Wine and Chocolate, Blog 5

Chateau Neuf de Papes  Blog 5

We were told that Chateau Neuf de Papes, where we docked, is in the middle of nowhere.  They weren’t kidding!  It is a small concrete slab along the river. However……we took a bus ride this AM through fields and fields of grape vines.  We have seen the vineyards of Italy, South Africa, Chile, and of course California, but these were unusual because the ground was covered with rocks, which are there naturally because the area was once under the sea.  We visited the ruins of another old castle and then went to a winery for wine and chocolate tasting.  If you know me well, you know I’m not a fan of either wine or chocolate, but I enjoyed it immensely.  We were in a large room around a horseshoe table with 3 glasses and 2 pieces of chocolate in front of us.  The young host showed us how to hold our glasses, to swirl the wine and to taste it in various ways including sucking on one finger after taking a sip of wine in order to aerate it.    I was amazed to find that the flavor changed depending on what we did.  The flavor also changed as we tasted the lavender and thyme chocolate.  People on our tour went crazy buying wine—the least expensive was 25 euros, but I only bought a bottle of overpriced but local poire (pear) jam.

As soon as we returned to the ship, we set sail.  The low key afternoon was perfect.  I skipped the crème brulé demonstration and afternoon tea to take a much needed nap.  Dan went to the talk on French waterways as we went through the third deepest lock in the world in a thunder and lightening storm.  We are docked at the tiny town of Viviers (3000 inhabitants) along with two other riverboats.  After dinner we took a walk (it is light out until about 10 PM) down a tree -lined avenue to the heart (small) of the town.  As it is Sunday night it was very quiet and empty.  At the top of the town, where we’ll go tomorrow, is another huge castle aglow in the fading light.  We also get to hear an organ concert tomorrow. 

Observations:  I still like river cruising—much less pretentious than large ship cruising, easy to get on and off the ship, no photographers, more casual dining, fewer people.  The main problem is the age and speed (or lack thereof) of the passengers.

We are definitely among the youngest people on board.  However….besides Dan’s golf buddy and his wife, Glen and Nancy…. the couple we enjoy the most are in their 80’s:  86 and 81  The husband even served in WWII.  They have been married 63 years and are an inspiration.  I always think Dan and I will perhaps have 10 more years of travel, but observing people at least a decade older, maybe we’ll be OK.  But, on the other hand the pace of the tour is geared to slower walkers.  Grant, my son-in-law would go crazy.  Dan and I take off as much as possible on our own.  There is minimal entertainment in the evening, which is OK with me as I’m not a night person and our cabin is so spacious and comfortable. 

I am now caught up with our tour so far…the weather is supposed to improve tomorrow.  Bon nuit!