More from Cinque Terre

Deux Baguettes - Cliff Jumping from PaddyRumble on Vimeo.

Cinque Terre with Laura Bamsey

Last week we welcomed our first summer visitor, Joel's sister, Laura. Squeezing us in between London and Iceland we were happy to show her around Lyon before road tripping to Cinque Terre (or five lands) Italy. We stayed in La Spezia and took a train into Cinque Terre each day to check out the string of five gorgeous villages along the coast of the Mediterranean. To get between the villages you could take additional trains, hike, kayak or take a ferry. On the first day we chose the challenging yet picturesque hiking trails but our legs had had it on the second day so we explored the rocky caves in a kayak. An unbelievable spot for those looking for an active vacation.

Tasting the Lyonnaise creme caramel.

Taking a break on the rocks after day-one's first hike.

Looking back at our first stop from our second hike of the day.

Bon Voyage, Laura!

It was a pleasure travelling, eating pizza and drinking Limoncello with you.

Joel & Amy

Tour de France

Joel greeting JC at the L'Arc de Triomphe after
his 290km trek from London.

 What an exciting couple of weeks we've had  as the Tour de France passed through Lyon and we chased it up to Paris to see the final stage!

On Saturday, July 13th they passed right in front of our apartment as we waited anxiously on the curb and the sponsors drove by throwing out sample products and Tour paraphernalia. All riders passed within 8 min, but still, very exciting.

On Sunday, July 21st we made our way to Paris to catch the finish. It was pretty entertaining to watch the final 40km as they sped by us 10 times before crossing the finish line. With no media connection it was interesting to see who was in the lead each time they lapped through and who started to fall behind. 

Our pal JC cycled down from London the morning of the race to spend the day with us and observe the action. Definitely a thrilling day (even for those of us who are a little wide-eyed). Will be sure to catch it again next year.

We found a great spot to watch the race at the 1km mark.

Joel climbed up on a street light to get this shot, shows how close the riders got to the crowd as they picked up speed.
(watch your toes!)

THANKS GUYZZZZ...

Joel & Amy

Bastille Day in Lyon

This past Sunday, July 14th was Bastille Day (or La Fete Nationale) here in France, when they celebrate the uprising of their modern nation. Celebrations are held all over France and here in Lyon there are a series of Fireman's Balls and fireworks all weekend.

We made our way down to the edge of the Rhone River to view Sunday's fireworks with the rest of the city. Then, on our way home, we dodged additional fireworks amongst the crowds as kids set off spectacles of their own. Sometimes sideways, sometimes right at you, no rules, regulations or security in sight, everyone just does what they want, this is France!

THANKS

Joel & Amy

Bresserie Georges

On Friday evening we visited the Brasserie Georges, the oldest Brasserie (brewery) in Lyon and one of the largest in all of Europe (over 700 guests can be served per seating AND during December's Fete des Lumiere it serves an impressive 2,500 meals per night). Some fancy-shmancy guests like Ernest Hemingway and the Lumiere Brothers have wined and dined here as well. Another one of Lyon's legendary restaurants, amazing food and drink. 

Thanks to the Bamseys for the gift card, a great b-day idea.

Joel & Amy

Joel's Birthday Weekend

This weekend we celebrated Joel's birthday with a camping trip in the Beaujolais Wine Country. We set up our tent in the tiny domain of Fleurie (where you could sleep in a giant wine barrel if you wanted!) and hiked the vine-covered hills to discover vineyard after vineyard and of course..tasting after tasting. The Beaujolais Region begins just a few minutes North of Lyon and AGAIN...it has become one of our favourite stops, a highly recommended asset to anyone's Tour de France.

Sitting at the top of Domaine de la Madone, a winery in Fleurie where we enjoyed several tastings and a delicious locally grown lunch.

We took the scenic route home to stop in the village of Oignt, voted one of the top 5 most beautiful places in France.

Perfect weather and lots of wine...sounds like a great birthday to me!

Joel & Amy

Lumiere Museum

Was excited to finally cross this one off the list.

Finally visited the Institute Lumier, a museum and villa, home of the Lumiere brothers who invented the cinematographe in 1885 and became the founders of motion picture and cinema. It was pretty awesome to see some of the original equipment and view some of the first ever recorded films. 

Right here in Lyon! Who knew!!??

THANKS
Joel & Amy (well just Amy this time)