Days 9 to 13
World travel can offer up wonderful experiences and memories; a reason we enjoy travelling so much. Gray’s brother had met Philippe who lives in the Bordeaux region of France, the previous year and was keen that we all meet up with him on this trip.
Philippe is a baker, but not just any baker; he bakes bread exactly the same way his grandfather did many, many years ago. His breads are delicious. Eating his baking straight from the oven is an unforgettable pleasure.
His life is centred round his bakery. His daily sleep and work routine would not suit everyone, but he is always cheerful and happy to talk about his life and livelihood.
Philippe and his wife have carefully restored a family home that had been left to abandoned in the family vineyard. The plentiful cellar made us realise that the vines outside, bulging with ripe grapes, are important to this family, too.
It is now early autumn, so whilst we were drinking beautiful Bordeaux wine and nibbling on scrumptious French food, outside in the evening sunshine, it was easy to imagine what life could be like if this was home!!