Bordeaux Euro 2016
The night before had been unkind to Ivan. As we left our apartment and headed for the earlier train he commented "Even the local tramp looks better than me."
Due to the strike the train was always going to be crowded so we thought of ways to find a seat. "We could sing English songs, that usually works!" Guess who said that? I think you know that was not going to happen.
Despite having to play musical chairs we managed to sit for the two hour journey to Bordeaux.
As we got nearer to our destination the rain started once again.
Lunch today was at La Petit Commerce, a fish restaurant, the set menu with hake, was followed by the biggest Creme brûlée you have seen.
And as for the coffee.
Near the stadium the touts were out in force, as they have been at every stadium, but the demand seems to be decreasing match by match and it was no surprise to see plenty of empty seats in the stadium.
Tickets were exchanging hands at less than face value, with top category tickets going for €50. Normal price €145.
Hungary won the match, and we made our way back to town. For the first time we encountered delays and it took an hour to get back to town. Where we decided to go to a quiet restaurant as opposed to a bar to watch the game like the night before.
On our way home we once again went to see Le Miroir d'eau, (the world's largest reflecting pool), where we had been earlier in the day. At that time we weren't impressed mainly due to the rain. This time the view of the Place de la Bourse was rather different.
Ross Clegg