last finals (finally!)

Finals. Stress. The end of the semester run towards deadlines. ARGH. I think I had like 5 cups of coffee last Friday.

Speaking of the stress. I had one strange stress dream. Unlike the other ones which involved nuclear war, this one was set in the DPRK. Apparently, in my wild dream, I went grocery shopping...in the DPRK. And while I was in the grocery store, I stole a bag of peas from someone. Is it graduation yet?

It's also getting very cold, which is very unusual for Monterey. Then again, I keep thinking why it hasn't snowed yet. It certainly is cold enough for that. I miss taking walks in the city on a cold but clear winter night before Christmas and enjoying the sensation I get from doing so.

And of course, the Fête des Lumières started a couple days ago. Why did I ever leave France Lyon? Got to go back asap. I can't help but feel that warmth of Christmas coming. Even though I don't know what 2014 will bring yet, I am anxious to be graduating and taking the next step forward. I honestly feel like I've been gone for half of the semester with all my travels. That isn't necessarily a bad thing because I love to travel and it was for professional development. This travel bug in me cannot be contained.

5 more days and counting!     

the final countdown, 4 weeks left!

Another weekend workshop, another weekend gone. I can't believe time is passing by so quickly.

So, I miss autumn time in Lyon. I miss the rain in Lyon. I miss the rain the general because it's always sunny here, not that it's a bad thing... I miss walking in the city with heels in the crisp, cold autumn air. I miss going to Severine's house to practice the piano and being drawn into the cozy apartment, welcomed by the warmth of the familiar scented perfume or of delicious food being cooked.

Why am I missing the Fête des Lumières again? WHY. Hopefully, I'll be there for this beautiful light festival next year.

(2013 Fête des Lumière teaser)

I must keep looking forward because I know that I'm going to be back for sure. Of course, the uncertainty of when that is continues to drive me crazy since I'm a planner. It's probably why I've been having crazy dreams again, like riding on elevators, or being back at the United Nation running around because I keep losing my purse. It might have to do with the upcoming changes that I know will happen. I suppose it's better than having dreams about nuclear war or being questioned about the Syrian chemical weapons.... What would be nice is not to have these dreams and get a good night sleep. I think I'm planning on sleeping for 2 days after graduation. Or until Christmas. Don't wake me up unless there's a plane ticket with my name on it to go back to Lyon.

Yes, it's time to go, just gotta go. Time to wrap up my studies in academia and go out into the world, back to Europe, back to France. I love the French. I think I'd be pretty happy to make that my home base and still be able to travel.

Four papers, 3 presentations, one exam to go. One month and 4 days. Let's do this!

guide to lyon #5: events, places and more to feast your eyes upon

So this shall be the final guide to Lyon that I have for now.

Today will be spent discussing any events, holidays and other places of interest.

First!

For students, of course -- there is fall break. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT AND GO TRAVELING, whether it be in France or the rest of Europe. I went to Poland, the Netherlands, and Belgium during that week.

In October, there was a Fete Lumiere, to honor the Lumiere brothers who pioneered cinema. They show lots of films during that week. The fete lumiere opened in 2010 (when I was there) with "Singing in the rain" and they finished with "Amadeus". I went to see Morte à Venise (Death in Venice). It was highly recommended by the person I was living with at the time!


La Fête des Lumieres (Dec 8th-11th)

Come see the festival of lights in December to commemorate the Virgin Mary. The tradition is that on December 8th, all the people in Lyon put candles by their windows.

The festival origins started in the 1600s when Lyon was struck by a plague, and the citizens promised to pay tribute to the Virgin Mary if she spared the city from the plague.

There are fireworks almost every year. To get the best view, go up to Fourviere to see them. To check out pictures from the festival, check out my post from last year. For me, this festival marked the beginning of the Christmas season for me.

For now, this is a teaser:

Parc de la tete d'or.

Beautiful park located in 6th arrondissement, you will find many people, including tourists coming here. If you have the chance, go for a bike ride here. Or just simply walk around. There is also a small zoo in here too. Have a picnic here, jog around here.

Orchestre Nationale de Lyon.

Do come here and listen to some great concerts!! I got to see Lang Lang play here and got his autograph :)). They have pretty amazing people come here to play, so it's great opportunity for all you music lovers out there!

Check out Sciences Po, the school I attended. It was once the Nazi headquarters during World War II!

Well folks, that's it for now! SILP program is full grind right now, so back to Russian studies :))

festival of lights

It's at this time of the year I can't stop dreaming about Lyon. And one of the main reason is because the Festival of Lights (La Fête des lumières) starts today. This is one of the main events in Lyon that's so famous it attracts people from all over Europe (and everywhere else). Even the Parisians will come and enjoy this special event. I remember being so excited on the first night of the festival. It was a Wednesday, and I had just dropped off my French kids at their piano lessons. I made a stop back at my place, grabbed my camera, bag, and ran out the door. My plan was to go up to Fourviere to enjoy the fireworks. Believe it of not, there were so many people in downtown that I had to push and shove my way through. Good thing I'm petite, because it was easy to slip through the crowd. Finally, I manage to make my way to cross the bridge and get to Vieux Lyon.

Why the streets of downtown was crowded: Watching lights on St. Nizier.

When I finally got to the Funiculaire, there were so many people and a LINE. I was like, ok, I'm taking the other funiculaire up and walk to Fourviere. After finally making my way up that hill, I took my time taking some photos and enjoying the view and fireworks from top and afar. 

Candles to commemorate the Virgin Mary

Finally, after walking back down, I bought myself some vin chaud (Mulled wine) and enjoyed that before heading to my neighbors to practice the piano. 

Over the next two days, I saw more lights. This was in the middle of studying for finals, but I didn't let that get in the way. These lights were too good to miss. (Pictures are from last year) 

Downtown

La Grande roule!

Walking through downtown

Downtown

Downtown

Downtown

Place des Terreaux

Places des Celestins

I remember when I was at the Places des Terreaux looking at lights, I was trying to get closer to see the fountain. There were 2 people there and one of them said (In French): Oh, let the la petite go through. Shouldn't surprise me anymore I guess. 

I can't stop thinking about this right now, one year later. I still can feel the lights, the smell, the sights, and feel of this magical city. When I close my eyes, I can still imagine myself there, standing in the streets of Lyon and gazing at the colorful lights and design. 

One of my friends and I exchanged gifts yesterday (early I know but that's because she's leaving soon and coming back in January). She gave me a mug that had part of the map of Paris drawn cartoon style. I fell in love with it. 

Lyon, France, vous me manquez. On va rentrer bientôt.