Jardin Du Public - Bordeaux, France

Jardin Du Public

A public garden in Bordeaux, France is completely gated and open daily. A gorgeous park and botanical garden with fountains, geese, gondolas, green lawns, flowers and bridges. There is a functionl carousel and an amazing garden wall.

I'm including more photos. ;)

Unbelievable beauty! I accidently stumbled upon it while out walking the city one day. I visited the park on several occastions. On some days it was romantic, couples lounging on blankets or flirting on the carousel. On other days, lots of teenagers hanging out or reading. Weekend days you'd see bicyclers, tourists and children on the carousel. I barely ventured into the botanical area, there was so much to see.

I can't imagine having this in my neighborhood in the US. I wondered if it was taken for granted by some. A public garden, a lovers meeting place, a recreational retreat, a place of study and a natural beauty.

"Fine young wine"

I heard this phrase while in Bordeaux, France, touring the countryside and its finest wineries. Although, I'm no Sommelier (wine expert), I have always understood that wines are best when aged to their prime.

In France, however, I learned that some wines, if made from exceptional quality grapes, can be superior even at a young age. So, there are some wines in particular that may be more desirable than others (and taste unbelievably better), even though they may be no where near their prime, nowhere near as pricey or not be produced by a well known, experienced wine grower.

So, I now find myself living in a new city (Los Angeles, California) where I often feel like a fish out of water. The economy and the world have changed and I've gotten a new outlook on life. Things seem almost backwards at times. Instead of buying the most expensive, most well known brands. I am now exploring an appreciation of the little things, the chic, the newer, the less expensive. I still acknowlede the magnificent, the outstanding or the more exceptional. I also look for the same splendid quality and often to my surprise, I have found something more desirable, more exquisite, less expensive and probably not from a well known brand.

I am often reflecting upon on my experiences in the countryside of France and the simple yet beautiful way of life there. I'm drawn to this romantic idea and constantly finding ways to integrate it into my daily life.