Day 7 - First water log
Trip Start
May 22, 2011
1
8
20
Trip End
Jun 10, 2011
Chalon-sur-Saône, Bourgogne, France
Sunday, May 29, 2011
We braved yet another train and managed make it to our destination in Chalon, where we caught our bateau (boat). We walked the mile from the train station to the wharf (quai) where the boat was docked and waiting. Once again, we were helped along by the kindness of strangers. We seem to be directionally challenged in these smaller towns. The streets are very winding.
After a, delicious light lunch on board, we took a stroll, crossing the Saone River to a little islet where the locals (they were chatting in fluent French) were having Sunday lunch at one quaint restaurant after another – lots and lots of vin. Ruth has noticed that people tend to start off a meal with a Rose wine (is that to cleanse the palate?), and then they order white or red wine with the meal. We did observe that the people in Chalon don't seem as careful about picking up les poopages des chien (doggage wastage) as they were in Paris. We had to do some delicate steppage to avoid les piles.
We got into our room/cabin about 3:00; we were both pleasantly surprised. The room is very nicely appointed and quite comfortable. This could be really fun!
Bill was reassured that dinner is casual – shorts, even. We didn’t bring anything dressy, so that’s a relief. Speaking of dress, a few people have asked Ruth to keep an eye out for what people are wearing. Linen, linen, linen - even on guys. A white linen shirt on a guy looks tres cool!
The boat appears to be quite sturdy and water-tight. Sitting in the lounge, we look out the window at the river flowing by. The illusion is that the boat is moving, but it really isn’t. So the question is whether the boat will stay docked and the passengers will be fooled into thinking that they have cruised down the river, when, in reality, they stayed docked at the same spot for the whole trip and just got taken to different parts of town each day. We’ll find out tomorrow.
We just got back from an excellent dinner on board. The portions are not large, but the food is thoughtfully prepared. We have a French chef. Oui, oui. Many of our fellow passengers are going on to party in the lounge – Bill and I are toast. These people are not young, but they seem to have a lot of staying power.
We are off to tour the wineries in this area tomorrow; we stay in Chalon for the night.
Bon soir.
Bill and Ruth
Comments
Wow...what a wonderful trip. Brings back lots of memories, both of France and, more particularly of being with the two of you. We should go on a trip together.
We're in a town in So Cal called Temecula in an area referred to as the Inland Empire ... sounds like a good title for a movie by David Lynch. Why are we in this god-forsaken place? ... wedding of Anne Marie's first cousin once removed. Surprisingly, it's cold and windy, and of course Anne Marie and Gina had to go get some warm clothes.
Anyway thanks for including us in your journey. For a few minutes I thought I was actually walking the streets of Paris.
Just caught up on several days postings! It sounds like such fun and your descriptions are so great along with the pics, that I really feel like I almost there. At least no poopage on the boat! Boat looks lovely and relaxing! XOXO
The boat looks very comfortable and well cared for. How many people are on it? take a picture of the food if there is anything especially delicious and that also looks good.
I tried to go over to see Dad today, but he was sleeping. I'll try again tomorrow.
Sounds lovely - when I was in Paris, at night they had these funny Dr. Suess mobiles that would scoop up zee poops. They ran every night, nearly all night long. In the morning the streets would be fresh and clean, ready for a new day of dog walking...