....did not happen and the piccie sums up why - hot tub, sunshine, wine and gorgeous food.
During our first week in France we stayed in a gite with our own private pool and tomato vines. It was in the middle of nowhere
so was peaceful and very relaxing.
On a trip touring the local area we went to the local vineyard. Transpired to be a small family place that sold a 5L box of rose for 10 euros and a very nice rose at that - I love France!!
Mornings were spent visiting local historic sites and local markets. 
Afternoons spent relaxing by the pool and the evening enjoying dinner on the terrace chatting away. It was a great week.
The next week we moved to a converted wine tower with it's own hot tub. Again this place provided everything you needed for a comfortable stay and exclusion from everyone. During the second week it was my 30th birthday. I confess I stayed up to midnight to open my pressies. Mark got me a rally experience at Knockhill race course. I am a bit of a speed demon and petrol head so I am going to enjoy my laps in a single seater round the course going as fast as I can. My parents arranged for Mark to take over their present and I was overjoyed with their diamond necklace.
Birthday morning was champers and croissants then a trip to Bordeaux. Bordeaux is a beautiful city and we enjoyed a fantastic lunch during which was washed down with several glasses of the finest red the region had to offer. The day was finished with hot tub and more champers. Overall, a rather lovely way to spend a special birthday. Thanks Mark.
