This past weekend I went up to Lyon to see a friend from MSU, Andrew. It was a nice weekend, really relaxing and quiet actually. Matt and I actually went to Lyon earlier this summer, so I didn't do too much site seeing, none really. Nevertheless, it's still a must-see city.

It's large enough to merit a subway system and is divided into 9 arrondissements (which are like boroughs of a city). A top the hill, is one of the most beautiful cathedrals I've ever seen, and it definitely warrents a visit to it, though I never saw inside.

Also, being a university town, it is filled with great nightlife, both gay and straight. Though, being a university town, there wasn't that crazy-party feel that I've felt at other college towns.

Going there reminded me why it would be nice to study there. Lyon is where another university that I want to study at is located. The school is l'Ecole Normale Superieure - Lyon, and is an equivalent to an Ivy League school. Unfortunately, the application process doesn't start until March. So poo on that.

So, if you are interested in seeing an old city with a modern touch, take a trip out to see the Lion of France...Lyon!

Yesterday was the Nice Country Festival just outside of the main town. Yes ladies and gentlemen, a country music festival...In France.

I went with Erica, Zach and Paul and it turned out to be quite wholesome and "family oriented." It was by no means the huge celebrations that were in Saratoga or really any country fest in the States, but it was still quaint, charming and I had a great time.

It was outside and the weather was just wonderful. Sitting under an olive tree, listening to music by Garth Brooks, George Straight, etc. really brought me back to NY State. It was actually surreal, it felt like I had crossed the Atlantic and wound back up in Saratoga, minus of course the olive trees. Of course this little illusion was shattered the minute I heard someone speak French.

But bless 'em, they wore the cowboy hats and all, sat on the grass, and as Erica pointed out, it was just so nice to see them....relaxed. Usually, their all stuffy and look down upon everyone (so francais), but at the festival, they were just having a good time with their respective family. It's so nice to know white trash/red neck exists outside the US!

They proclaimed to have "Tex-Mex" food, which to the French includes the following:
hamburgers, chicken nuggets, chicken wings....That's it! That was a little disappointing, but the wings were still good nonetheless.

Apparently there is another, bigger country fest in the next town over. May be worth looking into.

Yee-haw!