So what do we do in Lyon?

People often ask us what we do while we are here.  Since we are usually here for three months at a fime, we are not in a tourist-frenzy to see all the many sites.  Although, we do enjoy wandering around the Parc de la Tête d'Or, strolling along the riverbanks, and checking out places in Lyon.  And, we do fit in some sight-seeing from time to time and take some side trips, but most of the time we are just happy to be “Lyonnais.”  In fact we’ve sort of become a part of the neighborhood; we have already been welcomed back enthusiastically by one of the servers at Mons (the best fromagerie or cheese shop around), by both our usual checker and the security guard at the Monoprix around the corner where we often buy groceries, and by the beautician at the corner beauty shop where we get our hair cut, etc.  So we do feel a part of the ‘hood.

And, we belong to AVF, the organization created to welcome foreigners and returning French and to help them become comfortable in today’s France.  In fact, last night we braved a downpour to go to a Beaujolais tasting at AVF.  It was fun to see so many people we know and learn more about the wines of Beaujolais.   A social time with a sampling of wines from the region and various munchies followed the presentation.

Today we enjoyed lunch at a local brasserie with our French daughter, Estelle.  It’s always great fun to see Estelle and catch up on family stuff and other things.  And, of course, the food was quite good.  We all chose the same “plat dejour” which was tender morsels of pork cooked and then served in a sauce and presented on a bed of pasta.  Ah, those French sauces!  Then, after Estelle went back to work, we walked back to our apartment, and Anna went to the boulangerie across the street and got a fresh baguette (still warm from the oven).  The amazing thing is that neither of us seems to gain weight while we are here – go figure!

So what else is going on?  Well, we will likely fit in some classes and “field trips” through AVF, David and some friends are talking about going for bike rides, there are more delicious wines and meals awaiting our attention, more friends to reconnect with, and Anna may just have to check out some clothes in the boutiques nearby.

So that’s our life in Lyon in a nutshell.