I’ve made it to Geneva in Switzerland. After my late arrival into the hostel, I woke up early to take in some sites before I had to head back to the airport to catch my 12pm flight to London.
When I got in the night before, I was so disappointed that I didn’t have more time here – it seems so beautiful. I guess it will earn me another trip back!
The first thing I think of with my early start is grabbing a coffee and something small to eat. I know that as soon as I step outside with the cold weather I’m going to need something to warm me up and fast! As I walk outside, I see it’s pitch black – I’m not the best at wandering around in new cities in the dark (I don’t like to advertise it but I tend to get lost). I guess getting lost is sometimes apart of the fun though so here I go.
Me & my McCafe (6am!!)
I know the general direction of where the lake is so I head that way. En route I see that a small cafe is open in a mall just near the train station. I go in and order a cafe au lait (coffee with milk) and a ham and cheese croissant (a treat!).
They ask me for the money and I pull out my credit card but they say they only take cash. Arghh…I was hoping to avoid taking out any Francs but I guess I have to. At least the exchange isn’t too bad and I get about CHF 20 which should last me. I sit down and have the yummy treats.
Once I’m done I continue onto the lake. As I’m walking I decide to grab another coffee as I’m fading fast by this stage. The only thing around is McDonald’s. I’m not a big fan but I decide to succumb to temptation. Second cafe au lait of the day and its not even 7am! Also this is the most expensive McD’s coffee I’ve ever had at CHF5 (about US$4). Well I guess I won’t have much Francs left over for a rainy day.
Lake Geneva
I keep walking coffee in hand and reach my destination – Lake Geneva. Wow!!! Definitely a sight to see. I’m overly impressed and this moment where I look out on the lake and the beauty makes me realize why I love Europe so much. There is just something about it – all of the history and beauty – I don’t know, I must have been born here in another life.
I take a bunch of photos and cross the bridge – le Pont du Mont Blanc (just like the pens!) – to see what is on the other side. I’m told there is a famous fountain there, Jet d’Eau, and also many statues in the park (Parc des Bastions) on the other side. As I walk, I notice the sounds of people speaking French but also many English speakers sounding like they are from America. I got to talking to one of them and they mentioned there are a lot of Americans living around Geneva because of the United Nations office – what an amazing, dynamic and vibrant global city.
The Alps in the distance
My visit to the Jet d’Eau isn’t so exciting as I see that it actually isn’t running since it is coming up to winter:(. However as I turn around from the fountain I catch a glimpse at something I haven’t noticed before. When I turn, I look high above the city & hotels and take in the beauty of snow-covered mountains – yes, those are the Swiss Alps. I am blown away.
I look at my watch and see that there really isn’t that much time left to look around. I’m really sad as it is such a beautiful place.
Geneva has really made an impression on me in only a few short hours. I can’t wait to plan a proper trip here where I can spend some time in both Switzerland but also (one of my favourite countries) France since they border one another. Another destination back on the ever-growing list of this Travelling Starfish.
Visit Geneva when you can – it is beautiful anytime of year.
Bye for now, Miriam 
