Déjà Vu - Lyon

Last year’s immersion was arguably one of the best times in my life. Going back to Lyon and relieving these memories last weekend was therefore simply sweet. As usual, my host welcomed me with such warmth that I could not find from any French in Grenoble. At times I felt so bad having to trouble her with my stay there because she would have to cook more than usual to cater for me and Sinhui. Not to mention she had also ensured a very warm bed for us. Easy task, you think? Not at all, at least not for an 85-year old lady although I think she is still very active for her age. As usual, she would correct my mistakes when I am speaking and that simply did me good. I think I learnt so much more in the 3 days I stayed in Lyon than during my French intensive week.

The familiar rooms

L-R: Chinese tea set & 9-fish painting which I gave to my host last year

L-R: Me & my host, Ratatouille

On Friday evening, I decided to cook Indonesian Nasi Goreng and Soto Ayam for my host and her son’s family. By now I am already a seasoned cook for these two dishes. I was happy to learn that they found them tasty (or at least they gave me face). What made me contented too, was when Marc, my host’s son, mentioned that I had made a lot of progress in French, as compared to when I first came to Lyon last year. The awkwardness during dinner that I felt last year (mainly due to the fact that I could not express myself in French) was a history. I dare to say that it was a pretty spontaneous conversation; I did stumble, could not recall some words, but I dared to speak up because they would listen, unlike most of the young ones in Grenoble.

L-R: Indonesian Soto Ayam, Indonesian Nasi Goreng

My host family, Sinhui and I

Saturday morning was spent in Fourvière where a group of us left our mark last year. And voilà, we found it!! It had faded, but it is well and alive! We wrote even more stuff this time round, wishing that they will still be there when we visit it the future.

2nd time at Notre Dame de Fourvière

L-R: Lost & Found

More messages left behind

L-R: Part of the Biennale Exhibition in Lyon. Look at the almost destroyed car, they call this art. And on the right, an artist was cynically criticising Swiss because they implement a separate border regulation from EU. Exactly my sentiment, I had just re-applied for Swiss visa the day before.

Interesting piece of art, can you read what's on the cross? It says: CONDOM. Anyone can tell me what this means?

Afternoon was spent at Mme. Marie-France’s apartment. She was our prof during last year’s immersion. We had lots of fun relieving stupid things that happened in class, such as when she was singing the French national anthem so proudly, without knowing that she was being video-taped. It was a pleasant afternoon, with plenty of conversations exchanged and with a full, delicious, typically French lunch of course.

L-R: Aperitif, Marie-France & I with her vin rouge (red wine)

L-R: Lunch, Marie-France opening vin rosé that we brought

Marie-France & her obsession with pigs

L-R: all red (wine, strawberries, ice cream, table cloth & MY FACE!), yummilicious dessert

L-R: Marie-France telling her pig story that she wrote for her niece, 3 of us posing to simulate Marie-France when she was singing La Marseillese in class last year

Sinhui and I spent the late evening watching rugby semifinal at Place Bellecour where a giant screen had been put up. The atmosphere was awesome; there were easily thousands of people there. The only thing I could complain about was that it was too packed, so much so that we could not sit down and had to stand still for 2 hours. And it was not helped by those who smoked cigarettes and cannabis around us. Too bad in the end France had to forfeit their lead in the last few minutes. I was waiting very badly for a wild celebration (if France had won) so that I could join in and film it. Damn, I always had no such luck.

3 points for France

When we reached the house past midnight, I was surprised, and touched by the thoughtfulness of my host who had left a note on the door. It read: “Andi, you have to eat the food on the table in the kitchen.” I had left the house for the match in a hurry and did not manage to eat as she was hosting her friends in the house. My host rocks!

L-R: my host's message, the sandwiches she had made for her guests

We had an excellent lunch on Sunday afternoon to end an eventful stay in Lyon. Mme Marie-France then sent both of us to the train station. It was quite saddening having to leave Lyon where I felt very appreciated by these kind souls. And when my host said “A Bientôt, Andi!” at her gate, I told myself, yes, we will see each other again before I leave for Singapore.

L-R: the French sure knows how to arrange table beautifully, during lunch

L-R: trying to eat fromage after being persuaded, the 5 0f us

Au revoir, Lyon! Mais, à tres bientôt!