The One and Only Lyon

by Renate Andriani (Indonesia)

A leap into the unknown France

With intention of learning French intensively, I went to Lyon in 2012 for a year. Never have I expected that I'd love Lyon more than the most popular city in France: Paris. I chose Lyon because my brother was studying Culinary Arts in Lyon at that time, so that I could be together with him. Besides, I did my research that the living cost in Paris is high. The expectation when I went from home and went back home was different. I was impressed by this picturesque big city named Lyon and it is called either "gastronomic city" or "city of lights" (and nowadays being "mural city" because today the city is being surrounded by murals). It has its city slogan "Only Lyon" which I feel unique because of the words' play. Many elements of tourism offered by Lyon. I come from Indonesia, an archipelago country in southeast Asia. Raised in Asian culture, the culture of French (especially Lyonnais) has opened my eyes to a wider world. A country with "liberté, égalité, fraternité" motto where people could do (almost) anything without being limited by race, age, physical limitations, sex, etc. Because France is inhabited by immigrants as well, including Lyon, I consider that Lyonnais (resident of Lyon) is open minded. Lyon without food is like Indonesians without rice (Indonesians like to say that because our lives are incomplete without rice). Lyon is renowned for its gastronomy. The legendary French chef, Paul Bocuse, comes from Lyon and he created the famous black truffle soup. Other popular dishes are pâté and quenelle. My personal favorite is saucisson (sausage), including saucisson de Lyon. Traditional restaurants in Lyon are called Bouchon. It's a kind of traditional restaurant with home-made food that'd gives us homey feeling. Not only Lyon traditional food, but there is a variety of foods from another country such as kebab, churros, couscous, paella, etc. Alongside the delicious foods in the city, it has incredible transportation system that's different from my country. With no worries of traffic jam! (One thing that my country can't avoid). What I love about it is that Lyon public transportation is more clean and safe than the one in Paris (Paris is so stuffy because of both visitors and inhabitants, and the criminality is high). Lyon has bus, tram, and métro (subway) that operate on time as scheduled. In addition, it also has smart bikes. Lyon has changed my disciplinary habit with its timely public transportation, etc. I was transforming gradually into a more timely person. Since traveled to Lyon, I've also been having more interest in history. The breathtaking architectures takes me back in time to Middle Ages era. Or, even to Roman era where I could see ruins of the Roman and a building of old amphitheater in "Gallo-Roman Museum" on the hills of Vieux Lyon (old town). There is a history behind each place. And, if I wanted to see a modern ones, there was futuristic buildings in Confluence, or buildings in Part-Dieu in the city center. One of my favorite spot in the city is "Parc de la Tête d'Or". A big and lovely city park where people could enjoy picnic, jogging, and many other activities since there's a lake with beautiful geese (and there are boats), mini zoo (with lions, giraffes, and another incredible animals), botanic garden, and mini golf. It was strikingly beautiful in autumn with its leaves changing colors. Otherwise, I could stroll around the banks of Lyon's rivers, Rhône and Saône, to refresh my mind and did a little bit sport. Last but not least, I'm able to speak French because of Lyon. I practiced it every day with the Lyonnais. That's one thing I love about traveling: being more familiar with other countries' languages, especially if I travel a bit longer. This is why Lyon has been my best travel story. This city has a lot to offer during my travel there and fortunately I could stay there a bit longer. Lyon has taken me to a whole new world. A leap into the unknown: The One and Only Lyon.