The weather has been foggy and misty most days, damp and cold until the sun comes out, sometimes as late as 4pm. Such a difference from our time in France and Florida, both muggy and hot. I would far rather add more clothes to keep warm that sweat it out in humid climes. Being a tourist in Paris was quite overwhelming. It reminded me of Singapore. Not the architecture, but the heat and exhaustion walking down the boulevards or backstreets, looking at all there is to see in that wonderful city.
After Tim's Paris meeting we caught a train to Auxerre in Burgundy, arriving at noon to torrential rain. We couldn't help laughing at our poor planning. Even if we'd caught a taxi to collect our car, the Hertz office was closed - Siesta until 2pm. So we resigned ourselves to lunch in the station cafe which turned out to be an unexpected delight - tomato tartare and two Heineken beers.
We stayed at Domaine Borgnat a working wine farm for two nights, just outside Auxerre, with comfortable, unfussy lodgings and excellent dinners served at large communal tables. At 6pm each evening the vintner conducts wine tastings in this cave-like wine cellar. Check Trip Advisor.
From the north of Burgundy we made our way south, to Beune, the wine capital of Burgundy, a beautiful town surrounded by the remains of an old wall and moat, and, further out, acres of vineyards of the Cote d'Or, all green and lush in the July sun. We spent two happy days and nights at a delightful inn, Jardin de Lois, in their newest room, not yet even on the website, with views out to the large rambling garden. The first evening we ate a sumptious meal at the Auberge du Cheval Noir. Although the service was slow to get started, once we were 'in the stream' the food and wine got better and better.
Too soon we had to journey back by train to the airport to catch a plane to Tampa, Florida and make our way to Boca Grande to join all the Lucy and Jim Stanton children, grandchildren, wives, husbands, as well as three great grandchildren, two nieces and one grand-nephew. An amazing gathering to celebrate Lucy's 90th birthday - all the family below -
