Au Revoir
Our month in Capbreton has come to an end, and it went fast. Our belongings are safely stored in Biarritz as we leave on the next leg of our journey, traveling light for the coming month. Everything we need must now fit in the back of our car, real light!!! Last night at dinner, we asked the boys what they enjoy most about being here. Luke said he loves grabbing his board and hitting the surf whenever he wants. “People are so nice. If you’re eating on a bench, people walking by say bon appetite or bonne journee.” Charlie said, “I enjoy the independence of going places on my own and it feels safe here, even without speaking French yet. When walking alone in Carmel people ask, “Where are your parents?” Or are concerned for you. Here they don’t say anything because it’s normal for a kid to walk around by themselves. It’s like at home they don’t trust kids to be by themselves.”
As for me, I love the convenience of walking or biking to get what I need. People are friendly and the lifestyle is the way everyone should live. Perfect pace. Learning French is a goal of mine to better integrate, and I'm excited to make it happen! And Gabe, he's thrilled to see each of us embracing this experience and settling into a life that makes us healthier and happier. We're all loving it here!
The food here is so good – the quality and taste. However, I'm frustrated by the high prices we have to pay back in the states for simple items/necessities. Back home, our food is filled with hidden preservatives and forever chemicals. For example, leftover pizza can sit on the counter for days without spoiling, but here, it molds overnight. Even cheddar cheese bought for our Mexican lunch molded quickly, while the one from Costco lasts forever. I believe the reason why many people are sick in the US is due to the presence of hidden chemicals, preservatives, and other additives in the food and products they consume. We bought premade gazpacho in a small carton from the supermarket. There were six ingredients: tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, red onion, salt, and vinegar. It was delicious. I love how the food here makes me feel lighter and healthier; I don't feel bloated or uncomfortable after a meal.
Driving to St. Emilion, we were rerouted onto country roads – just perfect! We drove through thick forests and passed quaint villages, each one with a beautiful eglise and Mairie. Then, Gabe asked about Sauterenes. Turned out it was just a 20-minute detour. So, naturally, we said, "Let's go for it!" We found ourselves on a narrow road, surrounded by trees, until suddenly, we arrived at a breathtaking view of vineyards stretching out before us. Simply awesome! Naturally, I said we are going to Chateau d'Qyuem! Go Go Google Maps. We knew chances of getting a tasting without an appointment were slim in this area. As expected, we couldn't get in, but the staff was friendly and allowed us to explore the gorgeous gardens.
We ended up buying two 375mL bottles from 2010 and 2013 – the birth years of the boys. They'll enjoy these bottles when they turn 21! We walked around the gardens that were filled with six different heirloom roses, perfect grass (don’t walk on it), and views of the surrounding area. Breathtaking, really. Chateau Guirard was conveniently just down the road. We decided to give it a try and (they had time to give us a tasting!) indulged in a tasting of the G - a crisp, dry white made with Sauternes grapes, along with the 2015 and 2008 Sauterenes vintages. The boys were absolutely thrilled with the flavors! Who doesn’t like late harvest wines? During the tasting at Chateau Guiarard, the young guy attending to us shared some exciting news. He told us that the wine manager from Chateau d'Yquem had recently joined their team, and the 2022 vintage will be the first one under her guidance. Although it's not available yet, everyone's eagerly anticipating this new era for Chateau Guirard. The atmosphere at Chateau Guiarard was undeniably French! I was immediately transported by the charming gardens, vibrant flowers, and the wind. There were remnants of people gathered around tables, savoring wine and enjoying their lunches. The sky was filled with textured clouds. The whole scene was a classic, timeless vibe. After the great experience, we set off for St. Emilion.
Driving into St. Emilion was an incredible experience! The tightly packed limestone buildings, some dating back 1,000 years, created a unique atmosphere. The highlight, of course, was the monolithic church, the largest underground church in all of Europe. Maneuvering through the super narrow streets and finding parking was a relief with Gabe behind the wheel – it was so tight and close, I'd probably have bumped into something myself! The boys had their own room just a floor above ours, and both of our windows offered a view of the church steeple. The village's beauty is truly captivating, and I could sense the weight of its history all around. For dinner, we headed to Pomerol, where we indulged in a delicious meal. Back in St. Emilion, we explored the streets.
Dinner in Pomerol was delicious, but the wine stole the show. Gabe asked the Somm to bring something from the region and gave a price range. He returned with a bottle wrapped in a sleeve with a big red question mark. Such a fun game! Now, let's see if Gabe can guess the winemaker. Love this!
