I spent ten days in France, traveling from Barcelona Sants train station to Gare de Lyon train station in Lyon. I had a transfer in Marseille, where I waited in what was probably the coldest train station around. It's pretty much open to the elements since it's glass building with zero heating. I bought a coffee and waited it out in the warm coffeeshop.
I arrived in Lyon around 7 p.m. I found a place to stay for three nights through AirBnB. $60 a night, and it got me my own bedroom in a host's apartment in Old Lyon. I told my host that I'd show up around 8, since he and his girlfriend were going out.
I went out and had some traditional French food - a chicken breast cooked in a cream cheese sauce, a mixed salad, and a pear tart. Along with a small glass of wine, it came to 19 Euros. Around 8, I took off for my host's apartment. The cobblestone streets are not only rough to walk on but when you drag your wheeled luggage across it, you end up waking the whole neighborhood!
I found my host's apartment building easily enough, but he didn't tell me which floor it was on. There was only one apartment per floor, so I knocked on almost every door in the building. I had a picture of my host and his girlfriend, so I showed it to whomever answered the door. I think I may have interrupted a rendezvous when the lady of the house called out through the door as if she were calling her man's name; she opened the door while hiding behind it as though she wasn't wearing much. Oops.
After 20 minutes of searching, I got the right apartment. Maxime and his girlfriend Charlene were friendly, and Maxime spoke enough English so that we could communicate. I promised that I'd try to stay out of their way, and went straight to bed.
I spent the next couple of days checking out the town. I felt really underdressed in my hiking boots, Columbia cargo pants, and North Face jacket. The French and Spanish dress really well; especially in France. I bought a new scarf just to feel like I was making an effort. There are some great places to shop, although they're a little pricey.
Lyon is considered the center of Gastronomy, according to one of the locals. There were patisseries and boulangeries all over Lyon, with the most beautiful pastries and breads on display. I picked up a couple of cookies and a coffee au lait to go, and headed off to the local square to people watch. Thankful that the shop keeper spoke some English.
I walked into a HUGE pro-family demonstration; the street procession went on for a couple of miles. Lots of signs with the traditional family logo (man, woman, child holding hands). Lots of police with Robocop protective gear on. One of them didn't like the fact that I took a picture of them in their uniforms. I did what I always do when I get caught - smile and wave.
The night before I left, I decided to go out salsa dancing since my hosts were having a soiree with two other couples. I stayed out long enough until I figured that their guests had gone home. However, they were still there at 1 a.m., so I excused myself to my room. As soon as I closed my door, one of the guests knocked on my door and asked me to join them. Cool. Several of the guests spoke English, so they asked a lot of questions about the U.S. (they think we're exotic) and our politics and viewpoints. They were all in their early to mid-20's, and I mentioned that they seemed pretty mature and knowledgeable, considering they had some pretty good political and world views.
And then they broke out the absinthe, and then started wrestling on the floor. Of course, any physical activity after drinking usually ends up in one thing - puking. Felt like I was in the Navy again.
Around 5 a.m., things started to wind down, and by 6 a.m., it was just me, Maxime, and Charlene. I was supposed to leave that day, but I needed another day to rest up. I spent the rest of the day sleeping and planning my next trip to Metz, France.
Fun time, Lyon.
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