in France a little over an hour later. We took the tram from the airport to our hotel, right across the street from the train station……because our next jump is via train. No flights for two weeks!
We were still just a little bit fuzzy from jet lag but much better. We wander around in Bordeaux and find that some of the things we planned to see were closed for winter. We adapted and just checked out the town.
We were still just a little bit fuzzy from jet lag but much better. We wander around in Bordeaux and find that some of the things we planned to see were closed for winter. We adapted and just checked out the town.
Breads at the Christmas Market
We enjoyed the food as always. If you have a gas station sandwich in France, it will be the best gas station sandwich on the planet. I’ve done this so I have first hand knowledge. Meats, fish, chicken, they do it all so well and it is just delicious.
We also enjoy sitting in a cafe having coffee and maybe a desert. Depending on when in the day, we may have a beer. You just sit and watch the world around you, talk to the people you’re with. We also visited a Christmas market and enjoyed holiday treats.
We also enjoy sitting in a cafe having coffee and maybe a desert. Depending on when in the day, we may have a beer. You just sit and watch the world around you, talk to the people you’re with. We also visited a Christmas market and enjoyed holiday treats.
Our way around Bordeaux
We traveled the city on a travel pass, 9 euros for two days per person. It works on trams, buses, and ferries up and down the river. We bought two day tickets from a machine at the airport and rode it into town. We leave our hotel and cross the street to board. We can travel anywhere in the city. It’s such an easy way to get around….not to mention cheap!
The main thing we wanted to see was Bassins Des Lumieres, an art exhibit in a World War Two Nazi sub pen. They kept the U-boats that ran up and down the East Coast of the U.S. there, and they would dispatch from Bordeaux and cause havoc up and down the east coast.
The main thing we wanted to see was Bassins Des Lumieres, an art exhibit in a World War Two Nazi sub pen. They kept the U-boats that ran up and down the East Coast of the U.S. there, and they would dispatch from Bordeaux and cause havoc up and down the east coast.
Dali and Pink Floyd......mixed
The allies bombed the piss out of it but didn’t damage it much if any. The roof was 9 meters (right at 30 feet) thick and bombs would just bounce off of it. Every now and then one would get a good hit but damage was negligible. One of the hits was visible, with rebar dangling from the ceiling, but that’s the only visible damage.
The pens were abandoned for a while, then started to receive commercial use. They are now part of an art project sponsored by the French government. They exhibit projected moving works of known artists and you walk through the expansive bunker to see it. It is projected on the wall and reflects off the water as well.
The pens were abandoned for a while, then started to receive commercial use. They are now part of an art project sponsored by the French government. They exhibit projected moving works of known artists and you walk through the expansive bunker to see it. It is projected on the wall and reflects off the water as well.
More Dali from the sub pens
Laurie and Heather are the art fans in our family and I knew that Laurie would love seeing this, so it was always in the plans. The event showcased the works of Salvador Dali and of architect Antoni Gaudi. We’ve seen Gaudi’s buildings, especially the most famous and they are impressive.
As you know and I’ve mentioned, I’m not a big art fan. But I wanted to see the sub pens and Laurie loves the art part of it…..so I figured it was a win/win. The sub pens were fascinating. As for the art exhibit….I can only say one thing. WOW! Man…..I was IMPRESSED.
As you know and I’ve mentioned, I’m not a big art fan. But I wanted to see the sub pens and Laurie loves the art part of it…..so I figured it was a win/win. The sub pens were fascinating. As for the art exhibit….I can only say one thing. WOW! Man…..I was IMPRESSED.
Out shopping for Christmas
The Dali exhibit was set to music….and the choice was Pink Floyd. It was a perfect pairing. We walked through these cavernous expanses, watching art come to life on the walls and floor. I simply cannot express how amazing this was. I guess there’s something to this art thing that my wife adores so much. She most certainly enjoyed this. I can’t express how much.
Restaurants across from the train station
We took a bus then the tram back to the center of Bordeaux and wandered the old town. We had lunch and did a little shopping. Laurie bought a lovely purple scarf as it is a little more chilly than expected. I drooled over all of the pastries on display. The French are magnificent with food.
Back at the hotel, we started packing for tomorrow. We grabbed takeout from nearby restaurants and ate in our room. Laurie had Indian food which she just loved. I had kebap, a favorite of mine. We’re all packed up and ready to move.
Back at the hotel, we started packing for tomorrow. We grabbed takeout from nearby restaurants and ate in our room. Laurie had Indian food which she just loved. I had kebap, a favorite of mine. We’re all packed up and ready to move.
Just hanging out....
Tomorrow, we’re back on the road..I mean rails. Be sure to check out the gallery below. Lots more photos! Next stop, Spain.