"Lovely Lyon"

That is the name I have given this city.  It is a wonderful city.  It’s not so much the beautiful old buildings, cobblestone streets, cafes and brasseries.  It’s more the rhythm of the city.  Unlike the other major cities we have spent time, Lyon has a different energy and attitude.  The city is more mature yet still lively enough to keep my interest. There are tourist here but nowhere near the amount as in Paris or Montpellier.  Maybe I did shake them after all.  More English is spoken here and unlike in Paris, the people don’t mind speaking it.  

We arrived late so our first goal was to get to the hotel and find a place for dinner.  The hotel didn’t hesitate to recommended a place just down the street, so off we went.  We arrived about 10:30 and the place was packed.  Most appeared to be locals, at least French.  That’s always a good sign.  The food was very good.   So now….our bellies are full, our bodies are weary from travel and ready for the inviting beds and soft pillows to lay our heads on. 

We spent our first full day getting our bearings and a plan of what we wanted to get out of the city.  It was a rainy day and for those of  you who know me and Lindsey, we enjoy the rain.  So for us, it was a lovely day.   The tram took us to the top of a mountain to see the Notre Dame of Lyon.  Beautiful! The bus took us back down and then we wandered the streets until my legs gave out.  After a nice long rest we were back out again. This time we got soooo lost!  You see, there is this river and it forks and then there are two rivers….and then it just gets too confusing for me.  I’m very directionally challenged.  So, how do I get myself out of this situation?  Well, I find a café/bar.  Order us a café au lait and a tray of meats, cheeses and bread. After a our little snack, I have the person working the bar call us a taxi! Wha la!
 
First thing in the morning, a  car will pick us up and give us a tour around the city.  So, I bid you Bonne Nuit!


We were walking by the Rhone river today and there were a few ducks just standing on the side looking at the water.  Lindsey says "Hey, you are ducks, get in the water and be a duck!"  A pause....she turns to me and says "They are ducks...right? Not chickens?"  I know we don't see too much livestock in Dallas...so I kept a straight face and said "No, those are ducks, mallards I think. "  She says "Mom, it was a joke,  get it? ...too "chicken" to get into the water."  I had to laugh at myself! 


Continued..."You know you are in France when..."

....snails are offered for dinner
....men reach across the table in a cafe and tenderly stroke the face of their girlfriend/wife. No words spoken.
....you can rent a bike in over 300 locations in one city