The soul resounds in sight and sound.

Sunday March 27, 2011

On my final day in Geneva, as unlike the previous days, I did have a loosely based agenda, including three different activities I hoped to complete. In actuality I was able to do 2 of the 3, leaving out a cruise along the lake in the hopes of adding it to a future trip along with a tour of the United Nations.

Unlike the spring forward change in Canada, the day to move our clocks ahead one hour was on Sunday, however, I did not remember until a few hours after waking up, and so I was off my previously planned schedule of when I wanted to start my day. But alas, another reminder that these plans often have a way of re-planning themselves despite your best efforts to stay on schedule. Deterred I was not, and instead I went for a walk and bought a thank you plant and purchased a day pass for the bus. I was then off to explore the Salève mountains. I boarded the bus, which was conveniently located one block away from the apartment; to an area outside of urban Geneva and took the téléphérique (cable car) to the top of the Salèves.

Words and pictures cannot describe the magnificence and serenity of the mountain, nor the view, but definitely an experience worth repeating. Up on the mountain top, I took a leisurely stroll downhill and an even more leisurely climb back up, while taking in the fresh air, revelling in its natural stillness, and admiring the old cottage and farm style homes, while imagining a life lived atop a mountain.

After descending down the Salève mountain range, I journeyed back into the city of Geneva, where for the first time in over 5 months enjoyed a latte and bagel with fromage frais (the French version of cream cheese), from Starbucks. How much more anti-European can I get…. a coffee considerably larger than the average shot glass sized café and with milk to boot!

I then proceeded to enjoy my Starbucks treat while sitting outside of Cathédrale St. Pierre, while waiting to hear the King’s Choir of Cambridge perform in the Cathedral. My eyes had just marvelled the beauty of the mountains, and now my ears were hearing the angelic voices of a choir perfectly tuned in cadence and resonance, rendering the crowded Cathedral silent in awe and admiration.

And so this was the final day in Geneva… a day of wondrous sights and sounds, inspired imagination and soulful gratitude. My first ever solo journey was ending, but with all endings come new beginnings, and here’s to the hopes that this experience fosters greater confidence, independence and appreciation of a life worth living, and simple moments treasured.

St. Pierre Cathedral

King's Choir

Outside of St. Pierre Cathedral

Saleve Mts

Saleve Mts

Saleve Mts

A unified experience of diversity.

Saturday March 26, 2011

Armed with a list of possible options of tours and adventures, I inquired at the tourist office about what was available, and was told that a walking tour was about to start in 10 minutes. Perfectly timed and reasonably priced, I booked a spot to explore the rich history of Geneva. As the tour was about to start I was amongst three other tourists, all of which were back pack wearing early retirees. Woo hoo, the single girl in her early thirties knows how to travel!! But wait… lucky me, within minutes of the tour a single woman from Peru and another from Poland living in London joined the group. Heh, the numbers just evened out!

During the two hour walking tour of historic Geneva we learned of its construction and significance to the rest of Europe, as it was considered the ideal ancient city that was coveted due to its large Lake and the Rhone river (longest river in Europe) that flows directly into Lake Geneva. We walked along the winding streets, uphill to the old town, and discussed famous Genevans, including Rousseau, Calvin and Dunant, who created the International Committee of the Red Cross, (hence the Swiss flag).

Following the tour, I decided to pick up some bread, Italian deli meat, cheese and spicy olives for lunch. Yum!! If there is another thing I have learned from living in Europe, and France specifically, food is savoured and lunch is the most important meal, so any chance to indulge in a wide variety of food, at just about any time of the day, I am in!! Plus, I originally had my heart set on sushi, but Geneva is an expensive city and I did not feel like shelling out over 15 CHF for a roll or two of pre-made and pre-packaged sushi. So a homemade sandwich, finished off with hazelnut yogurt (I guess I did eat something Swiss), was the perfect afternoon interlude.

After lunch, I walked to the international organizations section of the city to the United Nations building… Calling it a building is a vast understatement, as the property is enormous with a large park and many buildings contained within its fortress. Unfortunately, because of the time of year, I was not able to go beyond the outer gates, and was only able to see a small portion of the estate. Apparently tours are arranged during week days during very specific hours until the end of March, with weekend tours beginning in April. Who knows, maybe perhaps I may find myself in Geneva another day… with a roundtrip train ticket at around €55, a day trip is not unreasonable!

I then walked toward the Lake and took a short stroll through the Botanical Gardens, through to the lakefront and then onto Bains des Paquis, a popular pier off of the Lake. On this particular weekend a small festival, Fête de l’eau, was underway, with puzzles and games for kids, a jazzy sounding band complete with a didgeridoo, and snack shack. Les Bains des Paquis was one of the places strongly recommended to see and it is like a mini beach where you can swim, dive from platforms of various heights, relax on the rocks, enjoy a sauna or a massage, or just hang out. Not to mention, the view of the Lake and the Jet d’eau (famous water fountain) is magnificent.

Although the night was still young, my tired feet needed a rest and I returned for a relaxing and restful night; plus a solo trip is one thing, clubbing or the bar scene sans un(e) ami(e) is another and not one I am particularly interested in. So a rejuvenating end of day in preparation of my final day in Geneva it was.

Bains des Paquis

Bains des Paquis

Walking toward the UN building

UN

UN

I knew of the things I could do, but not that I would do….

Friday March 25, 2011



Before arriving in Geneva, I had poked around on the internet for information on things to do and places to see. I looked at various options on the tourist website and considered others that were recommended; however, once on Swiss soil, I was without a plan and left to cherish the moment and its possibilities.

After finally getting into my cousin’s apartment; which I now know a future career choice should not include a run as a successful burglar, B&E technician, nor locksmith; I briefly settled in and then set out to explore the city. Within the first half hour, I met a pleasant older Portuguese man by the name of Tony. Not having the opportunity to have many successful conversations in French I agreed to have coffee with my new acquaintance along the banks of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva). In the spirit of the winds and the present moment, I then accepted an invitation to tour Geneva and part of France, as France surrounds Geneva by 90%! So I set off for a leisure drive through Switzerland into France to the medieval town of Yvoire.  Following the unsuspected yet appreciated tour complete with facts and history, I bid my tour guide adieu and set out for an incredibly late lunch or early dinner, as I was in search of some yummy Swiss food prior to the tour.

A short while later I settled into a quaint Indian restaurant with plush red velvet cushioned regal style chairs, and repeated twice that I was dining pour un. Sitting so I could watch the tourists and Genevans walking along the street, while also catching the reflection of Bollywood themed music videos from the TV behind me; I enjoyed a glass of wine with the vegetarian menu complete with halwa for dessert. So much for traditional Swiss food, which unfortunately I did not end up trying, but it had been nearly a half a year since I indulged in Indian food and all its fragrance and spice!

A nice conclusion to my first day in Geneva, complete with a tour of not only the city but a small French town, a full belly and a renewed sense of physical direction!

Yvoire, France

Yvoire, France

View from Yvoire