The Unpredictable is Never Boring

I have come to realize that the weather in Burgundy during the summer is quite unpredictable. The clouds shift so rapidly that a nice sunny day is nothing more than a tease as a soft rainfall begins to poor down. In an hour, the clouds lift again... but only to return moments later with a cool and tranquil breeze. It is enjoyable, relaxing, and beautiful. Whether I am sitting in my room, hanging out downtown, or working in the vineyards I am constantly aware of the subtle climate changes. In the vineyards, however, I have a clearer view of my surroundings and therefore a better appreciation for what hovers above my head.

A storm over the towns in Burgundy on Friday which thankfully missed us on the hill

Just last Thursday I fell victim to one such rainy day. It was raining cats and dogs, or as they say in France, "raining nails". Despite the moans and groans of my coworkers, the head viticulturist instructed us to go out and work on the vines. It was miserable. Unlike my treacherous bike ride in the rain, it was not enjoyable. It was cold and muddy, and I was tired and hungry. While I was fortunate to have a huge trench coat and boots to wear, I was more than ready to leave once the guys called it quits four hours later.

My goofy attire and goofy coworker, Christophe on Thursday

In contrast to this day, Friday turned out to be the complete opposite. Like night and day; Thursday unbearable, and Friday so perfect.

Just another Grand Cru vineyard on a gorgeous day, ya know

The air was crisp and clean as the smell of fresh soil drifted about on Friday morning. As the rainfall from the day before had soaked through the ground, all aromas of the terroir rose through the air with the evaporation from the sun. Trudging up the muddy rows on this bright sunny morning was both uplifting and promising. We were all in good moods due the aspect of the coming weekend, but I especially, was excited to find that my french had begun to improve! For once I could understand a good portion of the conversations between my coworkers, and not to mention, have the guts to respond with more than just a laugh. At one precise moment, I was struck with the excitement for my stay here, and the promise that I would eventually be able to become fluent in French. In a deep breathe, I took in everything around me, and blew out all doubt in my mind.

The crew taking a break

For the weekend, Caroline came to visit me in Dijon and we had a great time catching up over many great meals during her stay. On Saturday we went to the cinema to see Inception, and left the show in a very trippy trance. As some of the scenes take place in France, with streets very similar to those of Dijon, we felt as if we were in control of a dream as we walked out. It was a very well done movie, and I recommend it highly. (Even if a few of the lines were lost on me :)

This week I will be working in the vineyard, except for Thursday and Friday. On Thursday Pierre Vincent, the winemaker at the Domaine, will be taking Mariette and myself to a Tonnellerie in Dijon (barrel making site). This should be very informative, as Domaine de la Vougeraie selects their own trees from the Citeaux (forest) in Burgundy for their barrel production, and seasons (i.e. dries) the staves on the property for at least 2 years. At which point they go to a Tonnellerie to have their barrels made from their staves (strips of wood).

After this week I will have the entirety of August off! For two weeks I will be taking a French course, but have yet to decide where I should go for the other two weeks. Any suggestions!?

Cheers!