May 10

The weather has turned for the better, at last! Yesterday we were in Balbao, Spain, 29C! Didn't dock until noon so was really pretty arriving in port. The port is about 30 mins from downtown Balbao so shuttles were arranged. 6 of us strolled through town, took pictures from the outside of the Guggenheim Museum, had a ride on a tram then found a nice cafe for a beer and free wifi. As we were leaving again at 6pm not enough time for us to do our own tour. Every day there are tours available through the ship but they are SO expensive and much easier and cheaper for 4 people to take a taxi to the same place for about 1/8th the price!
Arrived here in Bordeaux at noon today. Was a beautiful site coming up the river, chateaux and vineyards all along the way. We are here until tomorrow but will be moving with the ship to another town in the morning. All very difficult apparently, with the river tides. The city of Bordeaux is fantastic, looked so beautiful arriving.
Our cruise included $500 each of on board credit so we thought that rather than spend it on tours & inadequate internet we would splurge it on a dinner tonight at a chateau! Not sure yet of the details but at $399 per head it should be pretty amazing! Long time since we were that reckless with expensive meals, if ever, and terrible that today George is feeling less than perfect! Hopefully by 6.30 he will be OK. Again it is hot and 30C so most people are happy.
We were going to take a self arranged tour to St Emileon but as we were held up with disembarkation decided to take it easy. I walked into the shopping area - absolutely magnificent Streets & shops. Saw some golden arches so decided to come in & buy a cold drink & use the free wifi at McDonalds! Just saw an old man about to walk past & noticed he had something on a lead - turns out it was a cat! The poor cat looked a bit terrified, probably wondering if there was a Happy or a Ronnie around the next corner!
Well, in case I don't get another chance before Sunday, a very Happy Mothers Day to all. Hope my sister enjoyed her special early MD dinner at Maccas!! What a story, only in Brisbane????