Les frères Lumière and the history of cinema (plus Wes Anderson!)

A little known fact that we learned as soon as we moved to Lyon was that cinema was in fact invented here by brothers Louis and Auguste Lumière in March of 1895. Born to a photographer father, Antoine, they bought a factory to process photos from their father's studio in the neighbourhood of Monplaisir, near where James and I first lived when we arrived in the city. The short clip called La sortie des usines Lumière was of factory workers exiting the hangar. Part of the factory is preserved and is now home to the Lumière movie theatre, and the street on which it stands is fittingly called rue du premier film. The family built an impressive mansion next to the factory in which they lived and which houses the Lumière museum today. Here's a link to the film: http://youtu.be/EXhtq01E6JI

My fellow Ontarian friend Lancel told me that there would be a premiere of Wes Anderson's new film, The Grand Budapest Hotel, at the Lumiere cinema and that he would be there himself so she got us a couple of tickets and a week ago we excitedly waited in the theatre for his arrival and the debut of the movie! If you are not familiar with Wes Anderson I recommend checking out one of his films which feature eccentric characters, highly stylized film sets and tend to be portrayed by the same cast of actors. 

The movie itself was true to his directorial style which I love and major props to Ralph Fiennes in this movie, his performance is just splendid (Anderson wrote the role with him in mind). There was a Q&A after the screening and then the cinema had a little surprise for him so everyone filed out of the theatre to the street. They had added a plaque on the Mur des cinéastes or wall of filmmakers for Wes Anderson so it was pretty cool to be there in person to see him receive the distinction among all the other grand names that have already been honoured.

There is also a film festival each year in Lyon bearing the Lumière name and which this year honoured Quentin Tarantino. Uma Thurman was there to present his achievement award to him along with Tim Roth and Harvey Keitel, and the rumours were that he ate at the very fancy restaurant that we live beside and there were paparazzi in our building's courtyard! So there you have it, Lyon is mad about movies.

A new decade

A month ago I turned thirty and in the months leading up to that day and in the month since I have done a lot of reflecting about age and experience and accomplishments. Lots of people dread getting older around this age but in all honesty I was looking forward to turning thirty, saying goodbye to my twenties and embracing the next decade of my life. I think that's in part because I'm currently fulfilling my lifelong dream of living in France, I've started my career (even if I am taking a break from it) and I'm fortunate to be in a great relationship. There's plenty more to learn and do and I'm excited to see what's next!

The day before my birthday James and I went out for a solid walk/climb to check out views from a vantage point we hadn't yet been to and in doing so came across this children's tree-fort-like obstacle course. Would have loved trying it out as a kid. We then came upon a view of Fourvière from behind it and crossed a bridge called the Chemin du Viaduc which has an incredible lookout to the north and over the river. We then walked to see the classic view of Lyon from the front of Fourvière and were even able to see the Alps in the distance! It was very relaxing which was key since I had to work all day on my actual birthday and the day after it.

A few days after my birthday since I had been craving Italian food - specifically one of my favourite dishes, gorganzola gnocchi - we made a reservation at a place appropriately called Little Italy where I also got to indulge on an appetizer of foie gras and where James could satisfy his need for lasagna. Delish!

On my actual birthday night I opened my birthday gifts and cards from friends and family. Thank you again everyone! They were thoughtful and made me feel very loved. I must admit that it was strange not to see my friends and family in Canada for my birthday, and especially for a big one, but in the end it's just another year and I look forward to celebrating with you all again in another year or two. Here's to a new decade :)