Uncovering the Daytime Secrets of Lyon

I guess I haven't really discussed much of class on my blog. Why? Because it accounts for 2 hours in the morning, and I'm not even really awake yet. My double espresso I enjoy at 7:55AM doesn't kick in until, conveniently, about 10:05AM. So I get out of class, and I'm ready to take on the town. What a coincidence!

After class today, we strolled over to our potential new apartment. Nicer, bigger, cheaper, and closer to campus, this place has real charm. I'm checking it out on Sunday, and hopefully, moving in that night. Please cross your fingers for Amber and me.

Our lunch restaurant

After checking out the apartment with Amber, Timothy and I explored Lyon in the daytime. We ventured away from the tourist area, and found the “real” Lyon. This area consisted of small cafes, great wine shops, and scenic views. After stopping in to 5-6 little restaurants, we finally chose one for lunch.

The best advice I’ve received for France was “choose the restaurants without English on the menu and get the ‘special’”. So that’s what we do. So at the restaurant we chose, it was small, warm and comfortable. The waitresses were adorable and friendly, super excited to have Americans in their place.

No one spoke English, which we loved. We just pointed at the special and hoped for the best.

Our first course came out; a delicious salad with meat. Timothy began telling me what the meat was, but I told him I’d rather “eat first, find out what it is later.” And thank goodness. It was the most delicious salad/meat I’ve ever eaten, and it was pig cheeks. Oh, how the French eat.

My pig cheek salad. 

The second course was chicken, and it was marvelous. It was perfectly cooked…juicy, warm, and smooth. The in-house pasta was perfectly cut and covered with a delicious lemon sauce. Swoon.

Chocolate mousse and espresso

Our third course was dessert, of course. I got the chocolate mousse, which was to DIE for. Accompanied with my French dish was a small espresso. First thing I do when I get back? Buy an espresso machine.

We found this adorable French dessert boutique, and I simply could not choose only one delicacy.

Too much goodness! 

After lunch, we walked back to my apartment. I bought a European hair dryer, as I almost burnt down my current apartment using my American one with a converter. Close to my apartment was a post office. On a whim, Timothy and I decided to stop in and check for my luggage. 

After about 5 minutes of trying to explain my story in French and the workers joking about my last name, one guy walks in the back. 10 seconds later, I heard the glorious sounds of a rolling suitcase. My stomach clenched in excitement. Just when I thought my heart would burst with anticipation, this quirky Frenchie (I’ll nickname him “my new favorite person”) walked out the door…WITH MY SUITCASE!!!!!!

Obviously, a very happy girl. 

It was the greatest moment in my life. Not really, but this is an embellishment.

Nothing much, just loving on my suitcase.

So now I have my suitcase and life back. It was time for a shower, then Timothy tricked me into more exploration of Lyon. I threw on my sandals, thinking this would be a run-of-the-mill walking exploration.

Not the pointed steeple, but the castle in the middle of this picture, next to the thing that looks like the Eiffel Tower. That is where we hiked to.

After I took this picture, we noticed that beautiful castle. While I was content admiring the castle/church from afar, Timothy had the bright idea of hiking/climbing to it. I’m a sucker for my boyfriend and his adventures, so I agreed. Oh, was I mistaken…

NOT a happy camper about walking up these steps. 

Five miles, three blisters, and about 4000 feet above sea level later, we were at the top. It was absolutely beautiful. The landscape spread entirely over Lyon. We saw the school, rivers, tops of buildings, and everything else Lyon had to offer. I wondered why no one ever talked about this amazing sight, and then I realized, no one else would ever climb 10000 stairs, walk up 4000 feet of incline, and hike through a jungle to view this:

They were sadly missing out.

So, thank you, Timothy, for tricking me into going on a hike in sandals, and seeing one of the most breathtaking views ever. Lucky girl.

I wonder who was more comfortable hiking today?

After this view, we basically rolled down the countryside until we stopped at this restaurant. Apparently, it’s extremely famous with famous chefs. Timothy needed a picture with his colleagues, of course.

Timothy and his bros. 

Next, we stumbled upon this beautiful manmade waterfall. Now, we could be drinking $2 wine in a square eating McDonald’s, or we could be walking 10 miles to find these hidden gems of scenery. Lyon has so much potential, and I cannot wait to find every jewel ever.

Amazing!

Every street in the “real” Lyon is from a movie. The cobblestone was shining with rainwater and every café flooded into the street with the smell of espresso. A man was playing an accordion, and I couldn’t help but think of “Lady and the Tramp.” It’s these little walks that make France amazing. It’s the little walks that take you on longer walks, through miles and miles of quaint shops and cafes. Every street has a different smell, whether it be espresso, crepes, or maybe just the smell of wet cobblestone. Like Paris, there is somehow soft music in the background. A light mist constantly envelops this area of Lyon, only adding to its magic. Yes, it’s these walks that make Lyon so wonderful.

On our walk/desperate attempt to get back to my apartment, we saw this couple getting married. I cried, of course, and had to snap a picture. The bride was beautiful, and the groom couldn’t keep his eyes off of her.

Finally stumbling close to home, we found this great creperie. I ordered the “Pussy Cat,” or a crepe filled with chocolate. This showed up.

After our customary two espressos, we walked on home. Today was a full day of exploring and hiking, but I can’t wait to continue on and uncover more of Lyon. I want to document every sight that catches my eye and every restaurant that satisfies my palate. Until next time, Frenchies.