Joyeux Noel!

Friday, December 25, 2015

Hello!

This is going to be somewhat abbreviated, as a migraine hit about half an hour ago, and I am definitely going to need my spelling and syntax corrected on this entry.

Pedestrian bridge over the Saone

Court House down the street

Cathedral at night with old ruins in foreground

Last night, we went for a walk about 10 pm.  It was really lovely and calm outside, and just about everything was closed.  We did see one Tabac that was open (what people won’t do for cigarettes…) and one or two restaurants with people in them.  But everything else that is around us – there is a disco (didn’t realize they still had those anymore!) and a club or two a few blocks down – was closed up tight.  Possibly Christmas Eve is the time to celebrate with families?  Not sure.  We walked past the Cathedral and to the Fourviere funicular, but we didn’t want to take it, as we didn’t know how to get down the hill if it closed on us.  So, just strolled and it was lovely.  When we got back to the flat, we opened the present that Clothilde had gotten for us – absolutely stunning chocolates!  What a lovely surprise!

To bed about midnight, and once again, we both had problems falling asleep.  Not sure why!  But with all the tossing and turning we did, we didn’t get up this morning until almost 9 am again.  Tonight, I am going to set the clock – I feel like half the day is over waking up that late!

Fourviere Basilica on the hill

Ancient ruins next to Cathedral

Cathedral St. Jean

Today is another lovely day in Lyon.  We went out around 9:30 am and walked past the Cathedral (which is lovely, and we have some exterior shots, but as Mass was going on, no photos inside).  We did get to hear the choir practicing, though, which was neat.  From there we took the funicular up to Fourviere and entered the Basilica.  That is absolutely stunning; really, truly a show-stopper! We got to hear the last half of the Mass, and the soloist leading the singing had an incredible voice.  

Loved the decorations!

Beautiful chocolates from Clothilde!

The church wasn’t started until the 1870’s, and it is in homage to the Virgin Mary for her protection of the city from scabies, the plague and finally, the Prussians. We will go back there in the next day or two to walk around and take photos.  It definitely merits a detour!

Back down the funicular, and was glad to spot a little Proxi market open … just in case!  Back to the flat, and our delayed breakfast or early lunch – wonderful cheese, prosciutto, bread and Clementine juice, supplied by Clothilde.  

A very, very lazy afternoon (including another load of wash, as it was time for blue jeans). 

Fourviere Basilica on hill

Cathedral

Clock in Cathedral

We have been streaming Christmas music compliments of KUSC, Los Angeles’ classic radio station.  About 2 pm I went out in search of more water.  Glad to have seen Proxi, as I was able to get a few bottles.  Lots of people walking around – both sides of the Saone, and through the Vieux Lyon area, where we are. 

On the funicular heading up!

Fourviere finally on top of the hill!

I do like lions ...

There are a handful of restaurants open, as well as some candy and patisserie shops, as well as two tourist shops!  I was surprised, but it’s nice to see people out enjoying the truly lovely afternoon.

The migraine hit a bit later, which is very disconcerting. 

Overlooking Lyon from Fourviere hill

Me at breezy church overlook!

I went to bed for a while, but am up putting the blog together now.  We have dinner reservations at “Le Garage” for 7 pm, but honestly, I’m not sure I’m going to make it.  If not, at least we have leftover chicken and green beans from last night, so we won’t starve!

So, I’ll close now, and wish everyone a truly wonderful, safe and Merry Christmas!

m

xxx