So Many Successes

Coco's

I had my first doctor's appointment in France—and it was a win from start to finish. I booked it online on Monday, got in on Tuesday, arrived on time, and waited all of one minute before the doctor called me in. Best part? They didn't weigh me. Honestly, I think weighing someone right off the bat is a terrible way to start a relationship.

We went over my health history and medications. She refilled what I needed—except one that requires a specialist—and gave me the prescription for that too. I walked out, straight to the pharmacy, and had everything filled. From walking in the doctor's office to walking out of the pharmacy, it took under an hour. Success #1.

Then… I finally got my French cell phone. Success #2.

To celebrate, I treated myself to lunch. I hadn't had “the meal” yet since arriving, and as I passed Coco's beautiful building, I knew it was time.

What I've learned in Lyon: always order the special. Every restaurant I've been to, the locals go straight for it. I've made the mistake of skipping it before—but not today. I went for the prix fixe: appetizer, main, and dessert. A little fancy for lunch, but hey, it was my first real meal out.

And wow—it was incredible from start to finish. I'm a picky eater, and the starter was carpaccio. Normally, I'd never order that, and if I did, I'd pick off the things I assumed I wouldn't like. But today I trusted the chef—and it was spectacular. Fresh, flavorful, and easily my favorite part of the meal. The main dish was pan-fried arctic char on crushed tomatoes with rice and white butter. The tomatoes were so sweet I thought they were fruit. Dessert was chocolate mousse—delicious, though I could only manage a few bites.

And Coco's…design?! Inside and out, it's just stunning. I could sit in all day, and quite possibly might before I leave at the end of the month. Success #3.

Interior of Coco's - more below

Afterward, I headed home to walk my little girl. That walking path is saving me.Every time I leave my phone behind, I regret it—I always see something I didn't the day before, or just the beauty seems overwhelming and I feel like I need to save that memory.

It reminds me of a friend in LA who hikes the same path every day and posts pictures of it. I used to think that was a bit funny… the same pictures of the same path, every day? But now I get it. Nature is never the same twice. The light shifts, the colors change, the mood evolves. You can't really capture what you're seeing, but you try anyway. And sometimes, you get close. Sometimes, the photo actually holds a piece of the magic.

These colors are unreal!

Interior of Coco's

Larger picture from above.