Shakespeare & Company is a literary mecca for fans of American literature on the other side of the Atlantic. Located just a stone's throw from the iconic Notre-Dame cathedral, the bookstore was founded by an American, George Whitman. Greats like Allen Ginsberg, Anaïs Nin, Henry Miller, and James Baldwin were among early visitors to the shop.

Fourvière in Lyon, France

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is a minor basilica in Lyon. The structure itself is iconic in Lyon's postcards. It sits next to the Tour métallique de Fourvière or Metallic Tower of Fourvière, known so some as the sister Eiffel Tower. The courtyards provide expansive views of the city, all the way to Mont Blanc. Inside, the murals glisten with gold leaf adornments.

Travel, CityYafen LiangMarch 20, 2017fourviere, lyon, france, old lyon, vieux lyon, birdseye, birdseye view, mont blanc, cathedral, history, lyon single post day 1Comment

Along the Saône and Rhône in Lyon, France

There is something so serene about blue skies and blue water. The red roofs of the houses lining the hillsides and the colorful paint on the buildings along the river are a perfect complement to the blues. There is a point at the end of the Presqu'île (peninsula) which is the Confluence, where the two rivers meet.

Travel, CityYafen LiangMarch 11, 2017river, rhone, lyon, france, walking, confluence, two rivers, saone, lyon single post day 2Comment

Roman Ruins in Lyon, France

The Romans were a widespread civilization. I had studied them before but even I was in shock that their reaches included this seemingly quiet stronghold of France. Standing in 2,000 plus years of history feels surreal. Dirt and grass patches filled where people once walked. The stairs down towards center stage are as steep as they look. Take a moment to sit in one of the higher rows and breathe in the view of the city in the distance.

Funicular to Fourvière in Lyon, France

The funicular or tram that brings us up towards either the Roman Amphitheatre or Fourvière is an adorable little red cart that climbs the steep hill so we don't have to.

Travel, CityYafen LiangFebruary 22, 2017tram, funicular, lyon, france, vieux lyon, old lyon, hill, fourviere, roman amphitheatre, roman, theatre, roman ruins, ruins, views, birdseye, birdseye view, lyon single post day 1Comment

Bird's-eye View in Lyon, France

Lyon was home for a solid two weeks when I was studying abroad for grad school. I'm not sure where I picked up the philosophy from, but every new city I go to, I try to find the Birdseye view and memorize the map of the city. I find it centers me and lets me appreciate the city from a different point of view.

Travel, CityYafen LiangFebruary 21, 2017birdseye view, birdseye, lyon, france, travel, city, cityscape, skyline, fourviere, cathedral, tram, funicular, lyon single post day 1Comment

Beaujolais, France

The Beaujolais is a historical province and wine-producing region in France, just north of Lyon. We drove down the windy roads and came upon a patch of land with craggily, grapeless vines. Despite the gloominess of the day, the landscape remained vibrant.

Travel, NatureYafen LiangFebruary 21, 2017beaujolais, wine, winery, travel, nature, france, history, terroir, french, countryside, lyon single post day 3Comment

Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France

The Arc de Triomphe in Paris stands at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle or "Place de l'Étoile" and for most tourists is the anchor of the west end the famous shopping street, Champs-Élysées.

Travel, CityYafen LiangFebruary 21, 2017paris, france, arc de triomphe, travel, city, charles de gaulle, champs elysees, history, birdseye view, birdseyeComment

Eiffel Tower in Paris, France

The Eiffel Tower or La Tour Eiffel, is synonymous with Paris, France. There is nothing more iconic than this hunk of metal that points skyward. It is a wrought iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars engineered by Gustave Eiffel. At 324 meters or 1,063 feet tall, it provides a great Birdseye view of the city below.