Seldom does anything in life go as planned, that too is true for our cruise. This week we have learned of four changes that have imposed upon the quality of our experience.
The biggest concern occurred on Monday when there was a catastrophic power outage throughout most of Spain and Portugal (our destination next week).
The outage shut down all the trains and airports so we were concerned that this might interfere with our ability to fly to Lisbon on Sunday. Trains literally stopped in their tracks not having electricity to run. Airlines have been overwhelmed by people having to reschedule cancelled flights. As it appears today the power seems to have been restored to most places, and our flight shows us departing on schedule. The only pending warning is for long lines at passport control (but that should not apply to us as we are traveling between Schengen states and thus not entering the Schengen zone). Pray that our flight and our transfers go as planned.
With riverboats you are always at the mercy of the condition of the river, be it high or low. The rivers currently are running very high. On Wednesday they let us know that our cruise from Bordeaux to Cadillac (pronounced cad - ee- ak) which was to have occurred this afternoon is no longer possible. So instead of cruising to Cadillac and docking there this evening, we will be bussing there for the day leaving at 8:30 tomorrow morning. It is only about a 40 minute bus ride each way, but the bus is not as comfortable or as scenic as cruising on the river.
Tomorrow night we were scheduled for an optional tour where we would have spent the evening in a chateaux with its owner for a tour, wine and dessert. Prior to leaving on our adventure we received notice that this event had been cancelled. That created yet another hole in our calendar.
Finally, yesterday we received an e-mail concerning our riverboat cruise next week. In part it read :This message is to let you know that the Douro River is currently experiencing high water levels. As a consequence, itinerary changes may become necessary and may include limited sailing, docking in alternative ports, and longer than normal motor coach drives to some destinations." They go on to say that conditions are constantly changing and they will not know for certain what changes, if any, will be necessary until the time we sail on May 6. Please pray that any changes do not dramatically impact the way we experience this region of the world.
Having said that, today became a relaxing day to enjoy Bordeaux. We stayed on board this morning as the boat travelled upstream a few kilometers to an industrial dock where we were met by fuel trucks to refuel the ship.
Our first stop was the Aquavit Terrace out on deck where I finally enjoyed a serving of eggs benedict which was to die for!
After cruising about 30 minutes we arrived at the dock where we were to take on fuel. We completed one mile on the deck (12 laps) in perfect walking weather.
A garbage pick up boat was on one side hauling off all the garbage generated since our last port stop.
Ahead of us was a freighter being loaded with scrap metal probably bound for a foreign port.
Two tankers were used to refuel the ship which took about two hours.
This is the flying bridge where the captain controls the ship by being able to watch what is happening along side. There are bridge controls on deck on each side of the ship, and the main controls and navigational aids in the wheelhouse in-between.
Everywhere we have been on the river we have seen small huts on stilts. They are fishing shacks. We looked inside one the other day. They have a spindle with a hand crank used to raise and lower their fishing basket to the river bottom. While they catch some small fish, they mainly are going for shrimp.
Sailing back to the city we went under a very modern lift-span bridge. We docked just a short distance beyond right in the city center.
This afternoon we headed out on a walk on Les Quais (their waterfront park) to see the number one attraction in Bordeaux, the Miroir d'eau (water mirror). It is a huge area with flat stones and a water system that cover it with 3 cm of water.
On still, sunny days the water perfectly reflects the historical buildings behind it. Unfortunately, today was overcast and there were lots of people playing in the water causing lots of motion.
Les Quais is very wide and includes wide walkways along the river, a central bike path (that you cross at your own risk), the miroir d'eau, gardens, and even a tram line on the inner edge.
From Les Quais you could look around the bend to see our boat tied up, the one in front. It is clearly the central meeting place for people in the city.
At 6:15 we met in the lounge with Oliver, our Cruise Director, who gave us our instructions for leaving the ship on Sunday morning. He did a whole routine that included juggling and a wallet that went up in flames (he must be a frustrated magician). There we met Harold and Lorraine from Vancouver Island. Harold was a ferry captain for 35 years in the BC Ferry system. We joined them on the Aquavit Terrace for dinner (which was only 5 tables because it had started raining, so most of the tables were outside in the rain). They too had two daughters, so it was fun comparing life stories with them.
Following dinner we went to the lounge to listen to LaStrada, a stringed trio of two violins and a classical guitarist. They played everything from classical, to opera, to the Beegees. They were very talented musicians.
At 10 pm it is time to go to bed as we have to be up and out to the busses by 8:30 am for our trip to the chateaus of Cadillac. Bonsoir.
Dinner Menu: Chicken Cassoulet (chicken breast and mushrooms in a cream sauce in a pastry cup), Tomato Crusted Halibut with mashed potatoes, asparagus and saffron sauce, Apple Crumble Pie with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream
Daily Step Count: 10,373 steps including the laps on deck and the walk up the waterfront.
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