More guests arrived two days before the nouvel an. I met le petit frère and la new cuñada at Part Dieu early on Wednesday evening and dragged them and suitcases back to the apartment where succulent lamb tajine and a bottle of champagne awaited. Unsurprisingly, it was midday before the fast was broken and we were ready to head out for a tourist stroll through Lyon. Up to Fourvière (senior citizens and pregnant women via the funicular, the more able-bodied via a slog up the 399 steps and hill) for a look at the view and basilica, then back down to the old town via the Roman amphitheatre. A very late lunch in A La Traboule where the entrées were filling enough to serve as an entire meal. Then back home via Places Terreaux and Lyautey. Siestas and a light quiche and salad dinner followed.
Lazy last day of the year, which we'll blame on a headache the sufferer put down to eye problems. Or vice versa. Fortunately the pain was gone by the evening, to allow full participation in celebrating the coming of the new year. Double roast duck with sausage, apple and chestnut stuffing for dinner, followed by a second Christmas as presents were exchanged, mostly in one direction and mostly baby related. Two bottles of champagne and a red wine or two later, we were all enjoying a magnetic game. The new year was seen in with party poppers and roman candles, and the building almost burnt down. The new year was more than 2 hours old by the time we all fell into bed. Even la bienheureuse managed to last until one.
