DAY 9
Our last day, a bit sad to be leaving but still eager to be going home. We arrived back in Bordeaux last night so we had a nice excursions through the town of Bordeaux, visiting the old town as well as visiting the brand new Cite du Vin, an interactive wine museum that was just inaugurated in June.For any serious enophile 90 minutes is just not enough. Next year when I come to Bordeaux during Vinexpo I intend to spend a lot more time. One of the neatest is the smell area whre you test your semse of smell,
With a bit of free time in the afternoon Engineer Benoit Belpaume invited me to check out the engine room. Not being a big ship it took us about 20 minutes for me to observe and Benoit to explain how everything works, from the engine to the boilers. Benoit, who served in the French navy for 16 years, had to fast learn every piece of machinery quickly as he is the only mechanic/engineer on board as every piece of electric/electronic equipment may need maintenance at any time. He does have some help if he does need some extra muscle but usually Benoit spends on average12-14 hours/day doing what he knows best.
Our last dinner on board was at the Chef's table, a special dinner that the chef prepares specially for special reservatioins. The menu is the same throughout the week but it is in a smaller more intimidate dinning room. The room holds 24 people so we were with another group but at 2 different tables. Enjoy the pictures