Lyon, France Part 2 - an interesting young local, more of the city

I have now been on a very worthwhile pedi-car ride to see more of Lyon. But first I must tell you about my driver, who was unable to be assisted by the battery as it had run flat. He pedalled very hard, including along some uphill streets, and it was still very hot. I heard him say to himself up the steepest street “Come on, you can do it!” and then breathe a sigh of relief when he reached the top. So I insisted that I still pay him for the agreed hour but we cut the time to 45 minutes. I asked him to leave me where we were - over the other side of the Saone river - and I would buy some food and catch a taxi back (which I did). 

On the way I asked him where he learned English so well, and where he was born. He was born in the Congo, but then his family moved to Lyon, where his father studied French literature at the university. His father now helps young people in the city, and is making great difference. How proud the family must be of him! 

My driver left Lyon and went to live in Canada for a while and then for a short time in the US. But now he has returned to Lyon to be with his family. They must have been very pleased to have him back, as he is a delightful young man. I asked whether he might go to the university himself, and he told me he was thinking of doing medicine, as it would enable him to help many people, but the trouble is it takes so long. Naturally I encouraged him to do it anyway. I do hope that he will.  He is clearly a reflective and intelligent person - he talked about how much he has been inspired by the words inscribed on a statue he showed me. (I include that in this post.)

So - I saw some new, interesting sights in Lyon, including their law courts inspired by Roman architecture and what is apparently the first Church of Rome built in Europe, but the greatest pleasure of my early evening tour was getting to know this fine young man, who worked so hard to show me some of his lovely city. 

Remember that this post also includes the remaining photos from my morning tour. 

The statue of d'Antoine de Saint-Exupery in Place Bellecour, with its inspiring words in the next two images. Place Bellecour has a vast open square which once was used for international trade in the early times, but now sometimes is the scene of big protests.

Part of the law courts, where the Court of Appeal is located.

It was such a pleasure to see children playing in the water at the law court, and in various fountains near the rivers.

A view of the very old Roman Church.

Walking back to the Law Courts after walking down to see the very old Church.

Where my driver dropped me off.

View of the Rhone river opposite my hotel, taken in the morning.

A huge ceramic 'posy' of flowers gracing a bridge across the Rhone .

At a bridge across the Saone river, looking up at the cathedral. 

A closer view of the bridge.

The name of the bridge.

In the centre is the another view of the very old Church, taken as I hiked to the funicular.

The funicular.

The Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere, mentioned in my previous post.

Looking up from the front steps into the cathedral.

Part of the very high ceiling, taken with my other camera.

A side view of the cathedral

The view from the balcony behind the cathedral. The air was so humid it cast a steamy fog over the city.

Zooming into some of the sights from the balcony.

The French cafe where I had a delicious lunch.