July 3, 2016
Gold star…three days in a row for all my followers…who would you be? I haven’t too much of a clue except when I get an email from someone who is worried that I haven’t posted anything for a couple of days. Some one is reading about my adventure….and I say thank you! But in essence, it a type of journalizing that I will treasure in my elder years which aren’t far away! So, it is also a gift to myself and for family who one day might want to learn what their adventuresome relative had up her sleeve.
There is still an apprehension when I exit my home/studio/apartment. I have a plan…somewhat mapped out…do I have all I need? Do I have the code to get back in on my return…do I have my passes, do I have my phone, maps,all the extraneous stuff necessary?? I have to remember to be flexible regardless of all the pre-planning that I do! I guess what this is teaching me is to be is confident in my ability to adapt…because that is what it has been on this adventure….adaptation, and may I add, with a smile! At the end of the day I can say it was all good.
It has been a gorgeous day…blue sky with billowy clouds. Nothing but sheer gratitude coming from me! Out of the house by 10 with an aire of confidence…or at least faking it, because you never know what’s around the bend. I head down (which is what you do from the Croix-Rousse) toward the river because I’m hoping to catch the boat tour down the Saône River for a look from the water! I plan to see a mural that’s noteworthy, and eureka, I found it without too much trouble. In the descent, I did pass a little park with children playing soccer (or as they say here…football) with their dad, while mom was encouraging them on. It’s very comfortable here and I have more “bonjours” that catch me offguard and makes me happy to be in Lyon.
Walking along the riverfront, I pass a market with many vendors selling books of all kinds. I loved when I heard them singing just something that moved them, because little did they know, it moved me too! The scene changed a couple blocks down to more produce…cheeses, flowers…food vendors with quite a collection of folks meandering to and fro! Sunday markets are exuding a French way of living! I hope supermarkets never replace these and I”m sure they are wanting the same!
Caught the boat tour in time and got a seat next to some gals from Brazil that were very friendly and one spoke very good English…not so much French. They were leaving this afternoon and our exchange was great! They are looking forward to the Olympics next month!! An hours tour was perfect to get a taste of the city from the water.
Aprés le bateau, I grabbed a bite to eat at a cafe in the Place du Change…had a great conversation with a couple from Australia/South Wales…he’s a coach at a private school and she is a principal at another. Very comfortable conversation as I bid them au revoir to dash off (in French style) to my walking tour with Jerome. This man knows his history. Not to brag…but what a fountain of knowledge regarding the Vieux Lyon!! It was incredible walking through the Traboules (passageways). To see this part of the city should be done with an experienced guide, you would miss so much possibly by just a block or so..
After this phenomenal tour…had a couple beers with Shawn, a new found friend from New York. Some things just are meant to happen and I’m open to creating new friendships along this journey. We will have lunch tomorrow, but prior to this…I have a morning coffee meeting with my hostess, Lucy. I am so blessed!