21/07/2009
We had agreed to take some stuff back for Ash & Pippa, so sorted out how we were going to add a backpack to our luggage. I had to log into Easyjet and add the check-in luggage and cough up $20, but we got that sorted so I felt a lot better for knowing how it was going to work. We could take our (now slightly heavier) carry-on luggage on Easyjet and then later in Rome we can pack one of those full, and check that with Malaysian to just have one lighter piece of carry-on. I’d just have to work out how to lug the 20 kg pack around Rome… We went out to the Textile Museum (which was a little disappointing due to poor curation, and the paper dresses exhibition had already finished) & also visited the Decorative Arts Museum which was set up in a palace (old house). This was better, with some great things to see, but not a lot of English to read… Back to our apartment for some scrambled eggs & baguette and then out with Ash & Pippa for a little shopping trip (past another mural) for some souvenirs & gifts to take home.
We had to rush back to have a drinks with our hosts Pierre Claude & Anneick and enjoyed our broken English/French conversation. They are an older couple who have moved into the city and rent out a small apartment (bedroom, with table & small kitchen & ensuite) for some pocket money. Very pleasant. Then we had to leave to ride out to the ‘L’est Brasserie’ (L’Est is one of Paul Bocuse bistros set in the old Brotteaux train station east of Lyon and has a train themed decor ) where we had a very nice dinner. I thought while in France… so I tried some escargo & even finished off with a souffle. Yum!
Then it was a cycle back into the city without lights or helmets and we rode to one of Pippa’s work places which was a bar that has 15 beers on tap and hundreds in bottles. the guys behind the bar ask what sort of beer you like and bring out a few to taste before you settle on one. By the time we’d decided on our 4 drinks only two looked like beer as I knew it, and they all came with their own brand of coaster and glass. Great fun and we got to try some different tasting beer. Back home late, (once again) and tomorrow we say goodbye…
