Category: Lyon

Lyon, France

Center for the History of the Resistance and Deportation – Heroes Like Nancy Wake

It’s a rainy afternoon in Lyon, France. I’m in the Center for the History of the Resistance and Deportation, learning first-hand about French Resistance Activity during World War II.  The Resistance started out as a bunch of scattered, independent groups of fighters.  But they got organized and became a real pain in the neck for the Nazi’s. They were undermined constantly by fighters for the Resistance such as Nancy Wake.  Continue reading “Center for the History of the Resistance and Deportation – Heroes Like Nancy Wake”

Center for the History of the Resistance and Deportation – The Resistance Gets Organized

I’m in the Center for the History of the Resistance and Deportation in Lyon, learning about what life was like in an occupied city, and about the efforts of the French Resistance forces.  Inside the museum, one photograph in particular really got my attention. It was a photo of Lyon’s famous Théâtre des Célestins. Continue reading “Center for the History of the Resistance and Deportation – The Resistance Gets Organized”

Centre de l’Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation – The French Underground

I’m in the Center for the History of the Resistance and Deportation in Lyon to learn about life here during WWII and the French Underground. It’s a rainy, gloomy day outside, and it’s pretty gloomy in here, too, but it’s also very interesting. Continue reading “Centre de l’Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation – The French Underground”

A Visit to the Centre de l’Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation — Vichy France

This afternoon I’m visiting Lyon’s Center for the History of the Resistance and Deportation. Lyon, then inside Vichy France, was at the center of activity of the French Underground activity during World War II, so this should be interesting. Continue reading “A Visit to the Centre de l’Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation — Vichy France”

From the Jacquard Loom to the Computer and IBM

We’re in Lyon, near the Croix Rousse district – the silk-weaving center of old Lyon.  You remember from last time who lived here – the Canuts.  At the turn of the 19th century, things in this area were changing fast.  Joseph Marie Jacquard had just invented his loom, which would revolutionize the textile industry.  On one hand, it was just a loom, but on the other hand, it was one of those inventions like the printing press that really changed things. Continue reading “From the Jacquard Loom to the Computer and IBM”

The Croix Rousse and the Canuts de Lyon

This morning we explored Presque-Ile, heading north from our hotel.  We walked all the way to the edge of the “Croix Rousse” district. We’ve come to a square called Place des Terreaux.  Time for a break!  We ordered a couple of coffees at a little cafe and hung out until our legs told us they’re ready to get started again.   Continue reading “The Croix Rousse and the Canuts de Lyon”

The Walk Home – and a Short History of Electricity

I just had a fantastic dinner at a cozy little restaurant in Lyon. I’m stuffed to the gills, but fortunately, I have a long walk ahead of me to get back to the hotel. It had been raining earlier, but the rain has stopped, and now it seems like a nice night for a walk. Continue reading “The Walk Home – and a Short History of Electricity”

Classique Lyonnaise Cuisine for Dinner

I’m on my way to dinner in the foodie capital of France: Lyon. I picked a restaurant that specializes in “classique Lyonnaise cuisine. It was quite a hike to get to, but I’ve made it. I’m just inside the front door, hoping they’ll be able to find a place to squeeze me in. Continue reading “Classique Lyonnaise Cuisine for Dinner”