It’s refreshing to be somewhere familiar again, and oddly this time it’s on this boat. A Viking river ship. I know the layout now after several trips. I can walk and appreciate that I know where things are like the bar, the espresso machine, quiet places to write, and the walking path by the herb garden.

On this journey I get to enjoy hanging out with a friend from my childhood from early school days, a musician – sharing stories and sacred remembrances. And just enjoying a new time.

We’re so fortunate to be here in Bordeaux traveling the Garonne River. And enjoying the fine wines from this incredible region. And not to mention the food, most amazing flavors, sauces, etc.

And then there are the historical excursions. My favorite so far was a trip to Chateau D’Abzac and hearing the most incredible story of one family’s history. How their family survived ownership of this small villa surrounded by some 100 hectares of land, including a third in vineyards and a river running through it.

Our host shared the most amazing story of how his family survived 6 generations of ownership of the Chateau. His story started during the French Revolution when it looked like all hell was about to break loose. The town’s people were going to loot the furnishings and then burn down the Chateau in rage against their wealth. And at the last minute, they were dissuaded by the National Guard that were sent in to protect it. The then owner, fearing for his family’s lives left the very next day, with his wife who was pregnant with a new daughter. They never returned, saved for the daughter many years later. After the National Guard left the town’s people did steal everything from within, the furniture, their clothes, the wine – everything!

After the revolution their daughter, then married with two sons of her own, returned with her husband and they were able to regain ownership of the entire facility. After much haggling with the new government as you might imagine. It then took several years for her and her sons to replant the forsaken vineyards and restore the whole Chateau back to its prior status. And to this day it is decorated like a museum inside, retaining that same era of time.

After his story telling, people asked our host how he came to own the chateau. He explained that he was in fact a descendant of the original family. There was a respecting silence as he went on to describe his current family, and how he and his wife have two sons who have agreed to continue with maintaining the estate when he is no longer able to do so.

He was a charming and humble host. We were lucky we got to tour the facility, the vineyards, and river that ran through his acreage. It was so beautiful. Then we enjoyed a fabulous lunch and got to taste some of their wines.

Afterward, while strolling through his large study. I couldn’t help but notice his extraordinary music system and a vast collection of music CD’s, all classical music, and operas. I commented to him about it, and he had a big smile and said yes, I love music. And I told him I did as well and thanked him for his generous hospitality.