Our Famous Home Away from Home

Hey everyone!

Something to mark in your calender;

Our little Lyon is going to be featured THIS SUNDAY APRIL 27th on CNN on Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown @ 9PM. Here he is pictured below with Paul Bocuse, Lyon's famous chef who's restaurants many of us have now dined at!

Here's a link to a preview of the episode; LINK

We'll be watching!

THANKS

Joel & Amy

Making My Way Home...

Sooo...this is embarrassing! I have been surprisingly busy the last few weeks since I've left Lyon and have not had a chance to post anything new. Though, since I am home now, I am able to give face to face updates, which are the best kind!

BUT lets rewind a few weeks to March 25th when I started making my way back to the real world.

I decided to discover one final destination before landing in Toronto on March 28th. AND since Iceland Air offers a deal for those who want to extend their layover in Reykjavik, I thought Iceland would be a great choice.

I booked a lovely room in a guest-house right in the heart of the little region of Reykjavik. I spent three days wandering through the cute little town, browsing the expensive wool shops and enjoying the mountain over ocean views. It really was an amazing place to see, I have never seen anything like it. This is a highly recommended trip for nature lovers. 

I took what the locals call the "Golden Circle Tour" and got to see some of Iceland's natural wonders. Thingvellier National Park (pictured right), the Geyser Geothermal Area and Gullfoss Waterfall. The weather was slightly less than desirable as the changing of the seasons brought on torrential rain so unfortunately I wasn't able to get as many pictures as I wish I could have. BUT I was still able to see it first hand and I can't complain about that.

On my last day I booked a trip to Iceland's famous Blue Lagoon (seen below). This could not have been a more relaxing experience. I loved the healing properties of the lagoon, the swim-up bar and the all-natural spa treatments that were available. The hot water was a great way to warm up after spending a few days in the rain. If you make your way to Iceland you CANNOT miss the Blue Lagoon.

AND SO, since I've been home I've found myself spending half my time in Niagara and half my time in Guelph. I've just signed the lease for our new downtown Guelph apartment which we will get on the first of May. AND I've started a new job at Scottsdale Dental near the Stone Road mall. Joel will be home for a few weeks at the end of April and he'll be looking forward to seeing everyone as it has been a while since he's been around these parts. Then it'll be my job to make the new apartment comfortable before Joel's final flight home at the end of July.

THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE!

As I mentioned before I will attempt to make posts on behalf of Joel as he sends pictures and updates on what he's been up to.

Joel & Amy

Au Revoir Alpes Francaises

Oh nooo, this is devastating!

I am officially starting to do things for the last time. I wanted to make sure I got one more day of snowboarding in before I leave for home and Joel had no objections. We checked the weather and Mont Blanc was expecting one of the nicest weekends of the year. How could we refuse? 

We drove up to Chamonix Saturday morning,  then spent the weekend riding our favourite spots and soaking up the sun sipping Monacos in the sky-high cafes and outdoor bars. We could not have asked for better weather. Snow conditions were still pretty fair and I am a HUGE sucker for a day in the mountains I don't have to worry about my toes freezing to the inside of my boots. Amazing!

THANKS guys!

Joel & Amy

Additional European Travellers

Can you believe we've bid farewell to more visitors!!??

We just spent a lovely week with friends Alison and Phil, showing them around Lyon, road-tripping to Torino, Italy and making our way to the peak of Mont Blanc. Couldn't think of a better way to spend my final weeks here in France. 

When our new guests arrived in Lyon we pretty much packed our bags right away and hopped in Joel's Skoda to drive about 4.5 hours South/East to Torino, Italy. Spending just one night there we had a pretty specific agenda and we hit all three items on our list! 

Battling the incessant rain, we visited The Royal Palace of Turin, checked out the views from The Mole Antonelliana Tower and tasted delicious pizzas and pastas.

We're certainly glad we were so productive on the first day of our road-trip because our plans for day-two took us back to France to visit the picturesque ski village of Chamonix/Mont Blanc. (Just visiting no riding this time.)

We took the Auguille de Midi Cable Car  and the Panoramic Mont Blanc Gondola to a peak that sits at 3,842m above sea level. Travelling above the clouds, we were able to get the most amazing view of Mont Blanc (4,810m). Ranked 11th in the world in prominence, Mont Blanc is Western Europe's highest summit. I don't think any of us were prepared for how light-headed or weak-in-the-knees we felt once we made it to the top (or maybe Phil was just doing the Charleston, I guess we'll neverknow). 

RIGHT: Aly & Phil step out into the "Void". A glass cube that stands over a sheer drop of more than 1000m. 

I think this was definitely a day we all will never forget. 

AND of course we couldn't omit the usual tour of Lyon that they scheduled two full days for. (I can't believe how many times I've been to Lyon's Roman Ruins!)

LEFT: They cozy up in front of Lyon's Bartholdi Fountain in one of the city's main squares. 

On Wednesday my last visitors boarded a cheap flight to Barcelona for 3 more days of touring. Spring is really starting to break through here in Europe so they will enjoy a nice couple of days strolling along the beach in the sunshine.

THANKS ALY & PHIL!!!

We had a great time sharing many European laughs with you two!

In other news, I have officially booked my permanent flight home. I will be arriving in Toronto on Friday, March 28th and can't wait to catch up with everyone! But not before a quick stop-over in Reykjavik, Iceland. As you know, Joel will be continuing his work here in Lyon until this coming summer. 

See you soon!
Joel & Amy

More Visitors!

Last week we entertained the company of good friends Laura & Henry. After spending 3 days in Paris they took the high speed train down to meet us at Lyon's Part Dieu Station. We couldn't believe the luck they had with the weather! After about a month and a half of rain the skies cleared and let them enjoy 3 days of sunshine in Lyon. With temperatures at around +15 they were happy to be away from home for the week. 

On their first day we took a guided tour to the Beaujolais Wine Region. We got some good info about the wine making process and the history of the region before stopping at a small family winery for some tastings. Then we checked out the medieval town of Perouges.

We spent the next few days touring Lyon. Visiting the classics like Fourviere Hill, Vieux Lyon, The Paul Boccuse Market, Brasserie Georges AND The Miniatures and Film Props Museum! 

Right: We browse the Parc De La Tete D'Or.

Below: Enjoying some Vin Chaud outside of Lyon's City Hall.

                                                                   

Then we all headed to the Lyon Airport to catch a quick flight up to Amsterdam (Joel too!) We managed to fit SO much into each of our days (lots of walking!)

The Anne Frank Haus, The Van Gogh Museum, The Heineken Experience (not just a brewery tour!), The Tulip Market, NEMO The Science Centre (Joel's idea), an evening canal cruise, The Red Light District AND of course, we didn't forget to taste the pancakes.

The day after we arrived we got to celebrate Laura's 30th birthday, her only request was lots of beer, I think we nailed it.

Again, using the AirBnB website we stayed in this cute little Boat House on one of the canals. 

This is one of the coolest cities we've visited, I've already claimed that it broke my top three locations that we've travelled to all year. I feel like I could have jumped right on a bike and joined the locals. It's nice when you visit a city and get a good feel of what it would be like to live there. 

THANKS SO MUCH FOR COMING BATES & HENRY!!!

You two were great travel companions and it was a pleasure being your hosts in Lyon. PROOST! See you really soon.

This Friday we welcome another set of friends and can't wait to show them around and explore Turin, Italy with them!

Joel & I were happy to have been able to watch a lot of the Olympics via live-stream on a French website. Though we may have missed a lot of what was happening to any Canadians who didn't medal we still feel like we were able to celebrate Canada's success. Woohoo!

THANKS GUYS!

Joel & Amy

Deux Baguettes - Porto, Portugal

Deux Baguettes - Portugal from PaddyRumble on Vimeo.

Song is "The Wire" by HAIM.
THANKS GUYS!

Amy (& Joel)

Uncle Pete & Uncle Jeff in France

 Last week we met my Uncle Peter and my Uncle Jeff in Chamonix/Mont Blanc to join them in discovering the French Alps. Jeff and Joel, being the more advanced on the slopes, were hoping to take a guided tour and ski one of Mont Blanc's glaciers. Unfortunately the weather was slightly less than ideal and the guided tours were cancelled. BUT Peter and I were able to enjoy our Sunday activity (see above). "Just keep running off that cliff" they said "We'll do the rest". 

Paragliding wasn't exactly on either one of our bucket lists but it was certainly an experience to remember. A gorgeous 15 minutes of peacefully gliding over the slopes and the city below, very nice. 

They then popped down to Monaco and the Monte Carlo before joining us in Lyon where we enjoyed a lovely few days of browsing the city in the rain, relishing in Lyon's most impressive restaurants and cafes. 

Jeff enjoys my singing from the top of Lyon's Roman Ruins. 

Tasting the micro-brewed beer of Brasserie Georges.

They scheduled themselves just a half-day to enjoy the romance of Paris before flying home.

Thanks so much for the visit you two, our livers will be in recovery for weeks.

Joel & Amy

Galette Des Rois

Joel and I have recently taken part in the French ritual of the King Cake. Traditionally celebrating Epiphany in France and Quebec this pastry is served in most bakeries during the month of January to "Draw the Kings". Each family sized pastry has a layer of frangipane (sweet almond paste) and is cut into pizza slices. Hidden within the cake is a trinket or tiny figurine, whoever finds the prize in their piece becomes king for the day, wears the crown and is to offer the next cake. Traditionally you are to cut one extra piece "for the poor" and it was served to the first poor person to arrive to the home (I guess that would be me, I'm never one to waste food anyways). 

This delicious dessert is quite a popular custom here in Lyon, you can find them in every shop window in different sizes and flavours. Joel said he even spotted someone at work sporting the crown after their lunch break. 

I found this recipe for anyone feeling ambitious enough to make their own; RECIPE

For those wondering, the prize was found in my piece but Joel had already gone to bed for the night so my reign as King was uneventful and short-lived.

THANKS GUYS!

Joel & Amy

Peanut Butter Girl

A Bamsey Family Christmas

Hello all. 

Please join us as we discover our most Northern destinations yet. Appearances by Joel's Uncle Tom and Aunt Sheena, his cousin Nathan, Nathan's girlfriend Lindsay, Joel's cousin Matt, his wife Micheline (who live in Bremen), Mich's Mum Loraine and their dog Brutus. Special thanks to our hosts Uta and Karlo for having us in their home over the holidays. 

Deux Baguettes - Christmas in Germany from PaddyRumble on Vimeo.

Please stay safe and warm!
Joel & Amy

Christmas in Germany

Merry Christmas from France!

We hope everyone at home had a nice relaxing holiday with family and friends.

We have returned from our incredible Christmas holiday in Germany and can't wait to share our highlights. I have another episode of Deux Baguettes on the way but wanted to take my 50th BLOG POST as an opportunity to thank everyone for listening! It has been a CRAZY year of travelling and discovering for Joel & I and we were happy to take everyone along for the ride. With OVER 4250 pageviews we feel like it was definitely worth the time and effort. Thanks to those who made the trip to visit us in Lyon and of course those who took the time to keep in touch via email, skype, instagram, imessage and facebook.  As our first year in France comes to a close we encourage everyone to visit the blog often and help us bring this wild ride home. 

Below are a few pictures from Germany:

Staying warm at the Christmas Markets sipping Gluewein in Hamburg.

Wandering the historic streets of Luneburg (the wobbly town).

Sitting down for one of many amazing dinners with the Bamseys in Bremen.

Taking in the momentous landmarks of Berlin.

Wishing everyone a very safe and Happy New Year!!!

Joel & Amy

July to December in France

Hiya folks, it's time to reminisce again. This time we'll take a look back at our second half of 2013. We've decided to exclude our up-and-coming Christmas trip to Germany as I am sure we'll gather enough footage for another entire episode. Appearances by Joel's sister Laura, our friends JC, Gill and Chelsea, my sister Christine, her fiance Anthony, my Mom and Aunt Brenda. 

Deux Baguettes - The Second 6 Months from PaddyRumble on Vimeo.

THANKS!!!!
Joel & Amy

Another Semester

I have almost finished my second and final semester of Au Pair'ing here in Lyon and it has certainly been an adventure. This time I was matched with two different families, both with two girls, between the ages of 2 and 5. I had Adele & Elena Mon, Tues and Thurs evenings and Alix & Anais all day Wednesday (since french children don't go to school wed). Both families are just starting to introduce their girls to English so it was impressive to watch them go from a few English words to putting together sentences and carrying on full conversations. I definitely think I fared a bit better with the younger crowd (as my ten year olds last semester thought I was so un-cool). It was nice to have someone enjoy my singing and dancing for once and I loved flexing my crafty muscles coming up with activities to both entertain and introduce new vocabulary. They all challenged me in their own way and of course taught me a thing or two along the way. 

Elena & Adele enjoy some pancakes with Pure Canadian Maple Syrup.
Alix & Anais learn about shapes.
I will miss these little monkeys in the new year as I am no longer permitted to work when my Visa expires. I have thoroughly enjoyed the Au Pair'ing experience and would highly recommend it to anyone planning to relocate on a temporary basis. It was both challenging and rewarding, I can't think of a better way to have spent my year in France.
THANKS GUYS!
Hope everyone is keeping warm and enjoying their holiday season!

Joel & Amy

Fete Des Lumieres

This weekend Lyon is celebrating it's annual Fete Des Lumieres (Festival of Lights). The story of the festival dates back to 1643 when Lyon was struck by the plague. The Lyonnais promised to pay tribute to Mary if it was spared. Since then, each year the people of Lyon light candles and place them in their windows in the name of Mary. The festival has since grown into the biggest lights festival in the world and certainly the only of it's kind. 

I wish I could put into words how spectacular some of these displays are. Using Lyon's biggest and most iconic buildings as backdrops, crowds of people enjoy projected light shows set to storytelling and music. 

Hot mulled wine and hot chocolate are served at every corner to help everyone stay warm. It really is an indescribable experience and completely untranslatable by pictures or video. We are really wishing all of our family and friends could be here to see it!

 THANKS guys, lots more to come in the next few weeks!

Joel & Amy

Homecoming Announcement

Hello All.

I bit of an announcement to make about the end of our adventures here in Lyon, France...

We have done all we can to add an additional 6 months to my Visa (working or non-working) but have been completely unsuccessful. 

Joel has been able to obtain a Titre De Sejour through work, which allows him to stay until 2016. 

SO, I will be making my way back to Ontario by the end of March 2014 and we are starting to get excited about finding our way home again. 

Joel will be continuing with his work in France until at least July 2014, so he will join me at home shortly after my return.

We still have plenty planned between now and then, including Christmas in Germany, lots of snowboarding in the Alps and a long weekend in Amsterdam so stay with us here at Deux Baguettes!
It's not over yet!

Joel & Amy

Chocolate!!!

Just returned from a lovely Saturday in Geneva, Switzerland. 

The weather is getting quite crisp these days but my friend Gill was happy to bear the wind and the cold to show us around her city.

After taking an early morning train we started our day off at the Patek Phillipe Museum. A very fancy shmancy display of watches put on by a Geneva-Based firm of master watchmakers. We stopped by several chocolate shops to taste a few treats, browsed the "old town" and sat down for several relaxing drinks. 

Gil is a week away from finishing her 3 month internship at The World Health Organization in Geneva. She will then head to the South of France for a week of relaxation before heading home. 

It was great to have a friend close by for a while. Enjoy Nice Gil. See you in the new year!   

                                                                                          

THANKS GUYZZZ
Joel & Amy

CREPES!

 Getting better with every crepe!

                                         

Tonight's recipe is a regular crepe recipe (found here), using almond milk instead of milk, and an added tablespoon each of ground flax seed and fibre flakes. Wrapped inside this healthy crepe alternative is sauteed seasonal mushrooms, baby spinach, garlic and onions with a dash of fresh ground pepper. 

Sprinkled on top is one of my favourite market finds: 

Emmental (or Swiss) cheese. 

AMAZING! 

THANKS!

Joel & Amy

Discovering London

Another weekend of travelling that we absolutely cannot complain about. 

We caught wind that our pal in London, JC, may be heading back to Canada. So, we took quick advantage of one of Joel's work trips to Peterborough last week and extended it to include a weekend with the Queen.

RIGHT: Keeping warm at the Borough Market.

JC is easily the perfect host. Very knowledgeable on the history of the city and well acquainted with the hot-spots. 

We browsed several weekend markets and hit up a pop-up bar that served delicious hot-mulled cider. Which was a very cozy way to keep warm in the cold, wet weather. 

LEFT: JC and I take in the London Eye.

RIGHT: JC talks us through Trafalgar Square.

BELOW: Joel and I at Buckingham Palace.

Another amazing city to have been able to check off our list. Would not have been quite the same had JC not been such a great guide. 

Thanks for having us! It was great to see all your favourite cafes & pubs and meet your friends from around the world.

We'll meet again soon!

Joel & Amy

Deux Baguettes - Get Greek

From our two-week trip to Greece back in August. I do apologize for the tardiness.

Deux Baguettes - Greece from PaddyRumble on Vimeo.

THANKS GUYS!

Joel & Amy

Visits from the Swiss.

...or temporarily Swiss. 

An old pal from Fonthill stopped by Lyon this weekend. Gill is spending three months just North/East of us in Geneva, Switzerland on an internship for her Masters. Making her way down here by train, despite an unfortunate strike by French rail workers, we were happy she was able to squeeze us in. Since the two of us are old soccer chums, we headed down to the Stade Gerland for an Olympique Lyonnais game (our second of the season). Even though mother nature attempted to bog us down with a monsoon of rain, we had a good game of catch-up over wine and baguettes. 

THANKS so much for making the trip Gill!
Looking forward to heading to Geneva in a few weeks.

Joel & Amy