Another amazing, whirlwind of a weekend in the books.  I feel so incredibly grateful to have this opportunity to travel as much as I do and to be living in such a wonderful country with proximity to all of these places where I can just get away for a quick (but intense) three day getaway (and my fantastic company is a cherry on top 😉 )

Every time I go to a new place, I come back thinking “I can’t wait to go back” and here we are, me typing up this post, looking at the photos and thinking “I really can’t wait to go back….and eat more of that cheese”.  (The cheese is the key part)  Lyon doesn’t really get much attention, but as a Paris-lover (there are some Paris-haters out there, let me tell you), I thought Lyon was great.

Did you know it’s the food capital of France…possibly even the world?!  There were many reasons I loved Lyon, but the food was my favorite part.  Gooooooooooooooooooooordita.

From the beautiful architecture, colorful buildings, running rivers, hustle and bustle of the city life contrasted with people enjoying cups of coffee and pastries in cafes, to the incredible selection of cheeses and wines and the most beautiful pastries I have ever seen, I quickly fell in love with Lyon.  I already have grand plans to go back in the warmer months for a 2-3 day weekend.  Get ready for that, Luis.

“No.”

The first day in Lyon (Friday), I was alone until evening so after a few minor bumps in the road/ hiccups finding our airbnb, I settled in and then eventually fell asleep for about an hour.  What do you do when you go to see a new city?  Take a nap.  Once the princess hath awoke, she headed into the land.

I walked and found me some grub (a chicken and tomato baguette, freshly made from a bakery) and ate in this plaza.

Horrible view.  After I was really full, I walked and walked because I was without a map (sorry Mom) and without a phone.  I didn’t have any real plan, but it worked out because I ended up here accidentally:

I was walking along the river…

found some steps…

(almost 700 of them, but who counted?  I did)  And I met some people, both from France, one from Lyon, who invited me to walk with them to some place.  I didn’t understand what he said, but said “ok” and went with them (sorry again, Mom….or more likely, Dad).  Just so happened to be that they were headed to one of the most famous sites in Lyon.

That would be the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere, built between 1872 and 1884.  Even if cathedrals aren’t your thang, the views are absolutely worth it and the cathedral itself is pretty impressive.  And it’s warm, so that’s a plus.

Afterwards, I said goodbye to my new friends (after they recommended a good Lyon restaurant, which I later found out is 250 Euros PER PERSON….thanks friends).  I headed back down the 738 steps.

And just wandered along the river, taking in the sites, stopping in some fancy stores, and pondering how freakin’ fantastic my life is and how very lucky I am.

Those buildings.  I was in love.  Once nightfall hit, I went grocery shopping (Luis arrived late and hungry) and headed back to the airbnb to cook in our oven-less, microwave-less, toaster-less kitchen.

That was it for the first day!!  I was very excited for Luis to join me (obviously), but I also love solo travel days.  You are your best company, you know 😉