Final Days in Lyon

Monday finds me at the top of Croix-Russe Hill, one of two hills on which Lyon was originally built, long before they headed down to the flatland. Croix-Russe is north of our hotel and I wisely took the Metro UP the hill this time. No heroics for me, although the days of climbing stairs has helped. (I can now make it all the way to 2 1/2 flights before I pause.)

View from La Croix-Rousse to Fourviere Hill

Traboules are the narrow passageways through buildings that the silk workers used to keep their silks from getting rained on, and I'm on the hunt for some of them. It is threatening rain today as well, so I feel I'm getting in the mood.

Vulcanization
Lyon, France
June 2007

Voraces Courtyard
Lyon, France
June 2007

Thiaphat Passage
Lyon, France
Jun 2007

Passage Arch
Lyon, France
June 2007

Passage Arch, Ground Floor
Thiaphat Passage
Lyon, France
June 2007

Nombril Monde
Lyon, France
June 2007

(cool looking building)

Not a traloule, but an abandoned sofa filled with bottle caps. Another type of passage, I suppose.

Double Stairs
Croix-Rousse
Lyon, France
June 2007

It was about now that the skies opened up and Lyon was deluged by rainfall. I took cover under a market awing, then walked down the hill to the Metro by the Town hall. I picked up lunch at the sandwich shop in Place Bellecour and waited for the rain to let up, as did the many people at the entrances to the underground transit. Gave up and ate lunch in my hotel room.
The sky cleared, leaving the best weather ever: cool, almost crisp and no humidity.

I walk around, looking at shop windows, up the pedestrian street where the golden rooster atop the cinema is glowing.

After the Rain
Lyon, France
June 2007

Favorite Jewelry Shop

Back to my pedestrian street, Rue Victor Hugo, a cellist and a violinist have set up shop a block from my hotel, playing for coins.

It's good to hear music again--such a part of my life at home. I linger, listen, give a few coins (wish I had more) and stroll around, always within listening distance. Vivaldi and Bach echo off the shops and plazas, resonating deeply.

Mayor's House, 2eme Arrond.
Lyon, Franc
June 2007

Elisabeth
Lyon, France
June 2007

Dave and I walk up Presq'uille to dinner at another of Bocuse's brasseriers; Le Nord. We enjoy the walk home as well, the late-evening sunsets give the buildings a rosy glow against the deepening blue sky.

St. Nizier
Lyon, France
June 2007

Garden Shop Window
Lyon, France
June 2007

Although the statue is blurry, the color of the sky is so lush and gorgeous, I couldn't resist.
Go for the color. Color and light.

Market Day
Lyon sets up its Marche on the banks of the Saone River--food on one side, arts and crafts on the other side, book stalls at the top of the food market and stamps in Place Bellecour.

Garlic Braids

Cheeses

The ever-present cloufutis (cherry cake)

Tomatoes and Potatoes and Red Shirts

I wanted to bring home this gnocchi!

Olives

Paella.

We bought some for lunch. There were several stalls with these enormous pans. The fragrance pulled you in to buy.

Fish

Oranges and Tomatoes

Melons

Zucchini blossoms, shallots, tomatoes

Honey (in background) and peppers

Herbes de Provence.

I bought a bag to bring home. My suitcase smells wonderful.

Artichokes and tomatoes

"Pineapple" tomatoes.

We bought a pumpkin-looking tomato from another vendor, but were surprised at its flavor: just like you pulled it from a can. Really.

Radishes

Peonies.

These were everywhere.

Cheeses.

Weird cheeses, from the looks of it.

Eggs

Spring Rolls

Dave pointed out that the sign is spelled wrong: "Primptemps"

Menu near the chicken.
Two legs went home with us.

We tried for church that afternoon, but figured we'd gotten the Mission Office instead.

Dave worked all afternoon on science, but we broke for a quick dinner at a local pedestrian, restaurant-laden street. Grade on this meal: B-

We loved walking through the market, and realized that the Latter-day Saints in Lyon made huge sacrifices on things such as this: giving up Sunday morning market. We indulged because we were touristing, but recognized their sacrifice in keeping their Sabbath. (I found out later that the market is also on Saturday.)

We indulged ourselves in picking up items for lunch, but also indulged ourselves in the colors, smells, shapes, patterns and in looking at new and different things. This really is a great idea--and where are these in America?