Memories from two magical months in the lovely city of Lyon, France.

Sunny afternoon in Place des Terreaux, Lyon, France, featuring the Museum of Fine Arts. People are walking and riding bikes through the plaza.

It all began as a quest to find my next home in the world and on my first Sunday in the city, just five days after arriving in Lyon, something totally unexpected and delightful happened. But, before I share those heart-warming details: let me catch you up.

In August 2024, I handed-in [emailed] my resignation to the coolest boss I’ve ever had [besides myself], and didn’t start packing my bags early enough. The goal was to live in Lyon, France during autumn as a reconnaissance trip, before planning a full move in 2025.

A month later, airport-curbside, flight boarding in 30 minutes, and me? Frantically tossing miscellaneous items back into the car [goodbye french notes, I wouldn’t need you anyway—jk, jk, I absolutely needed them]. Don’t worry; I arrived to my gate with 10 minutes to spare, and I landed in Lyon on a sun-filled Tuesday afternoon.

By Thursday, I’d cried all of my what-the-hell-did-I-just-do tears into a lake in the living room of my loft.

Friday morning’s walking tour through Vieux Lyon finally returned a burst of excitement. Saturday tagged-in with a boat tour with a tourist-pal made during Friday’s walking tour, and after, my first full-French conversation [yes,ordering bubble tea counts].

As my worries lifted, Sunday rolled in.

Mid-afternoon, I arrived at a cafe for a painting-with-coffee workshop (a spontaneous sign-up from a week prior) unknowingly about to meet three fated friends who became foundational to my new life in Lyon.

The awe I still experience reflecting on budding friendships and the beginnings of a community abroad forming within five (5) days: the timing; the Universe’s resounding YES… and the first time I felt true belonging in a place; none of it is lost on me.

[For further context: natal Chiron in 11H.]