To the beach

The warm weather and the lure of unlimited oysters led us to the beach at Cap Ferret. Barry, our GPS, got us there with no arguments and we made the most of the markets, carousels, petit trains and . . . oysters. Loved the place and had a dip in the gorgeous Atlantic.

We had a really great weekend - rebooked for next week.

Yuuuuummm

Our introduction to rural Bordeaux began in Langon, just 6km away from our village of Barsac. The Langon Cheese and Wine Festival was a real treat. And sharing the day with Carla, Tom, Michelle, Mark and the two girls made it even more special. Within minutes of entering the grounds we'd tasted and purchased incredible cheeses, wines from Burgundy and all kinds of local treats. We spent most of our time ensconced at the oyster tent. Bliss.

With enough supplies for the next few days, we all made our way back to Chateau Dudon to find our 'gite'. It is just great. Set beside the Chateau, within the walled grounds, the gite is in the same set of buildings as the winery and cellar, where they produce small amounts of delicious Sauternes.

The kids spent all their time in the cubby house and we spent all our time under the walnut tree. It is really hot. And it's beautiful.

Today I am attempting to put a few more photos of our time in France in a more snazzy way-let see if i can do it

How perfect can a place be?

I have to work out how to do the photo gallery thing to give an idea of how perfect our introduction to this food and wine region was. . . this could take a while . . .

In Bordeaux

We spent a couple of days exploring Bordeaux before making our way to Barsac. Wandered around. Had a brilliant lunch of duck confit and scallops (let the eating begin). Lost Blue Bear No. 1 at the playground . . . guess the lure of all things French just got to him . . . Now searching teddy bear sites for a Minkplush 'Jack'. . .

London Life

Not a lot of time to do much in London. A bit of shopping. Mostly dealing with jet-lagged kids. Harry tried to be the rockstar by smashing glasses out the hotel window and ripping large chunks of wallpaper off the walls. . . he's a good kid . . . really. Lots of time spent in the private garden which the hotel had access to.

You Beauty!

What a great start to our trip when Fraser Gallop picked up the International Award for best premium Bordeaux style wine at the Decanter Wine Awards at the London Opera House. Carla and Tom joined us for the evening, and we had a pretty good time. . .