Europe 2023 : Bordeaux France

Saturday 16th to Monday 18th September

On Saturday it took ages to secure Ubers to head into the city to meet up with Driekie and Dennis and Team Trussler. 

Sunday: Match Day

Yelloh Camping Bordeaux Lac is only 1.5kms walk to the stadium. An awesome crowd and a great atmosphere in the stadium and an easy win for the Bokke against Romania. We bumped into lots of friends after the game; then partied late into the night back at the campsite, watching the later games on the big screens. 

On Monday we had one of our best meals in France at Symbiose. Hipster chefs, innovative food, interesting wines.

We loved the Cite du Vin, a world class wine museum/experience.

Then more wine tasting at amazing Bar du Vin; a huge variety of wine by the glass. 

Our evening took an interesting turn when we ubered with Hanli and Andrew to The Grizzly Bar; ostensibly to pick up Carmen's lost jacket. Was it drag night? Before we knew it,

 Neil was ordering planks of shooters- the Talisker Single Malt shots took our new found friends by surprise and we learned that Springbokkies are called Monkeybrains in France. Thank goodness for Uber in the early hours! 

Europe 2023 : France : St.Emillion

Wednesday 13th to Friday 15th September

It was quite a drive to St. Emillion for our party of 15 in 3 campers and 2 cars. Strolling or cycling in the vineyards around here is lovely but it was very hot.

We visited a cellar for tasting and spend a day in St. Emillion. Town was packed with Saffers and we spotted a few Springboks too.

We had a marvelous evening at Restaurant Les Marroniers in Montagne.

While ordering Tommy called his Brochette ( chicken on a skewer ) a kebab and the owner was genuinely appalled. "In 24 years no-one has even accused me of serving kebab!" Mandy apologized for her husband. "Well luckily he's your's not mine!" Our taxis ended up being over an hour late. Eventually he closed up his restaurant and sent us packing. We reluctantly began a 3.5km walk home in the dark and then the taxis pulled up and loaded us in. Instead of complaining we were grateful they came at all! So a bit of advice for whinging tourists..This is France..They are direct..It's a bit of take it or leave it..Just start every interaction with a loud "Bonjour!" and you'll get a long way. 

Countdown to 60..Bubbly Party No.60!

Friday 8 September..St. Remy de Provence..I did it..with a little help..60 parties in 17 different countries in 1 year..

What a super special party no.60 was..with some super special people..Thank you all so much for coming and sharing in the celebrations..and what fun to video link to some special peeps in Joburg too..I really mean it when I say I am blessed with the best friends in the world..and thank you to Patrick at Bar Tabac Brasserie des Alpilles for the great meal, fun place and a chance to watch the opening game of the RWC all together..

Countdown to 60..Bubbly Party No. 59.3

Friday 8 September..Brunch in the Campsite...thanks dear friends.. and a good way to celebrate living more than three years ( spread over 15 years ) in a van called Homer! #vanlife

Countdown to 60..Bubbly Party No.59.2..

Midnight 8 September..In the very,very quiet streets of St. Remy..shhh... don't wake the neighbours!

Countdown to 60.. Bubbly Party 59.1

St. Remy..Thursday 7 Sept.. Last day of the 50s