Sitting outside on the terrace of our apartment, I am in awe that we are living in Lyon, France. For all the traveling we have done, even the 6-8 week stays in other French cities last year, this time it really does feel like we live here, and we only arrived a week ago.
Chris has gone for a wander out into the city. While I am spending my afternoon, by myself on the terrace in our little village of Montchat,, reading a book set in France during another era, The Nightingale.
A sore foot has slowed me down, so we aren’t out walking across the city at the usual pace. We have been mostly staying in our little neighborhood, visiting the twice a week market and becoming familiar with the shops and restaurants.
So I am sitting on the terrace where there are sensations both new and familiar. The soft “ting” of a bicycle bell often drifts up, though not a sound frequently heard in USA neighborhoods; the sound of cars as they pass on the street below or the occasional buzz of a motorcycle.
Our apartment is surrounded by other buildings, mostly apartments. We are on the 3rd floor and the tallest nearby is six stories. From the patio below, I hear voices of children as they play and giggle and call to “maman”. Bits of conversation travel up from the sidewalk along the street, but I don’t understand what they are saying.
The sky is blue and clear, with only a few wisps of clouds. It is quite warm in the sun as the day is approaching 60 degrees. To my left in the distance, I see mountains. The trees in the area show their green shades of spring and in the planter boxes on the terrace are palm trees, bamboo, and other shrubs and herbs. As it gets too hot in the sun, I shift over to the table and chairs in the shade.
The soft chitters and chirps call attention to the fact that there are birds around. The magpies are building their nest, flying back and forth carrying twigs and then disappearing into the tall Italian Cyprus tree. Doves and pigeons fly across the sky while the “little-tweets” rest briefly on the terrace railing as they make their rounds. Even bees have found this place, perhaps it is the sugar in my tea that calls to them.
There is no hurry, there is no rush, there is simply la joie de vie – the joy of life.
Linda Harvey
10 Apr 2015Wonderful prose. Paints a beautiful picture in words. And then we get to enjoy the fantastic pictures from Chris ! I wake up every morning and always think of you guys and how what you are doing is an inspiration to Linda and myself. God Bless
Jeannie
10 Apr 2015We hope you two are able to work more travel into your future plans. Maybe we could meet somewhere!
Linda
9 Apr 2015Thanks for sharing your day in paradise. Sounds lovely and really enjoyed the pictures. It really is a lovely place and great to hear how much you are enjoying it.
Jeannie
10 Apr 2015If our friends can’t be here to share it, we’ll try to paint a picture for you. Glad you’re traveling with us.
Alice Mathias
9 Apr 2015Another WRITER in the family! Very impressive!!
Jeannie
9 Apr 2015Thanks Alice!
Wayne Mackay
9 Apr 2015Great post….I feel that I am there but then the reality of working sets in…..maybe I will have to rethink the whole time to retirement plan…..
Jeannie
9 Apr 2015We can definitely recommend this form of retirement!
MakrPomraning
9 Apr 2015Wonderful!
Jeannie
9 Apr 2015Glad you enjoyed it!
john
9 Apr 2015Beautifully written!
Jeannie
9 Apr 2015Just a little help from my love!
Barb
9 Apr 2015A lovely way to spend the afternoon. Not detecting any stress whatsoever…
Jeannie
9 Apr 2015Only a little stress at the market trying to decide what to buy and then figuring out how to ask for it! Lots of fun though!
Cathi
9 Apr 2015The joy of life indeed… Love the blossoms.
Jeannie
9 Apr 2015Springtime in Lyon is fabulous! We’re glad we can share.
Kim
9 Apr 2015I’m sorry that a sore foot has slowed you down. But if that is what it takes for you to so beautifully share a bit of your day with us, so be it. Write us more frequently so We can share in this nomadic life you live ❤
Jeannie
9 Apr 2015I’ll try to write more often, but numbers are easier than words for me. I will confess that Chris did a bit of editing so he gets a little credit. Glad you enjoyed this bit of my day!