We flew TAP Portugal’s code share partner airline Portugalia Air to Bordeaux. The plane was delayed about one and a half hours due to minor technical issues. We thought it was best they sorted those out while we were on the ground rather than in the air!

We had to get on one of those airport buses out to the tarmac and it seemed to go to the back blocks of the airport – the plane was reasonably old with a one seat / two seat configuration. There were probably about 50 passengers on board. Anyway the seats were quite comfortable. We paid about EU80 or NZD127 each for the two and a half hour flight so thought we might get a glass of water if we were lucky but no we were offered a nice filled roll, water, wine, orange juice and tea and coffee.

We arrived into a blue skied Bordeaux about 7.30pm – it was 19 degrees. We got our bags and caught the bus into the city – it took about 40 minutes and cost EU1.40 or NZD2.22 each. We were met at the bus by Graham from Bordeaux Cycle Tours. We walked to the hotel and dropped our bags off and then went for a test drive on the bikes around town.

Bordeaux is a beautiful city. Graham gave us a whirlwind tour and orientated us to the river, train station and restaurants. We had a nice meal at Cafe Manmar – the owner was a mad rugby supporter and was glad to chat about the All Blacks. He looked a little bit like that wild one in the French team – Chauvil?

Anyway we will be reunited with our bikes in the morning all set to discover what Bordeaux has to offer.