Friday, September 26, 2014

Right now, it’s 6:25 PM and we’re all sitting topside in Clamecy.  Being the last evening, we’re all a little saddened, yet jovial.  A little while ago, the crew brought our baggage up from storage, ready for us to pack.  C’est dommage!

We had a morning cruise to Clamecy, some of us choosing to walk the first 3 miles.  The flora and fauna is absolutely breathtaking.  The barge had to pass under a lift bridge, hand operated by pushing a button.  Let’s talk about lunch – In addition to the yummy salads ie:  green, smoked salmon with capers, des sausages, marinated artichokes,  we had a fabulous pasta (freshly made linguine) in a creamy, cheesy, bacon-y sauce.  In an attempt to keep things “light”, Marc, our chef, eliminated the cheese course, and substituted a mix of berries for dessert.

Anna picked us up at 2:30 for a ride to Bazoches.  This is a splendid chateau, which was the home of outstanding military tactician, Vauban.   He was one of Louis XIV closest advisors.  The chateau is still the home of his descendants.  That’s pretty amazing, since he was born in 1633!  I found the family trees to be quite incredible.

A quick ride through town, and now we’re topside, catching up with each other, drinking (so what else is new?) and lamenting the last night.  Glen found the CDs and we’re listening to oldies and the Rat Pack, much to Lenny’s horror!  Details to follow about dinner!

Dinner began with passed appetizers – a shot glass of chestnut (cream) and salami, a deep fried, croquette that turned out to be black (or blood)pudding  - UGH for some – and a toasted bread with blue cheese and walnut.  Dinner itself was a lavish affair – beginning with a pan fried foie gras, on a ginger crumble, soaked in golden raisins and cherries.

 Next, a fillet of Charolais (BEEF), fondante potatoes, wild mushrooms and roasted tomatoes and red wine jus that was made over the last 5 days, incorporating all the meat from the week!  Dessert was a celebration birthday cake (Karen and Glenn) that was more nut than cake.  Of course, there was also the requisite cheese tasting.

After dinner, Cisco made speeches, thanking everyone on staff, and of course telling us we were the best guests all season.  Tom and Naomi played and sang for us, and then Cisco took out a keyboard and played one song – can’t remember what.  Then we got a little crazy.  On one of those old CDs mentioned above, was RUNNING BEAR.  I couldn’t resist – and began my little made up dance.  All the girls took part!  It was obvious that there were way too many bottles of champagne and wine being imbibed!   The bad news was from Anna, telling us we had to be ready for Sat departure by 9:30 am.  We were all reluctant to end the evening.