A zig through Bordeaux and a zag into the Pyrenees

There was a ton of squabbling, whining, and grumpiness on our two very long car rides in the last couple of days, particularly the one from the Loire through to Bordeaux, which was lenghtened several hours due to traffic. We made it to our charming, orderly, and tiny cottage for the night and fit in an evening dinner and morning city excursion with Carl’s Carnegie colleague Noelle, along with her husband and daughter Alice.

Bordeaux is quite spectacular and grand, and we had a nice little tour of it by mini electric train. There also is a very fun antique carousel in the center of town which Willa and Alice enjoyed very much.

Now we are settled into the inn where we are staying, which is really a rehabbed Chateau in a tiny town nestled into the mountains. The place is run by a British family and we are sure to be spoiled by their delicious dinners prepared in-house. Despite the fact that this place has a pool, the presence of 3 bunnies and a guinea pig is even more exciting to Willa, which is saying a lot. So long as the weather holds out, this area offers incredible opportunities for outdoor adventures. This is our longest stop on our road trip, coming none too soon as we are all a little sick of the constant relocations.