Lyon - love at first sight?

I have now been in Lyon for a full week, so I decided to resume here what I did during this past 7 days and how I am finding living in France and specifically Lyon.

I guess the title says it all, I really really like Lyon and this week has been incredible for many reasons, which I mention now...

Lyon is truly beautiful

I knew it coming in that it was but, after spending the past 6 out of 7 days in sunny but cold Lyon, I now know first hand how truly beautiful this city is. Here are some photos as proof!

Vieux Lyon

Lyon Cathedral

Rhone Quay

The view from "La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere"

Family making it special

As you remember, the main reason I chose Lyon was being closer to my Portuguese/French cousins. They have really helped me settling in Lyon, either by going out with me to street markets, picnics by the river, celebrating my birthday, or taking me out for a picnic on a cabin in the woods with their best friends...I have truly been spoiled by them since I got here! 

My 31st birthday

Sunday street market 

Picnic by the river - fromage, du pain...cliche but..who cares?

Cabin where we had lunch and conversed outside - awesome

Lake in front of the cabin

My cousin and I in L'Aid with her friends

The French school
I also really like the school I am studying French for the next 3 months. I am aware that it has only been one week but the majority of the teachers are very enthusiastic and great at what they do, and my colleagues are great.
The nationality diversity is incredible, in the morning class, we have 12 different nationalities - Portuguese, Brazilian, Syrienne, Korean, Japanese, Mexican, Spanish, Greek, American, Chinese, Australian and Equatorian! In the afternoon we also have Italian, Colombia, Iran and Kuwait!
All of them with just one aim, to learn French, it is very inspiring.

The lessons are accessible for me (A1N2) and I hope in the next month or two, I can move up a level (A2), which would mean I would be making good progress.

Friends in Lyon
I have made some friends in Lyon - a Brazilian (yes I know typical!), an Englishman (yes, can't get rid of you guys!) both from the french school, and in the past few days I have met some awesome people, mainly French, which have made this week truly unforgettable.

Out in a Jazz bar 

Celebrating my birthday with wine by the River Rhone

Other friends made at the Jazz bar

Running and cycling in Lyon
Well, I haven't run as much as I want because I have been busy sorting stuff out, but I have done enough to tell you that Lyon is very sports friendly. People here are very active, either running or cycling, or even using scooters, which here are really common.

I have joined the VeloV, a self-service bike rental that everyone uses. It costs €25/year and then the first 30 minutes of usage are free, and 0.75€ for the first additional 30min over those free 30min. I live far (3miles) from school and the city centre, and it takes me 30min to cycle, so this is perfect - no need to pay for public transport.

Parc de la tete D'Or

Running by the river in the morning is fantastic!

Running at night brings some surprises too!

Parc de la tete D'Or

Scooters - so many people use them

VeloV - the public bike that everyone uses

My "home"
So, for some of you wondering where I am staying at the moment, here it is. I am living in a student accommodation for the duration of my French language school (3 months). I only share the kitchen, which is a bonus as I don't have to wait for toilet or showers, but the room doesn't have much room to fit clothes or my things, apart from that, pas de problem!

The French and the french

Regarding my french, I am pleasantly surprised that I can manage to speak the basics!! 

I can hold a very basic conversation with a French person on what I do, why I came to Lyon, what I did before, what I want to do, what I like, etc etc..and I can also ask basic questions to them. I understand more than I speak but when they go quickly or talk about a topic I'm not used to, I have no chance! 

It is frustrating not being able to speak/hear to my full potential - compared to Portuguese/English, but I thought it would be even worse! I know I am impatient and it can be tough, but I know this is a slow and long process and I am embracing it. I am going to as many events as I can and I am trying to speak French at every occasion, so it can only get better...right?

As for the French people...either I have been very lucky, or people are wrong when categorising the French as cold and arrogant! I have met quite a few French people this past week, and seriously they have all been fantastic! Very interesting, they usual speak several languages, and are really friendly.
I only had a couple of cases of rudeness at an insurance office and at my accommodation office, but with one of them, I explained my point, smiled, and everything was fine straight away and we are know in great spirits with each other!

Summary:

I want to say I am in love with Lyon...because I am...however, I can't love Lyon just after 1 week right? It's a bit like a love relationship in the initial stages...Let's say that I am infatuated by Lyon, I am passionate about it, but I believe these feelings will naturally turn into love in the next few months!

I will leave you with a French saying that really speaks to me and to this experience in Lyon.
"Croquer la vie a pleines dents!" 
(loosely meaning, take chances in life/enjoy life to the fullest without worrying about risks)