LILLE- Phil & Jill

REST AND ADMIN WORK

05.07.2019 24 °C

We were very pleased we changed our plans to stay in Lille for an extra 2 days. It was good to have the free time after such hectic time during the tour and do lots of planning for forward planning. We were now in a small apartment edge of the old town. First job to the Tourist Office to get information re a Flixbus from Colmar to Como. However they can only give advice, not do bookings. So I loaded the Flixbus app and did the booking under her guidance. It seems the whole world is turning everything on the net. You book everything on line. A change from 2 years ago, the last time we were in Europe. Next, the post office to pack up the numerous books we have gained and warmer clothes. We won't need them anymore. Posting things home is a convenient way to keep the load light. Supermarket and then a pre-dinner drink in the square alongside the Opera house. This is one of my favourite people watching things to do. A very satisfying day and essential when travelling a long time.

On our second day we had more time to visit the old town of Lille which we found to be very lively and full of young people and very elegantly dressed people. Lille has had a very varied history because it has come under Flemish, Burgundian and Spanish rule before becoming French. It has beautiful buildings all around.

One of our favourites was La Vielle Bourse (Old Exchange) which was built from 1652 to 1653. It is made up of 24 identical houses surrounding a cloister. Inside it houses a little booksellers' market where I could have bought nearly all the posters. A couple of guys were enjoying themselves playing chess.