July 1, 2016
I have a warm feeling here in Lyon. I do know that there is always a moment of apprehension when making the move toward a new destination. There are the details that need to be reviewed over and over…checking bus schedules…coinciding with train schedules…enough time…it can be slightly hectic, for there is no one but you responsible when traveling solo. One might think that if something goes a bit off-kilter…no big deal…but when I have packed lightly for three months travel…it’s not so lightly and rather a bit of a juggling act to make sure all is in order and accounted for.
Cleaning my apartment of two months…had a slight accident with charcoal pencil on a bedspread from sketching…had to replace that…along with matching pillow shams. I just chalk it up to another challenge ( it did stifle any future attempts at sketching.. I’m getting over that and thinking I better start or I’ll have to discard the sketch book….added weight). I think I left it as I found it…hopefully Mireille thinks so too. I have discovered that with Airbnb, the host will rate you as a guest while you are rating their property. Makes sense, because if you are a good guest with reviews reflecting such, you would be more readily accepted for future destinations/reservations. I did get a favorable review recently in Holland for a couple nights visiting my niece and her fiancé. I would like to keep that trend going! So, there is beaucoup de chose to do before departing for a new place…not always a piece of cake…but I didn’t sign up for one!
After a ride on the TGV….speed train….goodness it goes fast….a nice taxi ride to the area known as Croix Rousse, I am here above the cooking school, Plum Lyon, and I am content! It is comfortable and the hostess (the cooking instructor in-house) greeted me and I felt at home. Her name is Lucy and that gives me a sense of comfort as this was my Mum’s name. Her studio is so comfortable and it even comes complete with a toilet paper holder (which as I think I stated in a previous post, is often missing in a bathroom!). As you can guess, every possible tool I would need to cook is available here also. She even left three macarons in my refrig for consuming at my leisure which excites me to no end…I’ve become a big fan of the French macaron! What sometimes is behind the old doors streetside (and up a set of old stairs….remember I have very heavy luggage)…is a magnificent place to call home…if only for a week! Here I am, Lyon!
Morning after a good night sleep, but thinking I will need a fan to keep a bit cooler on these hot days/nights. I meet up with the current cooking class participants to join them on a tour of the local outdoor market. I am an extra but appreciate the inclusion during the shopping excursion. It is up many a stair to get there. We stopped periodically to get at bit of Lyon history and catch out breath!
So, the market is extraordinary….produce on both sides….meats…cheeses…flowers….delectables for blocks. I made some purchases and onto other shops.
Returning to my studio and stowing away my loot, I made a lunch stop at a wonderful and friendly café. I also perused at a recommended shop to get a bottle of great Lyon wine. So, here I am.