Off To France I Go!

Clark, Amanda, and I went to Lyon, France this weekend because it was a holiday!  Normally we have three day weekends, but this one was a four day weekend!  Thursday was World Peace Day, so I was allowed to leave early since the afternoon consisted of singing and dancing along with a discussion about Nelson Mandela (obviously I was not needed!).  After recess, I headed straight to the airport where I met Clark and Amanda (a fellow student of Clark’s at UNC).  We stayed with a guy, Raphael, we found through couchsurfing, which meant our accommodations were free!  Raphael was very friendly and super helpful, telling us several places to see while in his city.  He also has a fantastic view from his balcony!  It was a great first view of the Lyon.

The first night, we went to a pizza place because the reviews were glowing and the price was cheap.  The pizza was fantastic!  It was so good that we went back again our last night in Lyon!  After the pizza, we went to a famous pub called ‘The Smoking Dog’, where Raphael joined us.  I got a delicious cider for 6€, which is a bit pricier than I am used to in Madrid, but it was also better than any cider I’ve gotten in Madrid.  

We did several things throughout the weekend!  We went to top of the hill where there was a cathedral and a television/radio pole that was made to look like the Eiffel Tower.  It offered gorgeous views of Lyon; and the cathedral was very pretty.  The church also had a large treasury of religious items!  There was a history of the city of Lyon museum which I found quite interesting but we were rushed through the end because the museum was closing.  There were also two more cathedrals we visited, which were nice (Clark loves cathedrals!).  Mostly our trip to Lyon was filled with walking the centuries old streets and eating delicious food.  They have ‘secret’ walking paths throughout the city that are located behind doors so we found one and explored it.  And to eat we had crepes, falafel, Scottish brunch, and plenty of coffee!  And one night Raphael cooked us a salmon pasta dish that was exquisite.  It rained one day, which was a bummer, especially since I bought a 10€ umbrella which promptly broke a few hours later.  But other than that one day, the weather was great!  We even got the chance to see the Alps!  Thankfully, Clark spoke a decent amount of French.  But many people spoke English, which helped Amanda and I out!  Overall, it was a wonderful first experience in France!  

Here are the photos! 

Random Tidbits

A few professors have discovered a small restaurant near the school, so during recess they go and have a coffee.  I accompany them sometimes so that I can actually practice a little bit of my Spanish!  It also gives me the chance to leave the school for a little bit.  

As I was walking down the hall the other day, I saw a student go into the bathroom.  Since its a primary school the doors are always left open for the student’s restrooms.  Therefore I made sure to avert my eyes so I would not see Hugo as they say “haciendole pis” (literally making a pee).  However, as I walked by he shouted, “Hello Natalie!” as he leaned backwards mid-pee.  These children are quite silly! 

As I walked outside one day, I saw two cats reproducing, to put it politely.  And of course they were right next to the first graders who were all looking and pointing at the cats (which were making a lot of noise as well).  Thankfully the cats scurried away as I approached.  I wonder if there were any interesting conversations around the dinner table that night!