Back in Lyon!

Our primary reason for returning to Lyon at the beginning of November for a six-week stay was La Fête des Lumières.  This annual December 8^th celebration has its origins in a thanksgiving to the Virgin Mary for saving Lyon from the plague or from the Prussians.  (We’ve heard both versions.)  It started with people lining their window sills with votive candles – a remarkable sight in itself in this city of apartment buildings.   More recently the city has also transformed itself into an incredible world of lighting displays.   Facades of buildings are metamorphosed via lighting, major city streets are transformed into breathtaking lighting displays, and the bridges and banks of the Saone and Rhone are changed into incredible displays of light and color.  Not surprisingly, it has become quite the tourist event with large crowds of people gathering in the streets to view the amazing displays, and also enjoy some roasted chestnuts or hot-spiced wine.  It is an amazing experience!  But, don’t take our word for it – check out the video of last year’s Fête.  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzevNlhTl9s  )

But, we’re here for six weeks so, obviously, we have other things to look forward to.  Among them, a visit from our friends the Bergdahls , a Thanksgiving celebration at the home of our French daughter, Estelle, and her husband, Laurent, a pilgrimage to Valrhona for some great chocolate, and reconnecting with French friends. So stay tuned as we share some of our experiences with you.

Lyon during  La Fête des Lumières