Hopefully our last day of jetlag!

Our morning started out early as Ally woke up at 4am, Eric at 5am and I at 6:30am. Just as I tried to go back to sleep, there was a voice of a man crying out like he was mentally ill or tripping on something. We contemplated on whether we go down to make sure he wasnt hurt or in need of help but with the language barrier we are not sure how we would even be able to help. Finally someone must have called police because we could hear people talking and then it was quiet again. So we were all awake and hungry so Eric and Ally walked down to the farmers market and pastry shop just a couple blocks away. After some delicious treats that disappeared quicker than they could be photographed we all laid back down and woke up at noon. We got ourselves together and headed across the river to the Old Lyon area to stroll around.

 We ended up at the Museum of Miniatures and Movies. They had a lot of props, costumes, and miniature sets used for movies.

                                 Terminator

 The head of the triceratops that was laying sick on the ground on Jurassic Park.

 Hoverboard from Back to the Future 2

 See if you can name all these actors/actresses by their plaster mask molds.

 This was a cool subway scene that was from a 6 inch viewing hole. So much realistic detail.

 This is another cool miniature scene of a market. It looks so real but only a 12 inch box

 They had so many scenes like this one of a natural history museum that could have been used in movies like Night at the Museum. So much detail but would look real on film.

 After the museum we walked down all these charming streets full of restaurants and shops. We settled on an ice cream shop that had close to 100 flavors. It was a nice refreshing treat but we enjoyed the place with Alexis yesterday a little more. We had to check out both because yesterday we had Alexis' favorite place and today was his mom's favorite.

 All these cobblestone streets are amazing, I don't see how women can wear such high heeled walking around them all day.

We made it back to our apartment to chill and relax since it was getting hot. Eric got to watch the Tour de France in live time, he was in heaven. We hung out until it started to get dark (not until 8:45) then we went to check out one of the famous Brasseries by Paul Bocuse. Le Nord location is just 2 blocks away. The food and service was amazing!

 Lyonnaise Sausage wrapped in Brioche appetizer.

 Ally and I had a delicious Hake fish dish

 Eric had the delicious chicken breast entree

 We all had our own blueberry tarte for dessert. We love how the desserts here are not overly sugary but bursting with flavor. It was a well needed meal since were had been subsisting on bread, cheese, salami, and ice cream for the last 3 days.

 Even though we are staying in a popular area of the city, there are hardly any cars on the streets especially in morning and night. We felt safe here and everything you could possibly need is within a block or two. As we walk home we could see our next door church in a new light at night as well as the Basilica on the hill. We loved Lyon, the people are all very friendly and would offer to speak English once they heard our broken French. Eric actually speaks really well but its when they start talking back really fast in French then we must look like Americans.

 They also don't joke a round with parallel parking here, I hope all these people know each other and leave at the same time tomorrow morning. It was a line of about 10 cars parked this close to each other.

 Everything is compact in the cities including the elevator for our apartment which barely fits the 3 of us. But we are thankful for not having to climb 6 flights of stairs.

 We got a little goofy after a good meal!

Tomorrow we leave Lyon and head to The Jura where we will meet Gaëlle's family. Bonne nuit!

Fourvière Tour With Alexis

We had a great day today exploring the city of Lyon with our friend Alexis who grew up here. Started our day with fresh croissants, beignets, and a chocolate and cream stuffed pastry that was like a toaster streudel only a billion times tastier, lol. Then we walked through Old Lyon to St. Paul Square to the funicular tram that took us to the top of the hill quickly, which was a good thing because I am not good at climbing stairs. Europeans love acting like sardines in a can in trains and will just keep stuffing themselves in until the doors won't close. Good thing everyone seemed to be wearing deodorant this morning becase it was standing room only with arms stretched above to hold on.

We got to go inside the Basilica and see all the beautiful stained glass windows and architecture. Was a beautiful and peaceful place. Outside we had gorgeous views of all of Lyon. We were excited to see the Roman ruins and amphitheater but found they have set them up for concerts this summer so our views were limited.

After, we took the longest shortcut down the mountain while seeing places that Alexis used to go and hang out with his friends while at high school nearby. It was so cool to get the inside scoop and have places with gorgeous views all to ourselves. We found all these cool traboules which are passageways used by silk workers and also to help hide Jews from the Nazi's during WWII. Some of them are so cool inside.

We enjoyed some ice cream from Alexis' favorite joint and it was so yummy. Flavors are subtle but flavorful at the same time. Next he took us on an adventure up to the top of the other hill. It was by stairs which I struggle with but was able to make slow and steady progress, even if I sounded like a wheezing banchee (stupid vocal cord). At the top we said goodbye to our amazing tour guide, provided his payment in American candies, and made our way back down to our apartment.

We stopped along the way at a fromagerie, charcuterie, and patisserie to pick up assorted cheeses, salami, prosciutto, and baguettes for our own french meal at home. Was delicious to explore how different the cheeses are here than at home since none of the cheese is pasturized.

We had a great day, ended up doing over 8 miles of walking, and ready for a good nights rest.

 This whole side of the wall is a painted fresco.

 Our traditional French spread!

 Delicious Meringue desserts we found!

Steam coming from the horses noses in this magnificent sculpture.

Bonjour Paris et Lyon

After almost 24 hours of travel time we checked into our home away from home for the first 3 nights. We had great flights and train travel but didnt get as much sleep as we were hoping. Ally finally slept the whole train ride to Lyon and ended up trapping the gentleman next to her at the window. He was super nice and just calmly climbed over her to go to the bathroom and found another seat. He was very kind because she needed to sleep and we didn't want to wake her. The French don't necessarily have a good reputation in the US with liking Americans but we have never found it to be the case.

We finally checked into our apartment rental next to a gorgeous gothic cathedral and views of the Fourvière Basilica Notre Dame on the hill. There was even a strange reflection in the window I capured which makes the cathedral look like it is floating. It is stunning! We are on the 6th floor so we are overlooking the roof tops and instantly made me sing Chim Chim Cheree as I pictured Burt dancing from Mary Poppins. Lol.

We also got to be part of a big event here tonight in Lyon because France beat Belgium in a semifinal World Cup game. Pubs are so small that they put big screen TVs out on the patio and all the crowds gather to watch and cheer. 

The French are quite passionate and the pub outside has been filled with fans and fireworks. Now the honking parade is starting down the streets. Our first night has been quite the adventure and normally we require peace and quiet but we are trying to be good sports and soak up the sights and sounds of the city life before heading into the countryside and mountains. Luckily we are so tired we may be able to sleep through anything tonight! Looking forward to a fun day exploring tomorrow with a family friend Alexis (he was my brother Mike's exchange student 7-8 years ago.)

Time to dust off ye 'ole blog

The Wells Family is at it again with their adventures abroad. We spent the last 2 summers hosting a foreign exchange student from France and Gaëlle became our family. So we are taking the opportunity to come spend the rest of the summer with her family!

Our dog Kate gets to have some fun swimming and lounging by the pool with her cousin KJ. He is not quite sure if he can handle all her energy based on the picture, but they will have fun. Thanks Rick & Linda for hosting her (she is half French afterall so its just like having a foreign exchange puppy, lol.

Knowing we will have to tote all our luggage on planes, trains, and automobiles we packed as light as possible. Props to Ally who packed all her things for the month in the small teal bag.

We made it to San Francisco and through security quickly so was able to relax a bit before our flight. (Note: if you ever want a good fondling at the airport, just leave some chapstick in your back pocket)

Join us on our adventures, will try to update every day or two depending on cell service/wifi. Au Revoir California!