STOP PRESS. LYON TERRORIZED. STOP PRESS

That's right, terror has hit Lyon, and it happened right before our very eyes. Well, not really, but why not cash in on the whole fake news thing sweeping the world. The truth is we were out walking when it happened, and had been on the very spot earlier in the afternoon. We were probably only a couple of blocks away when the explosion took place, and we certainly witnessed the commotion after it had, with police and SWAT cars swarming from all directions. It wasn't until we got back to our residence, however, that we realised what had taken place. Still, it does bring home that you can easily be in the wrong place at the wrong time. I believe the explosive device was laden with nails, bolts and screws, so police are looking for a 30 year old with a Bunnings Warehouse carry bag (lol). 

The Saone River

Place Bellecour, around two hours before the explosion.

Yesterday we decided to have an evening meal at a hatted French restaurant. However, we then saw the prices and decided for a faux, tourist French restaurant instead. You know the type I mean, they look authentic, but they are full of tourists out to impress their friends back home, just like us (although the difference being we know we're not fooling anyone. Imogen's first reaction was, "Did you get one of those tourist meals, lol".) Having said that, the food was pretty good, and it did look French, even if the chef probably also worked part-time at Hungry Jack's.

A quaint little lane way. We were taking this photo when around us police sirens were in overdrive. Little did we know what had just happen.

The Bascilica 

This morning we crossed the river to walk the markets. OMG, how very French. The array of cheeses, meats, breads and fruit and vege was amazing. We purchased strawberries, ruby grapefruit (my favourites), apples, tomatoes, potatoes, crusty bread, hand made salami, in fact, it's a wonder they've got anything left to sell. Things weren't necessarily cheap, but you do get caught up in the atmosphere. Anyway, it gives me a chance to say bonjour to everyone I pass. I'm so good at this being French thing.

Say 'cheese'. France is to cheese as Australia is to beer, and this market sold just about every type imaginable.

The markets went on forever. They got much busier after this photo was taken,

One euro each for any of these hard cheeses. We bought 500 of them and having them shipped home (shipping came to 4300 euro).

Just how many bloody tomato types are there in France? Answer: enough to fill an entire market.

All hand made, wood fired. They sell some by the kilo, and it can be as much as 20 euro a kilo.

After a break for morning tea (doing nothing is so tiring) it's off to the cable car to visit the basilica, from which the views over the city are supposed to be great (thanks Ebie). After that, we intend visiting the botanic gardens and zoo. Lots to do but, alas, we leave Lyon tomorrow for Dijon so not much time left.