Day 2

Overslept
I thought I had survived the jetlag since there is only seven hours difference between here and Minnesota. I also slept plenty on the plane and then went to bed early last night, BUT... I didn't wake up this morn until after eleven. I guess I was pretty tired because I didn't even pay much attention to the alarm.

Racetrack
The traffic seemed even crazier today since I was in a hurry. Soon after I passed through Zaragoza I got into the foothills for the Pyrennes. I got off of the autovia and started up and down a rather winding road. With only two lanes, there were people trying to pass me, so I sped up. Often going 130 or 140 even on these little highways.

I noticed this morning that my car is not the Nissan Almero that I was expecting. I guess this one is about the same size. I should have realized that it was a different car when it was not a hatchback like they had promised. Anyway, I have a Seat, which is a Spanish car. It handles all right, but I am a little afraid to whip around these mountain turns like some of the other drivers do. I guess I just have to get used to the roads.

The Pyrennes
I bought gas (and chips and crackers for lunch) before I got into the mountains. The man at the station was pretty nice, but he ought to be for what the charge for gas. I then took off uphill. I imagined myself riding my up this hill in a couple weeks. It would be quite grueling. Indeed, I did see some bikers on the way up, and many more on the French side. It would not be an easy ride, but there is a shoulder and the drivers are relatively friendly to bikes.

The scenery was just amazing. At first I was happy just to get out of the the sort of desert-like conditions of the previous day. Some green hills. Then I got even higher. Some scattered snow was still showing near the top where I found a little ski resort. Cruising through the narrow downtown of a hillside village, I could almost imagine what it might be like to ride through here on the Tour de France. Wish I could get my bike out now and cruise around with all of these other riders- must have seen over thirty middle-aged men.

Into Bordeaux
But there was not much time to get out and soak up the atmosphere. I was late for my 5pm appointment to pick up Midori and Yai at the museum in Bordeaux. I picked up the pace as I got into flatter and straighter roads. I got a bit lost as I entered the city, partly because I wasn't carrying a map of Bordeaux. I stopped at a bus stop and checked out the map there.

Confused
I arrived at about 6:30 to find the museum already closed for the evening. Nobody around. The plan was to meet at five, but I asked them to check again at six or seven in case I was late, as I always am. Anyway, no go. I waited around a bit and then left a note on the car parked across from the entrance.

Gambetta
I went for a walk. Had no trouble getting cash at an automatic machine up the road. I found the main shopping area of the town. Lots of fancy restaurants and stores, complete with a McDonald's and Disney Store, of course. I saw one hotel for about US$55, but I am considering sleeping in the car to save money. I will check the museum again tomorrow at 5pm and decide what to do.

I wish I could read my email to check for messages from the girls, but I didn't see an internet cafe. I was not too impressed with the Chinese place where I ate tonight. I am really uptight about ordering or doing anything in French, especially when I am alone. If I can't find Midori and Yai tomorrow, I guess I will head back to Spain and do the original tour of the north alone. At least I can understand Spanish, so I can have fun in Spain until I leave on my bike trip. Anyway, I am tired for today.