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Saturday 13th August
We have just got back to the apartment, 3.35pm, after being out all day. It is so hot we couldn’t stand it any longer. We rang Stu this morning to see if he could help Jan top up her phone as it was all in French and she couldn’t work it out. It was nice to talk to him and hear the children in the background. He sorted it out and sent Jan a link which she logged into and did what she had to do.
For breakfast, we had coffee and croissant at the railway station after walking about 1.5kms to get there. It was not what we wanted but it is not easy to get our sort of breakfast in France and most places don’t even have the croissants. We were shopping for a new tee shirt for moi and had been told that the mall opposite the railway station was the place to go as all of the shops that we have seen were too expensive. Well it was a huge mall so we wandered up one side with the shops on our left and just followed the different fingers (off the mall) as they came along. I got the tee shirts and a very good deal also. Jannie wanted a loo – 50c in the turnstyle before you can enter. That’s not the dearest one we have been to either. She said they were very modern and clean though so I’m sure it was worth it! Usually we avail ourselves of the toilettes in the restaurants when we have beer or coffee which is a cheaper option (free) but sometimes the toilets are a little strange. In Dijon we struck one where you used your knee to turn the water on over the hand basin!
We had set off to go to the Botanic gardens which are at the north end of the city. We had to get the C1 trolley bus and after about six stops we got off and entered through the huge wrought iron gates. This whole area was huge with a zoological park, a huge lake, the botanical gardens and hot houses, and orangerie and on the island in the middle of the lake a veladrome. It was pleasant walking under the large trees in the shade and alongside the lake we found a restaurant and grabbed a table right beside the lake, with the ducks, swans, herons, other water birds, paddle boats and even row boats. It was a lovely place to sit and watch the world go by and we placed orders for salad and beer. Now our standard fare. After a leisurely lunch we continued our wanderings. Through the zoo which is African based with zebras, giraffes, deer and the like, monkeys, crocodiles all in natural surroundings each area huge with rocks and trees for the animals to hide amongst. It was very hot and not a lot of activity going on with people and animals lounging on the grass enjoying the shade.
We came home and turned on the tele to see what is happening in the world and lo and behold there was live coverage of the tour of Switzerland! The scenery is absolutely amazing but of course the commentary is all in French so we don’t know what is being said.
We have checked our messages and it was lovely to get a note from Izzy and Ruby and from Izzy, Mike and Nicola. We really enjoy receiving communications – makes us feel wanted!
Tomorrow we head off to Uzes. We have had a look at the map to see what direction we need to go in and it looks simple enough. Mary may or may not join us on the trip depending on what mood she is in. We have loved our time in Lyon – it is a really beautiful city with so many special characteristics. The people here are very casually dressed and there is a sort of holiday atmosphere. Of course it is holiday time for the French and many shops are closed – would you believe- at the height of summer! The restaurant in our hotel is closed for that very reason – holiday time. We don’t understand the logic.
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Don and Deb Hahahahaha......I found you guys!!!!!!!!! this computer stuff ain't so tough.......I know its been awhile but hey??? things are busy over here.........new computer now...old one....DOA and lost everything all files emails everything....dam it anyways.....Europe sounds like fun again huh??? haven't looked at any pics or read anything yet but I know theres some laughs involved!!!!. less than 2 weeks until Leannes wedding and things are heatin' up in the planning dept. All smooth so far. Absolutely hope you're having the time of your lives over there...much much more to talk about later OK....new email address(don't know if you have it or not) [email protected] love you guys Don and Deb