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Published: January 31st 2007
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Voila! Now you can keep track of all the exciting ups and downs of my life in a city where no-one understands a word I am saying!
My first two nights in Lyon were pure luxury. I stayed at the Radisson, the tallest building in Lyon, in the middle of the city which was gorgeous! I arrived on Saturday afternoon, and that evening I met up with Matt Phippen and Caitlyn (Mark’s bro and his friend) and Emily (UTS buddy). We went out for dinner at a cute little restaurant in Old Lyon and had a great night with plenty of wine and laughs. After dinner we went on the giant Ferris wheel in Lyon which gave an amazing view of the city at night but definitely wasn’t the safest ride, it felt like the carriage would fall to the ground at any second… especially when Matt was spinning it!
Sunday, Matt and Caitlyn left for Toulouse so Emily and I explored the city (I have to do the tourist thing before it becomes my home!). We went to the Notre Dame de Fourviere which is an absolutely stunning church in Old Lyon. From afar it seriously looks like
Ferris Wheel
Ferris Wheel in the middle of Lyon! a Disney Palace and the inside is breathtaking. We spent the afternoon just walking around getting familiar with Lyon. I can see now there is going to be a lot of walking this year especially to get back to my residence which is at the top of a long hill. At first I thought, this would be a great way to get fit… but with all the bread, cheese and wine, I’m just hoping now that it will at least balance things out!
This is my first night in my new room at the Andre Allix student residence. It’s definitely not 5 stars, I am in one of the two older buildings and there isn’t even a fridge in the shared kitchenette, but it’s livable and I feel quite comfortable here. I like the fact that I have my own space that I can retreat to when the trials of the French experience become a little overwhelming. It has the basics, a bed, desk, heater, bookshelf, wardrobe and sink. It even comes with my very own broom and dustpan… although I’m not quite sure what to do with them. There’s also wireless internet which is good news, the bad
Scary Times
Matt freaking out Caitlin on the Ferris Wheel.. news is it takes them 2 weeks to set it up, so right now I have to resort to the free wifi from McDonalds which means I don’t get much chance to check emails at the moment.
I was lucky enough to get a room with a view and since the residence is on a big hill, I can see most of Lyon through my window. There is no denying it is a beautiful city… especially when it’s snowing! I didn’t believe it when one of the girls staying here told me that it was expected to snow in Lyon tonight but sure enough on my walk home a couple of flakes began to fall and they haven’t stopped since. There’s now a good cover of snow outside, I’m thinking of breaking out the skis to go to uni tomorrow.
Even though I have to share the toilets and showers with 6 other people on my floor, I think the uni res is the best way for my to start out here. The rent is very affordable, 134€ a month which is just over 50 aussie dollars a week, and it’s really easy to meet other students. So
Vieux Lyon
Vieux Lyon from across the Saone River far the people I have met have been really nice. All of them are also international students, English, Canadian and South American… and they can all speak French well. So I truly am lagging here! Even though my French is still quite basic they have been speaking to me in French to try and help me out, which I really appreciate even though I can imagine how frustrating it is when I ask them to repeat every second sentence. I’m trying hard though, even as I sit here I am listening to French music… every little bit helps!
Although Lyon is gorgeous, the admin side of things has been a bit of struggle. I missed my placement test for the language school on Monday because no-one had decided to fill me in on the fact that it started at 8.30am. Thankfully, I had Emily with me who actually speaks French and she was able to convince the uni admin that it wasn’t my fault and reschedule another exam for me… of course they made it very clear that they really wanted nothing to do with it as it wasn’t their problem. Crazy French. Negotiations with them generally start at
Notre Dame de Fourviere
At night it definitely looks like something out of Disney! ‘Non’ and go from there. They aren’t about to go out of their way for you if it’s not in their interest. You definitely need a thick skin here and I am learning fast! Ok. I know that’s not entirely fair. There has been some very helpful Frenchies. But the stereotype definitely has an element of truth.
My classes start on the 5th of Feb and I am very motivated to get my French up to scratch! In the meantime, I’m on a mission to pretty up my room and make it my own. It definitely has potential it just needs a personal touch and a bit of colour, so I’m thinking a trip to Ikea this week might be a good start.
A bientôt mes amis!
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Susin
Susin Thoroughgood
Welcome to Blog Land!!
Hey Julz! I can't believe how much bigger your city is than my city!! Can't wait to come and visit you - once you've prettied up your room and settled in we'll have to organise some trips. Keep havin fun, gorgeous! Susin xx