Best of Burgundy Day 9
Best of Burgundy
DAY 9 - Tuesday - 9-27-05 - Petit Ouges/Dijon
We had a leisurely morning according to the schedule, but when we woke up we found we had no water. I went out to check on the situation and found that somehow the tanks on the barge had been drained. Richard explained that although the tanks were empty he was able to run a hose from the lock master's house to help us get enough water to begin the day. This gave us enough water to get us to Dijon.
We were able to have breakfast and the crew gave us a large bottle of water just to get by. While we were waiting for them to take on some water we went on a long walk with Gloria and Jerry to the little villages of Petit Ouges and then to Grand Ouges. We crossed the canal by a lock and then walked all the way back to be ready for the barge departure at 10:15. We had enough water to take a sailor's shower and at least clean up a bit for the day.
We cruised along the canal for about an hour and were picked up by a shuttle bus at 11:30 near Longvic and went on to Dijon for the afternoon. The sun was trying to peek through, although it was still overcast and a bit chilly - my favorite kind of weather.
Our driver took us on a mini orientation tour of the city so Michel could show us where to get off the public city bus by the barge when our day was over in Dijon. The old homes here are very elegant and there were also many apartment complexes. Almost all the windows are decorated with the beautiful lace curtains, a country tradition, and something we have seen and enjoyed all through our journey here in France.
The bus and Michel took us to the tourist office and gave us maps of the city. As we were standing there getting directions for the afternoon, we saw two young men walking by with huge kebabs and French fries. I took their picture and asked them where they got their sandwich. They pointed down the street to Saral Mairig's, so we found it easily and between several patrons and the proprietor we were able to communicate and ordered the same for each of us and a Coca Cola. We were sitting by the window enjoying our sandwich when our four friends from Michigan came by and joined us. We helped them order and just about that time Clint and Ruth came by. It was not long before eight of us were all eating the delicious sandwich in this tiny café.
A woman in the shop told us we could find an internet connection in the restaurant across the street. We went in and all it took was showing our thumb drive to the manager and we were able to update the journal and check our mail. After we finished using the internet, we had an hour to walk around the city center and explore.
At 2:30 we returned to the tourist office to meet our city guide Camille who gave us a walking tour of the city of Dijon. We discovered the elegant legacy of art and architecture left by the Burgundian grand dukes that ruled here during the 14th and 15th centuries and their palaces of these old nobles. The central hub of old Dijon is Place Francois Rude with its cafes and bars surrounding a distinctive fountain. Not far away is Le Palais des Dues, which was renovated in the 17th century for Parliament. In front of the palace lies the gracious Place de la Liberation flanked by sand-colored houses and designed by Mansart, one of Versailles' famed architects. We visited Les Halles, the central market place designed by Dijon native Gustave Eiffel.
The walking path is clearly marked by inlaid brass triangles with an owl design designating each historical stop. At the Church of Notre Dame, we found the origin of the owl symbol, a small sculpture of the bird that is about 6 feet off the ground. It is recorded to be a good luck symbol for students who caress it with their left hand to do well in their exams. Now everyone who passes, rubs their hand over the owl and makes a wish. We ended our tour and said goodbye to Camille at the Le Palais des Dues where many of the 16 dukes were born and also buried.
At 4:30 we met Elaine and walked back to the bus stop to catch the #2 Marsannay city bus to take us back to Arret Canal where we found the Lafayette moored and waiting for us. I had a chance to work on the pictures and begin the journal as tonight we had the special gala dinner celebrating our last night on the barge.
Dinner was a true celebration of the week on the Lafayette. The tables were set up so that Michel and Richard, our captain, sat at the head of their respective tables. Dinner was again a masterpiece by our chef Jean. We had a gift exchange with great humor and frivolity. Then the Baked Alaska was served and we gave a standing ovation to the crew (Ruth, Emmanuelle, Severine, Jean and Richard) for making this week so special for all of us. We then went to the outer deck and making a wish, we threw the flowers into the Burgundy Canal. At 10 PM we went to our cabin to fill out our trip evaluations and pack for an early departure.
Accommodations: Lafayette - - - Meals: B, D
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