Day 150: Lyon - God, it was good to be back

I still remember trying to book a hotel for Lyon when we were in Goa. All the hotels and b&b's were fully booked. That is why we ended up in a youth hostel in Lyon. Now having arrived in Lyon, we know why - there was a light festival that weekend. The youth hostel (part of HI chain) was keeping a strict catholic tradition of no mixed-gender room, so Katy and I had to sleep in different rooms. Actually it was only our second time sleeping in bunk beds during our six months on the road. The last time was in Xian, China, where we shared a room with two big Brits. The hostel in Lyon was not bad. Good view of the old Lyon. - a UNESCO world heritage. Free wifi and breakfast. But it was noisy during the night with people coming in and going out of the room. One annoying thing was the shower. You press the button, and the water is on for only three seconds.

view of Lyon from our hostel (day and night)

street view of Lyon

We came to Lyon for the traditional bouchon and we were not disappointed. The best one was a small bouchon recommended by a local at the hostel. Its business card and direction are below. The 3-course lunch menu - consisting of chicken liver salad, grilled steak with long beans and chocolate cake - was only 13 euros and it was delicious. At the end of our meal, the gentlemen sitting next to our table offered us some Bourgone (or 'French sake' as he called it). God, it was strong. Not sure if it is a good way to finish the lunch, especially if you have to return to the office.


The old Lyon had the Christmas atmosphere as the lights and Christmas trees were proudly displayed in the shop windows. There was a lively Christmas market south of Plaza Bellcour. People were busy with their Christmas shopping. The prices were, of course, very European. Some items we recognized from China or India were going for ten times more. No sign of a global recession or credit crisis here. :)

Overall, we enjoyed our stay in Paris and Lyon. My rusty French was helpful sometimes. Despite what others may say about the Parisians, we still find them to be friendly and courteous. Off to Rome next.

a Lyonnaise fresco wall we stumbled upon

the wall painting was so real