This is a view of Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) as looking across the Saone River!
Things one learns when visiting other cultures! In America we have traveled a bit... We learned in some places in the south, you can buy boiled peanuts at stands; we learned some places in Chicago sell Hotdogs at street vendors; we've been to places that sell, gyros, popcorn, and here in Lyon France the THING that is all the rage, is CREPES!!!!!!!!!! yes! Buy a crepe and YOU choose your filling, sugar, or jam... razzberry, blackcurrant, pear, apple, apricot, who KNOWS what else... and it is quite fun just to stand on the street and watch one of these men make their crepes... rather mesmerizing... It took a few days for us to feel brave enough with our French, but we finally had one each, and OOO la la! Delicious! A MUST have if you ever come to Lyon! The kids were amazed at how he did it, how fast he did it, and how wonderful the flavor... a new flavor each time perhaps for one, and the same EVERY time for the other? I do not care, they are so happy, and it was only $2 Euro each
Here are some photos of a Medevil festival that was held this past weekend in Lyon, they put on quite a production, and it was not just held in this square but through out the whole of Vieux Lyon, there were many political proceedings, people being tried, fake executions, gypsies, artisians, things to buy, and many many people dressed up acting their part... It seemed as if nearly the whole town were in on playing some part or another! The children really absorbed so much! They were so excited to see things that they had only read about in their books ALIVE in the very place they had read about!
Here is one of the Renissance dances! I am amazed at how many connections are being made in the minds of my children, the sights the smells, the colors, the music, the sounds of the French language and the many other languages being spoken about them; the feel of the cobblestone beneath their feet.. all connecting with the countless books, history and literature read over months and months, turning into years and years...... all coming together in these moments.... I am so thankful!
Some fancy men with flags doing some fancy French thing... It is a shame my French is not better! But perhaps it WILL be! All the same, were learned much, and were glued to the proceedings!
Here is a view from the Roman Ruins of the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere. It was actually built in the late 19th century... disappointing I know...
Here is a photo of the time we went to the open air market! So much to see so much to learn! This really gave the children a different idea of food, where it comes from, and different ways it is bought and sold. The Walmart way of life is but ONE way, and as much as we try to tell this to our children, there is nothing like bringing them to a culture that simply LIVES differently than we do. 
Here are the photos of the Roman Ruins. Here I let them explore.... I followed behind, but NOT all together too closely, keeping my REI whistle around my neck, incase I felt as though they or I were lost. Here all their reading, and re reading of David Macaulay's books and various others, really kicked into HIGH gear, as the children began telling me what they had found, what certain things were, why things were laid out the way they were... It was like the flood gates of their minds had opened and the words could not pour out as fast as the thoughts.... We will definately be coming here again and again, picnicing, walking, till they can be here and talk in complete rational sentences ... breathing between words....
Funny that later this past weekend my husband had some collegues from work come and stay with our family in the city. They wanted to see the ruins, it was raining in a bit of a downpour by the time we got there, and some of us decided not to go up and explore, but to stay down below and enjoy the view from a somewhat sheltered spot. The two older of my children however, volunteered to take the one American gentleman who was so interested in history up for a guided tour.. I don't think he expected QUITE that guided a tour... He couldn't believe all the things the children showed him, the tunnels, the secret spots, the chambers, the inner rooms, nooks and spots he simply would NEVER have seen. He hasn't STOPPED talking about the tour they gave, and thinks they'd make grand tour guides... :)
Fear NOT traveling with your gifts, they JUST might amaze you, even IF you have to make a routine out of your day ... (I DO), even if they have health issues (YOU SHOULD just see the medicines we had to bring, the dr note too !) It might not be as impossible as it seems... perhaps ... worthy of prayer and consideration anyway...
For us, these trips have become a way of life... always a bed of roses, thorns and all!
No comments:
Post a Comment