Straight from the Journal (ver batem)

Yesterday

I rented a bike at the tourism office at 9:45 and I was on my way to the Route de Grand Cru by 10:15. At first the ride was quite arduous but once I got into a rhythm it was fine. I think I worked off every croissant that I have ever had. The ride home should take care of all future ones. Anyway, I made my way south through Marsannay, Chambolle-Musigny, Gevrey-Chambertin, Vougeot, Vosne-Romanee, and finally to Nuits-St-Georges... the land of my dreams.
I made a couple of pit stops to explore around and take pictures. I stopped in Vougeot to see Clos Vougeot and inquire about a tour of the caves but they had scheduled a private tour. Boo. All was well, though, because I was really trying to save myself for Nuits-St-Georges. Good thing I didn't drink anything because as soon as I departed from Vosne-Romanee, I came upon the steepest hill I have ever seen in my life. Now, mind you, I've just ridden 20 km; my legs are like jelly; I'm hungry. By some miracle of God, I made it up the hill and arrived safely in Nuits-St-Georges. Once again, the caves were closed because of fermentation. Kind of a bummer... but what can you do?
So I'm dining alone at Cafe Paris and I get the prixe fixe menu mainly because the appetizer was six escargot, plus plat, plus fromage for only 15euro (usually escargot is 1 euro per snail). Well, I didn't realize that, in France, escargot actually comes in the shell. When they set down these crazy looking instruments at my table, my heart sank. I was destined to make a fool out of myself. Once the escargot arrived I could smell the garlicky, buttery goodness and I resolved to just go for it. All was well. It was a little bit of work for a great reward... until the last snail. It was huge and did not want to be dislodged from its home... I worked at it and finally got it out. I was so pleased with myself until I realized-it wasn't dead and it suctioned cupped itself onto the inside of my cheek!!!! I looked about in complete horror... just kidding. That last part totally didn't happen. HeHe. The escargot were sublime. My main dish, on the other hand, not sublime. Note to self: look up andouillette when I get home. I'm pretty sure it is intestines or rectum or something... it tasted like poop.



Later:

Today I tested my limits once again. The ride back on the Route de Grand Cru was excruciating. My legs were burning; my bum was killing me; and I was exhausted overall. Every time I approached a hill I questioned how I would get to the top. Where would I find the strength? Where would I find the determination? And yet, somehow, I did. I knew in the back of my mind I had to make it, I had no choice. There is only forward. There is no backward. I can feel myself getting stronger every day. This trip has been the best gift I have ever given myself. I can do anything I want. All I have to do is try.