Lyon, France

I never posted anything about Lyon, so I'm remedying that right now with a summary of thoughts. Yup!



It seems like such a long time ago that I actually came up with this pre-program itinerary. I feel like it had always somehow been set in stone that I would be flying in to London, somehow spending five days there, then flying to Lyon, where my cousin resides, in order to spend an equal amount of time hanging out with her. I guess that was a conscious decision at some point, and, I must say, it was a pretty good one, although I think that, at the time, I underestimated how much money both excursions would cost. Still. it was worth it.

Being in Lyon was really different than being in London. First of all, and most obvious of the differences, I can't speak the language at all.

I've never taken a French class or made an effort to get to know the language. nor am I particularly well versed in the differences between American and French culture or, for that matter, was I particularly interested in finding them out. I don't know what I was thinking when I decided going to France was a good idea. I guess I figured I could visit my cousin who I haven't seen in two years as well as visit a city in another European country.


Anyway, as far as the inability to speak any French, this concerned me due to the logistics of meeting up with my cousin. Aside from having no phone or idea what I was doing, not being able to communicate with anyone could act as somewhat of an impediment to discovering information. When I'd discuss the issue with others, I was assured that "People speak English in France" and that "I would probably be fine."

Well, I was fine. But people definitely do not speak English in France. At least not Lyon. So, lesson learned. Always underestimate Western European country's abilities to speak English. You will probably be right in your assessment.

Second of the big differences, is that I felt more like I was on my own in this trip. Even though I ended up spending a lot of time with my cousin Kati, she was more of a guide than a travelling partner, having lived in the city for something like three years and speaking the language fluently. Also, besides her, I knew no one else, and so I ended up befriending and meeting a good amount of her acquaintances, whose company I actually enjoyed. She has a good and interesting network of people out there. I could see how isolating it must have been when she was living in Anessy mostly on her own.


Also, I had no Rick Steves to guide me through the sights, give interesting (though often inane) commentary or ratings regarding the sights. What three pyramid attractions should I visit, Rick!? Without you how will I travel Europe through the back door?

I managed fine.I kind of liked the feeling of being on my own that first day when I walked the old city by myself and somehow actually ended up seeing a good amount of sights. I also ended up groaning my way through a lunch transaction, something which, although incredibly frustrating, felt somehow rewarding in the end.

Lyon is a much smaller city than London, but then again, London is a megametropolis, so that isn't saying a whole lot. Lyon is still pretty big in relative terms as it's the third biggest city in France. I found it to be a nice size, and to have a really interesting layout. It's a pretty compact urban area with two hills, one of which has an enormous glistening white basilica on the top of it. Also, there's a random satellite tower next to it which I am not entirely sure how I feel towards.

It definitely is a city with character.

A final observation regarding size, I was surprised to see how incredibly small the airport was in what is supposed to be the third biggest city in a leading industrial country. It's nice and all, but there's only a single terminal. It reminded me of the Santa Barbara airport in terms of sparseness and smallness.

It makes sense in terms of the geography, though. As my cousin Kati explained to me, France isn't necessarily made up of bustling urban areas, something which, I wasn't particularly aware of.

Although I already mentioned finances, I have to say that the euro treated me much better than the pound, although, it's somewhat worrying that I'm getting used to the fact that eating at a fast food restaurant usually costs more than eight dollars for a somewhat satisfying meal (it is only truly satisfying if at the end of my meal, I feel like I never want to eat at that establishment ever again). Oh well.

Originally, plans included perhaps making a day trip to Paris, but upon realizing how busy my cousin Kati would be, along with my real life tired state after the whirlwind that was England, I took it a lot slower. I walked a lot (most of the city in fact, it's not that much of a walk). Saw the sights, and even stumbled my way through some conversations through which I was somehow able to communicate my desires. Great!

Surprisingly, I really, really liked France. It is, perhaps, my favorite European country so far in which I don't understand anything that is being spoken. Nonetheless, it's hard to figure whether that opinion is completely unbiased, or a product of the great time I had due to the company of my cousin and her friends.

Anyway, I'm excited to go back next month and see Paris. Also, I've been in Madrid for about a week and a half. I'll write more about that later, but suffice it to say that I'm enjoying myself, adapting, and that I like my homestay. The food on the other hand...