Here is Henry on his first day of 4th grade- here it is called CM1. What a difference a year makes! He is so much more confident and relaxed now that he understands what they are saying! There are some new children here from the US, and it is so cool to see the "veterans" help the new ones navigate this whole French school thing!
Out to lunch the first day back to school- Henry accidentally ordered a double burger- it is bigger than he is!
On the first day of school, my dear friend Ashley arrived for a visit!
Her first morning here we strolled around the cathedral and climbed to the top.
It is such a beautiful view... Henry didn't have school that Wednesday, so he joined us! This picture really shows the scale of how tall those towers are!
He was a bit tired after the climb!
But it is always worth it!!
Then we took Henry to soccer practice- it is such a picturesque field so we got a little exercise and enjoyed the scenery.
Henry seems excited to get back to soccer. Last year was VERY challenging in soccer with the language barrier and just how differently the game is played here. But he is up for the challenge and we have high hopes for him this season to have some FUN! ( they aren't really into that in kid's sports here- it is ALL about skill development and that is IT!)
Had to take Ashley to the junk store. Oh, the treasures ALWAYS abound! We are going to have some goodies for friends when our container arrives back in Greenville someday!
Yummy girl's lunch at Bistro Bancal
And some shopping... I always love when there is English written here on merchandise
This is just a mason jar that says in the glass " this is my favorite jar for everything". The funny thing is, if I were in the US and saw something written in French, I would probably like it instantly! Maybe it is the same way here, but this gave me a giggle. Who would want a mason jar that says this!?
We got a babysitter for Henry and Ashley and I met Gant at one of our favorite spots for 7 courses!
We went to the once a month antique market on Saturday morning. Here is one of her finds!
This shows one of the rows of tents and tables- it is a hodgepodge of furniture, art, knick nacks etc. Its always a treasure hunt.
My friend Allie met us there to walk around- so fun to introduce old and new friends.
Then we set off for a night in Lyon, 1.5 hours away.
Lyon is GORGEOUS!!!
We stopped for a coffee break as we walked around - I had only been to Lyon for a few hours here and there in the past- we just gazed at the streets and bridges on the water -It is just amazing!
Check out those buildings!
We stayed at a beautiful hotel in old Lyon called Cour de Loges. We went there for a quick change before heading out to dinner.
My friend Allie recommended this Paul Bocusi restaurant. He is a Michelin starred chef, but opened 4 bistros (for the rest of us) in Lyon as well - north, south, east, and west.
Here we are at Le Nord- delicious!! Traditional French restaurant and a great Lyonnaise salad- which is usually lettuce, bacon, croutons, a poached egg, and a mustard vinaigrette dressing. Yum.
Better capture this rare sight- Meeghan with a drink in her hand! I had to try a few sips of the house aperitif!
The next morning we let Gerard plan our day for us! Is he the cutest concierge you have ever seen or what?? He recommended we walk along the river at the Arts and Crafts market and then go to the cathedral overlooking the city called La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière- I think they call it Fourvière for short.
This is it from the bottom of the hill...
And here are some pictures at the top!
Angels are on the outside instead of gargoyles- it sure is less menacing and has a much warmer feel than so many of the gothic ones we have seen.
These are from the inside - mass was taking place, but they allow people to walk in the back to look. It was very moving being there as people worshipped in this quiet and reverent place.
Here is a view of Lyon below.
We bellied up this coffee bar just so we could look into this courtyard and see the view. There was a breeze of perfect tempertature, the bells were chiming, we were enjoying the company and warm coffee- pretty much a perfect day!
We went back to Lyon for a lunch recommended by Gerard and then I had to grab a Pumpkin Spice latte. You have to get them when you can- they don't come around everyday in France!
I was so sad to see Ashley go, but my heart is so full from all of our fun times!! What a blessing to share this whole experience with others- the good and the bad! We are so thankful to have the opportunity to show others what it is really like living here! Rudeness, niceness, good restaurants, tons of walking, Americans congregating in this small French town, open air food markets, French school and activities, no air conditioning, vacations galore but long work days- it is all part of it! And it is a privilege to share our days with friends and family!
Gant left to go out of town for pretty much his first extended time away since we have lived here. I can hardly believe this was the norm in Greenville- Gant traveling is NO FUN! But Henry and I made the most of it and had several movie nights, popcorn parties, and played lots of games. What fun he is to be with!
We even got a French library card. He mostly wants to read French comic books at this point, but that is still French as far as I am concerned! So proud of him for wanting to read in French for fun!
We are about to start more fall activities- Bible Study and French for me, soccer games for Henry. We are getting back into the school schedule. (at least until our next break!!)
