Blogs from Geneva, South-West, Switzerland, Europe - page 25

First of all, I am pleasantly surprised at how much to do there is in a relatively “small” German city. I’ve been out so many of these nights and done something totally different each night. And school hasn’t even started for the regular German students attending university…they actually don’t even start until the end of October. This is a good sign. So, this week has been really busy. Last Saturday began ridiculously with a make-up class. Seeing everyone roll up that morning ready to learn was hilarious. But IES redeemed themselves with a trip to France in the afternoon. We took the party bus to this giant castle on top of this mountain called Le Haut Kosnigsbourg. Although it was a complete touristfest the castle did boast a stunning view of Alsace, France and we lucked ... read more

I starting to be tantilised by India... Finally, during my last days here I have managed to buy a guide (why has the English Lonely Planet cut out their 'Northern India' edition? - the French version is twice as expensive, so I settled for the French backpacker's bible - Guide Routard) and start reading a bit about where I'm going... I'm in for a fascinating adventure! It has always been my dream to travel to Nepal, and I think India will only wet my appetite for the upcoming leg of my journey! Stay tuned! Friday I did a tour of CERN - the Centre for Nuclear Energy Research - about time after living here for 5 years and knowing heaps of guys working there. It was fascinating, and Malcolm, my guide, gave me a great explanation ... read more

Thank goodness! Whereas in Latin and Central America I was counting money in terms of dollars and fractions of, now it seems to be in terms of hundreds and multiples of!!! But it is kind of strange that I'm not coming back. This time, I'm jumping 100% into the unknown. India and Nepal I have never been to, neither do I speak the language (although I'm told English is spoken widely). Australia will also be somewhat unknown in that I'm coming back to live after living there only one year in the past eight!! It will be starting from zero, rebuilding job, friendships, apartment, and everything that goes with it! The end of the Fete de Geneve when all my Brazillian and Argentinian friends went home brought a pang of nostalgia, realising that I wouldn't be ... read more

I left France today to head into Geneva, Switzerland. The train ride over was interesting. I apparently was on the wrong section of train. The conductor did not speak English and I do not speak French. She knew one of the passengers and had him to explain what I needed to do. The train split in Ax-le-Ban. I was not on the correct section to go into Switzerland. The guy got of the train and showed me to the correct car. The people were very understanding and most seemed willing to help out. Merci to the french. The Hotel Warwick was my final destination for my trip. The hotel is located very close to the train station in Geneva. I walked across to it and checked into my room. I decided to walk around the city ... read more

As the plane drew into Geneva, I looked out the window in amazement - everything was PERFECT!!! Well, what a shock I got on my arrival! Compared to vibrant, lively Spain, it was very grey and the people were all dressed in a similar fashion, with none of the bright colours I was used to. I was also reminded of the Swiss mentality when I went to the landlady of Gabi's apartment to get some tokens to use for the washing machine - she told me 'ah, but you can't do a wash today'. In reply to my 'why not?', the simple explanation - 'it's SUNDAY'!!!!!! After a few days though I was right back into life here, catching up with friends and old work colleagues, climbing, hiking, swimming in the lake and generally having a ... read more