So Far So Good, Johnathan's Diary

My first Ecole du vin (wine school), the first surprise that dad organised for me, was luxurious, a taste of what I can expect of my future visits to Hotels du vin, and there will be more. First night there I went and checked out the gym, it was sweet, I let loose on the punch bag and dreamt of a life of convenient gyms, hotel spa’s and sexy women. I’m a believer in knowing yourself and what you like, and it's no different with wine, but being educated in wine only helps you do this, and after that weekend at the ecole my brain is just so much better at soaking up what’s to know about wine. So, after two nice hotels me and dad finally get to France and out pops the second surprise, we’re staying with Graham (uncle) and Heather, who I don’t often get to see, and its gorgeous, we lap up Heather’s cooking and I dream of what it would be like if I owned the place or one like it somewhere back in England maybe. I had one of the best days out I’ve had in a long time while I was there, we all went canoeing down the Dordogne, even dad came, it was the most beautiful day and I find myself dreaming again, of doing things like that more often and all the things I’m missing out on stuck in Barrow, I think dad really enjoyed that day too.

I can tell by this stage I would happily stay here in France with dad through the winter, but I need to finish my college education and get a bloody job if I don’t want to go insane. It always helps me to put things in perspective staying with my dad and especially now that my dad’s mate Davie Mac has turned up, which was another surprise, he always helps to keep things laid back and interesting. Ok and funny too. Finally, I’ve got to eat at Domme’s Michelin star restaurant twice, and as eating is in my top three things to do in life that’s been another highlight for me. It’s movie night here at Le Rosier every night and I get live the simple life for a while, I’ve got another week of this excruciatingly painful living, so far so good.