Now I have left the Netherlands behind and returned to the country where my journey began what feels like an age ago - France! Pulling into the Train Station at Lyon, map in hand, I decided I would walk to my hostel as it didn't seem too far on the map. Mistake. At this point it is important to point out that Lyon should be renamed THE SUN since the European heatwave has caused high temperatures of around 98 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wading through the streets of Lyon with my backpack, now extra full with trinkets and extra things I'd picked up during 7 weeks of travelling, I had to take a pit stop at the river to re-energize with an ice cool cola. Then it dawned on me, my hostel should be straight in front of me. Straight in front of me was a massive hill. The hostel was on the top of this hill. Panting and sweating like a nun in a cucumber field, I arrived at the top of the hostel looking a little as if I'd decided to take a shower on my way up.
Tired from travelling on a train (On which, I was sat next to a rather angry German teenager who was doodling cartoons with police men shooting victims, men asking women for sex and a woman pointing a gun at a man walking a dog) I was quite annoyed to find my bedroom was on the top floor. The stairs were my Everest as my back felt like it was going to give way...7 weeks had taken it toll. I pushed open my door and everything changed all of a sudden. The open window revealed the sprawling city below, the 2 rivers, bridges, old buildings, new buildings and a city which suddenly shouted out to me "Come Explore". All of my annoyances lifted and I felt pleased to be in Lyon, arguably the most beautiful city I've visited on my route, and I felt excited to embark on my final Let's Go adventure. Even more exciting was the fact that I will turn 19 this weekend and I couldn't think of a more beautiful place to celebrate the occasion (except with my family and friends of course!) - let's just hope I don't melt in the heat before Sunday!
Here's my room with a view: