St Emilion & St Genes de Castillon, March 30

   We woke up to rain and another carbolishus breakfast. But, we read that the rain would abate in the afternoon.

    We talked for a long time with Michel about places to go in California when he and Francine visit their daughter, Valentine, who is going to UC Irvine for a 3-month exchange.
    We left around 11 a.m. and drove about 40 kilometers through the countryside to St. Emilion. We honeymooned there so we have fond memories. We have visited since and have found it quite crowded.

    However, today was wonderful. We found a good parking spot and walked in parts of the town where we'd never walked. The population of the town is only 2,000, but it is a huge tourist draw for the famous wines. The vineyards go back to Roman times in the 2nd Century.
     The town goes back to prehistoric times and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
      We went into the cloisters and into the ancient church. As it is Good Friday, all the statues were draped in black. It was built in the 14th century.
       After our stroll, we drove to St Genes de Castillion to eat at Comptoir de Genes where we ate last time we were here. We had a copy of an article in the Wine Spectator that recommended the restaurant and we showed the owner, Anne-Marie Galineau. She had been delighted as she had not seen the article yet, so we gave it to her.
       When we went in, we told the waitress we'd like to see her again and we had a wonderful talk with her. She had a young American from NYC there learning French and living with her and she brought him out to talk with us. He had only been there for 4 days.

       We had the prix fix menu. (14.50 and 17.50) Mark had egg, ham, potato and pickle salad for his appetizer which he pronounced delicious. Barbara had artichokes and anchovy salad which she pronounced delicious. For the main course, Barbara had cod with risotto and vegetables in a light cream sauce. And, Mark had a veal stew. Both were terrific. We split a dessert of custard with fruit.
     It is interesting to be in wine country and not drinking. We are so enjoying the countryside and the architecture.

     Then, we drove back to Montgoyon where we are having coffee/tea on the outside patio (A bit chilly!) and catching up on today's blog. Barbara did another stint of driving today getting her driving "legs" under her.
 

Last night we saw on Facebook that Mary Beth Splaine and Jack Weinhold are in France near where we will be driving tomorrow. What a coincidence as Sarlat-le-Canada is a very small village in a rather out of the way place. So - we will meet them mid-day.
 
After we wrote this yesterday, we spent the evening with Francine and Michel. They gave us a present of homemade Civet (not sure quite what it is). And, a glass of homemade pineau which Mark declined. We chatted for a long time. We exchanged some dollars for euros as their daughter, Valentine, is off to the U.S.A. today for a 3-month exchange. We talked about gardening and birds and family. Francine speaks little English, but we all managed to communicate with a dictionary and Google translator, plus Michel is quite fluent in English. At any rate, it was a lovely end to our stay in Montgoyon.