A wonderful day with a wonderful family

Today at noon, Thierry Gres picked us up on Rue de la Croix-Rousse. He then took us to the lovely house in Caluire-en-Cuire that he shares with his wife, Ines Bigot, and her daughters, Laure and Margaux Granjon. Laure stayed with us at 500 Royall in Mt. Pleasant during the summer of 2008 while she was on a trip abroad to study English. Her family graciously invited us for lunch at their home today and we had a wonderful time!

We had an apertif out in their garden while we enjoyed the perfect weather (probably 73-75 degrees fahrenheit). The first course for lunch was a mixture of soft cheeses wrapped in zucchini and served with a green salad. Thierry opened a 12 year old bottle of wine that was delish! We then had fish that was cooked on the grilled and mashed potatoes. Lucy was thrilled about the mashed potatoes, but neither girl was excited about the fish. Before coming to France, however, we agreed that we would try new things, so they bravely tried the fish. Lucy exclaimed, "It's good! It takes like chicken." Kathleen agreed! Phew!!

Our next course was cheese - three types, but I can't recall the names. Perhaps camembert, conta (or something like that) and roquefort. Kathleen asked me numerous times (in my ear of course) if we were having dessert. I wasn't sure, but thought we probably would and Kathleen was not disappointed! We had a delicious yogurt cake with fresh fruit and whipped cream! The whipped cream was served in this cool kitchen gadget that was new to the Gres-Bigot-Granjon family and it allowed for lots of laughs - all of the kids who tried to use it ended up covered with cream! The men ended the meal with coffee and then we set off for our next adventure...Parc de la Tete d'Or.

Ines, Thierry, Laure and Margaux were excited to show off this spectacular place. They have spent many Sundays roaming throughout the park and we could see why! It is a fabulous place located not far from their home, and houses multiple gardens with special plants and flowers, numerous fields for picnics and even a zoo! The greatest thing is that the entire place is free! It is a huge, open, greenspace in Lyon that is an oasis for many! We had a nice afternoon strolling through it, visiting the animals, and eating crepes and icecream. At about 5:30pm, we kissed Ines, Laure and her sister goodbye and were escorted home by Thierry. It was a wonderful day with a wonderful family. Many thanks to them!


Lucy, Bucky, Kathleen, Thierry, Laure, Margaux and Ines at Parc de la Tete d'Or!