We spent the latter half of last week in Lyon, and a large amount of that time was spent eating. Or at least it feels like that anyway. We did of course see the sights, on foot and making use of the Metro, and with all the tasty food it was just as well that we topped 13,000 steps each day we were there. February it turns out seems to be the time of year when we head off for a pamper-break, and our hotel in Lyon had a spa and a very fancy restaurant. Our room was pretty fancy too, and the loo will be featuring in a future Loo Series post.
We saw cathedrals, the view from Fourviere, markets and a restaurant or two too. We walked alongside the river, up and down hills and relaxed in the jacuzzi. We drank wine, ate the local dishes and never made it to breakfast at the hotel because we just didn’t need any more food. We only just made the flight home though, which was a bit more anxiety-inducing than it needed to be. We made it to the gate from entering the airport in about 25 minutes, and thankfully there was still a queue so there was none of that “last call” business. What’s more surprising (or to us anyway) is that another five people sauntered along after us, at least we had the decency to run. We won’t be doing it again I can tell you.
I’ve still to edit my photos, but I couldn’t share this post without at least one. The Valentines bouquets outside florists and in markets were great to look at - and aren’t markets a great way to see how locals live? - and there were bunches of mimosa and eucalyptus for sale. It made me wonder, why we don’t have the same, or maybe we do, and I’m just not seeing them. Anyway, it’s on my list (along with editing lots of photos) to find out.
We agreed in advance to mark Valentines Day when we were back, and so what with one thing and another have been treating ourselves most of the weekend. A nice meal and a nice bottle of wine on Saturday night and gin fizz cocktails, complete with rosebuds, yesterday.
We finally swapped cards on Sunday too - I’d fessed up on our trip that I hadn’t made mine (or his) yet. He’d bought his, but hadn’t written it, so we were kind of equal there. It wasn’t until Sunday lunchtime though that I disappeared upstairs to return with this.
You’ll know I like simple card designs, and I’m quite pleased with this one too. i was about to say I’d make more, but realistically I don’t need to make more than one! It was nice to get back crafting though and I need to make more time for making cards, and crochet too as I’ve not picked up any of those projects up in the last few weeks. I have of course, added new projects to my list!
I’ve also subscribed to a new-to-me magazine, and Sunday afternoon I sat down and enjoyed my first edition of Simply Lettering. The quotes below seemed to talk to me, and follow on nicely from the coaching that I’ve recently completed with Nicky Kentisbeer, which encouraged me to ‘get out of my own way’ and was just what I needed.
Like many people I was shocked and saddened to read of Caroline Flack’s death. I’ve never watched Love Island and wouldn’t claim to be a huge follower of hers (or any celebrity) but I do watch Strictly and was rooting for her to win. Any death is sad, however it comes about, but for someone to feel that taking their own life is the best, or only, option open to them, that really is very sad and reflects badly on our culture and society. I can’t profess to understand, but I do wonder if only she, and sadly the many that take their own lives, knew how much they were loved, if it would make a difference.
I really wish it had, and can going forward. In her words, be kind.