We had a very smooth trip on the train from Bordeaux to Bergerac. Second class tickets are all you need to travel on some of the best trains ever. The only thing you need to do is get on early as you may not get a seat!

The countryside was a beautiful spectacle of green fields, vineyards and cute little villages.

We headed off to collect our hire car. Michael thought this might have been it.

But he was wrong. And, a little disappointed I think as he has always loved cars like that.

We have booked a car for 17 days to cover our house sitting assignment and time visiting other parts of south west France.

We explored Bergerac for a few hours, mostly on foot and were delighted at the beautiful features of the old town. The time we explored it whilst I was driving involved time when we were mostly lost. But that is to be expected when you first collect a hire car in Europe. Michael will not and cannot drive over here. He says his brain won’t let him. I cannot read a map. My brain won’t let me!

So, I am the driver and I manage ok by telling myself I am in the overtaking lane all the time. Roundabouts are a bit of trick though, as is first gear. I learnt to drive in a manual, but the only time I drive one now is when we have hired one when we are on holiday. Automatics are usually much more expensive.

To get to Melinda’s house we had to drive through a small town called Issigeac (ISSY JARK). We stopped here to explore it for awhile and were more amazed at the old buildings. Apparently this little town is crazy busy in summer, but today there were three other tourists. We had forgotten that shops in France close from 12.30 to either 3 or 4pm.

Michael was very excited when he spotted a window displaying some locally made artisan beers.

Needless to say, regardless of the fact the shop was not even really open for business and his French is only so so, he successfully bought several bottles of different beers to sample as part of a research activity.

I think I did a very good job navigating the country roads in our hire car and we found Melinda’s place well on time.

We have met the two dogs we are to look after and they are delightful. I am sure we are going to get along fine.