As the train sped away from Paris, we passed through beautiful French countryside, some even covered in snow. We arrived in Lyon around mid afternoon. The sky looked gloomy and I was hoping we would get to our hotel before it started to rain. After a short Metro ride and walk, we arrived at our hotel. We dropped off our stuff and headed to a craft store Emily wanted to go to. When she was studying in Paris, it had been a favorite store of hers and she found out there was one in Lyon as well. By the time she had picked a pattern and acquired the necessary amount of yarn, it had begun to rain. We then found a Creperie for dinner where Andy and I got the same thing for dinner ( a crepe with tomato sauce and cheese) and for dessert (a crepe with sugar). We decided to try to go to the Christmas Market but it was raining too much and we decided to head in.
The next day was bright and sunny. We stopped at a cafe for breakfast where we got the last 3 pastries: 2 pain au chocolat and 1 croissant. We then walked across the river to go to the Basilica Notre Dame de Fourviere. Andy and I rode the funicular up the hill while Emily walked. From the top of the hill we walked around to the Roman ruins of an amphitheatre. Just like in Rome, I enjoyed walking around the ruins, climbing the steps and see all the broken marble. Andy and I stood in the center of the amphitheatre and talked, we could then hear our voices amplified. After playing on the Roman ruins, we headed back towards the Basilica and took in the view over the city of Lyon. 
It was beautiful and off in the distance you can see the Alps. They were covered in snow, such a beautiful, cold sight. We took the funicular back down the hill and stopped at the farmer's market along the river for lunch. Andy and I split a half of a roasted chicken with some potatoes (so good). Emily got some olives. And we all shared a slice of cheese and a baguette. We walked over to a courtyard in front of the National Theater in Lyon and ate our lunch. It was a delicious French lunch. Afterwards we split up, Emily went to the Christmas Market and Andy and I went to the Musee de la Resistance. The French Resistance movement against Nazi Germany began with a small group of people in Lyon. I really enjoyed and look forward to learning more about it. Afterwards we went to meet Emily at the Christmas Market. It was located near the gare (train station) so Andy got a bit sidetracked on the way over. Shocker. He took many pictures of trains as they crossed the river towards the station. It was nice to be able to just cruise around Lyon with my brother. 
Eventually he was satisfied with his pictures and we met Emily at the Market. We walked around, purchased some Christmas gifts and had some delicious food. For dinner I got a baguette with cheese and ham (jambon) which was broiled open-faced. It was delicious. I also got a fresh pretzel to save for later and a waffle covered in powered sugar for dessert. Yummy.The next day we woke early to catch a bus to the airport to fly back to London. I could not believe that my week with Andy and Emily was almost over. Once at Heathrow we said goodbye as they transferred to their flight back to the States and I went through Immigration for the fifth time.
The past week was so fun. I got to hang out in London with my brother and then visit Paris and Lyon. Plus it seems we used every transportation imaginable to get around: bus, tube, Chunnel train, metro, high speed train, funicular, tram, plane.
Until we meet again,
-Maggie the traveler
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