Tuesday (3rd August) super early morning I was up and awake, second morning in a row - it's really not fun being up at 4am. Fingers crossed it doesn't happen tomorrow morning.
I chilled out at Beth's in the morning, looking for flights to Athens which are super expensive - think I might swim across! Certainly will save me a shed load of money.
Headed into the city to collect my train ticket to Zurich on Thursday, I was advised since it was such a cheap ticket I was supposed to print it myself. Now that is all good and well but I have no printer. He was ever so kind and printer for me for free, typically it costs money. I was now ready to face the day, walked outside and it was pouring with rain - there goes my plans! Decided to head back to Beth's to escape from the rain and would you believe as I got off the tram it stopped.
Oh well, took cover for awhile and decided what to do this afternoon - Natural History Museum here I come. As time was going on I seemed to be not as organised as what I usually am. I got on the correct tram but had no idea if I was going in the right direction, on well if anything it's a fun way to see more of Geneva.
Made it in one piece without having to change trams :) Unfortunately the majority of the signs were in French so my visit wasn't the longest. I did enjoy looking at everything though.
I wandered around the town some more, people watching is just the best thing, before heading back to Beth's. Had an hour or so going through my photos and tried to upload them but it just wasn't working in my favour - so sorry but it will be a few more days before you can see anything.
Back into the old town to meet Beth and a friend of hers for dinner - since being in Gevena I've realised dinner isn't just cheese fondue. Although I'm very keen to have it once before I leave Switzerland, perhaps at Colette's place.
After dinner Beth and I wandered down too and around the fate, this happens once a year and is full of rides, bars, food stalls etc. Lots and lots of people around, and all kinds of people - from the investment bankers, to the families, to the homeless (all with big dogs) to the mega rich! It's located on the water front which is such a lovely setting.
From here we went into one of the fanciest hotels in Geneva and I got to see how a small population of the world lives - money for Africa and back again!! Beth was telling me how most of them come from Dubai in their private planes bringing their fancy pants cars with them. A very different life to the one I led! On exiting the hotel we noticed 2 Lamborghinis, one was an extremely bright pink colour (rather unpleasant), definitely not my choice should I ever own such an amazing car.
We headed back towards the train station, my point of reference throughout my stay, and within one block of the hotel things changed dramatically - gone is the fancy hotel and cars we are how in the red light area.
Even though there was 2 of us I didn't feel that comfortable and my walking speed increased! I have never been so happy to see the train station.
Wednesday morning I was up early, did some more research before heading into town. I'm off on a trip on the famous Lake Geneva. Beth had shown me last night where to go to buy tickets so there was no chance I'd get lost this morning. On arrival at the wharf there were SO many people, I finally located the end of the line and started to wait. There was still 25 minutes before the departure time so I think I'll be safe, will be a complete buggar if I miss out!!! For some strange reason a lady felt it was her right to jump the line - I think not!! People jumped on her right away but she didn't listen, I understood her saying she had been here for 20 minutes already and should have already been served. The bloody check!! Time was now getting very close, 5 minutes to departure and I was still 3 behind the counter. Within seconds to spare I was served and basically ran onto the boat - I'm on :) but now have the horrible task of finding a seat. The views were beautiful, lots of small boats on the water, people learning to sail, mountains in the background, ferry stops at small towns - what a great way to spend about 4 hours. I was off to Lusanne for a look see then will take the train back to Geneva.
On arrival into Lusanne I had a walk around the water front, tried to get some kind of assistance from the very unhelpful lady at the tourist office then headed for a quick lunch before going to the Cathedral. What an impressive Cathedral this is, the ceilings are very high puts the Churches in NZ to shame.
After a couple of hours I was ready to return to Geneva, Lusanne is a beautiful city on the water’s edge but the sole purpose of this trip was to be on Lake Geneva. One thing that surprised me was its a very hilly city, walking around it reminded me a bit of Lisbon.
Back into Geneva and I ran a couple of errands before meeting Beth for yummy Japanese meal. Walked back to Beth's and enjoyed a glass of champagne, my favourite!
Thursday morning I had a quiet time at Beth's, did go out in the rain to pick up a bread roll. Packed my bags and for some reason couldn't get it all in my pack - I haven't brought anything so who knows what’s going on. Leaving Beth's at 11.30am it was pouring with rain - great no umbrella. Thankfully the tram was there as soon as I got to the stop so no standing in the rain, I found a seat and had water just dripping off me :( not only did I look like a drowned rat and felt awful but to top it all off there was a screaming child right by me. If only I wasn't carrying half the world I would get up and move.
Made it to the station in plenty of time before my train to Zurich. I had booked a super saver ticket and was worried I'd be sitting in between carriages so was keen to find a train person to ask what the deal was. All my other train journeys I've had a set seat. Aah I'm saved, it's free seating in second class!
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