"Get out of the gutter!"

Due to my theory that the big dots on the map are not always worth visiting, we did a drive thru Lyon. It looked beautiful and very similar to Paris, we should of had an overnight stay; instead we will return for a weekend. Lyon is the 2nd largest city in France and is also known as the culinary capital of France. Happiness is food remember! Although with the window down at one stage, there was a funny smell. "I think Leon smells" I said. "No I think it is Lyon" Daddy replied. "That's what I said" I said. "Yes Lyon smells!" There was a little confusion.

Our last nights stop was in Grenoble, France, and the city was much larger than I had expected. At the end of the day (a very long day), we arrived at our hotel safe and sound... Although it was a bumpy road as Loise (GPS advisor) was very confused driving through the city, and hubby was getting a little frustrated with my erratic driving, (I had been driving for about 6 hours). "Get out of the gutter, not your side of the road , look out for the tram , you are making the pedestrian sprint accross the road, blah, blah, blah!"

The hotel was more than comfortable and it was nice to spoil ourselves on the last night of our holiday. Views of the mountains, super soft pillows, our own bedroom, a personalised greeting waiting for us on the television and an elevator for the car, (see, I can be easily pleased without food). The children are now well adjusted to late nights, so we hit the town to explore for some dinner. We found a little restaurant, where we sat outside and watched the trams go by while dining on snails, squid, mussels and scallops;apple juice for princess, and a bottle of French wine for us. Daughter showed no interest in eating snails again, but did show a liking for trying to eat the snail shell, (where do my children get their eating habits from)? After a quick play in the water fountain on the way home, time for an early night, (11pm).

After another Gonzalez ambush on a continental breakfast, we visit the world's first cable-car ride that was opened to the public. It took us 685m up the mountain to panoramic views of Grenoble, the river Isère and the various mountain ranges. We enjoyed the view and took ample photos before visiting the museum. Museum was interesting to see but all in French so a little difficult for some; we tried to make a donation but were told that the military could not accept as they are not allowed to be handed money. (Unlike the Malaysian officer who advised I bribe him with money to avoid a traffic ticket a few years ago.)


Back to the car, and time to head back to Milano. Poor soul mate is back to work in two days, it has been so lovely having this time together and experiencing our first real family holiday.