- Back in Paris
- More news from Paris
- On the road – Paris, Lyon and Spiez
Our last night in Paris was lovely. After a lazy afternoon we headed off for a last walk along the Seine. As we left the hotel we could hear loud music and there were lots of cars parked along the street. Something was happening! We arrived to find people dancing on a large paved area near the rivers edge. I think it was the salsa, but not sure. We watched for a while before heading off, wandering along the river, and then back towards the local Latin Quarter cafes and restaurants. An area we’d come to know quite well since our arrival in Paris! We decided to have an aperitif so sat down in a little bar/cafe on the main square and watched the world go by. Such a buzz – lots of people out and about on a Sunday evening.
We were up early the next morning, packed our gear, and caught a couple of metro trains to the bus terminal on the other side of Paris. Smooth sailing – only two cabin bags and one backpack – trains running on time. The bus trip to Lyon was great – friendly bus driver and comfy bus. Interesting to see signs on the motorway for exits to many places we had visited in the past. Vezelay, Chablis, Beaune etc – from our time in Burgundy in 2009. Checked into our hotel near the Lyon train/bus station and caught the metro into the medieval centre of the city. Wonderful old winding cobbled streets, heaps of restaurants. Also checked out the Saint Jean-Baptiste Cathedral just before it closed its doors for the day. We were enticed by Moira – young uni student studying in Lyon – to try one of the set menus at “Bouchon Lyonais” and we weren’t disappointed. Duck a l’Orange included – yum! We spent a nice time talking to a French couple beside us and an Aussie couple at the table behind us. We eventually left – tummies very full – and walked up towards the top of the hill that sits above the city. Ran out of steam – didn’t make it the whole way – but high enough to get some lovely photos. Then a quick visit to the River Saone – one of two rivers that run through Lyon – before heading back to our hotel.
Another early start and another bus – this time to Bern, Switzerland. Its was a very relaxing trip – impressed with Flixbus – a French/German company we’ve found. Had a lovely chat with Steve; a guy from California, married to a German girl, and living most of the time near Frankfurt. Also does lots of travelling – had just been hiking up in the French Alps near Chamonix. We were met in Bern by Christina and Remo – our house sit home owners here in Spiez. Will include some photos of our new home and the amazing views we have over Lake Thun. Just a little taste.
It was Christina’s birthday the day we arrived so there was a party here for friends and neighbours. Got to meet lots of people and had a lovely BBQ on the outside terrace. Heaps of salads and some locally made Swiss sausages – also a nice red wine from Spain. Some unexpected socializing in another part of the world! It was interesting to hear another accent/language after the brogue of Northern Ireland and then French again in Paris. In this area of Switzerland it’s predominately Swiss German – with it’s own local flavour. Most people we met spoke at least a little English so we had some interesting chats – didn’t always understand each other but had a lot of fun.
Fortunately both Christina and Remo speak English well – has made settling in so much easier. We have been quite busy – shopping for groceries, picking up our house sit car, getting to know Nero’s routine – our very shy house sit cat. Basically just how things work here. We had a lovely quiet evening last night – just the 4 of us. Christina and Remo headed off this morning for a 4 week touring holiday. The French Alps, the west coast of Italy, up into northern Italy, Austria, and maybe nipping into Germany. Top down on their convertible, wind in their hair, scooting along mountain roads. Hope they have a great time.
Love again
Di and Reg
This entry was posted in Europe, France, House Sits, Spiez, Switzerland, Switzerland
Switzerland spells fresh air and tap dances through meadows . . . before winter brushes the land with snow. What a wonderful assignment for you. Judy Spinney
“Wonderful” pretty well sums it up! Looking forward to some little day trips around the lake and further back into the mountains near here. There’s a valley at the back of us that winds through to Lake Geneva – may not drive that far but I’m sure it will be beautiful. Has been really hot – up to mid 30’s C – so haven’t ventured far – just taking the time to settle in. Catching up on a few things. But the weather has changed so will be off investigating soon xx
Beautiful pics, spectacular scenery, looks lovely over there. Graham really likes the Jag, feeling envious. What side of the road do you drive on? Graham has his total knee replacement on 15/9, getting him fixed up before we can travel. Enjoy ur stay. Carol xx
Drive on the opposite side to Australia. Takes some getting used to!! Hope that Graham’s op goes well and you two get to head off soon xx