Like the Swiss

So one of the many things the ISEFE program provides for us is excursions to nearby attractions. These are not free, but they are at somewhat reduced student/group rates, making it worth the money. Today we paid 20 euros each to spend take a bus to Geneva -- the capital of Switzerland -- for the day. It was absolutely beautiful, and I spent way too much money in that city.

Our group had its own bus to take us to Geneva, which was about a two-hour drive. Once we got there, though, it was a complete free-for-all. Guillaume, our 22-year-old ISEFE guide for the summer, simply told us, "The bus will leave from here at 5:30. We will meet here at 5:20." That gave us almost seven hours in Geneva! The first order of business for me and the two other girls with me at the time, was to compare prices in the nearby souvenir shops... which turned into locating the chocolatiers. We were is Switzerland, after all! I found souvenirs and presents for so many people (as well as quite a few Swiss chocolate creations for myself).

Next, of course, was sight-seeing! We wandered around for a couple of hours, trying to decide where we wanted to go and getting the lay of the land. The geyser in the picture above is one of the many landmarks of Geneva. The piano player in the picture really gives the true essence of the city, though. There were musicians and artists all over the city, playing and painting for the tips of passers-by. The atmosphere was just incredible! We took a little "train" tour around the city, which was half an hour long and only cost 8 francs. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone planning a visit to Geneva. The train was solar and battery powered, and took us to most of the major attractions. I was in such awe of the whole tour that I'm afraid I missed the prime photo opportunities -- most of mine are of the landmarks and attractions as we are moving past them.

An artist painting for tips, on a huge canvas taped to the sidewalk.

We ventured into the beautiful Jadins Anglais, wandered into a children's store -- which was very fun -- found the expensive shopping district, took pictures of all the landmarks -- including the flower clock -- and witnessed a bride and groom walking along the river just after their wedding had taken place there. I couldn't help but be jealous of the couple for being able to get married in such a beautiful place, while I'm planning my wedding back in what now seems to be the very dull state of Indiana. The weather was beautiful, the river magnificent, and the people nicer and more helpful than I could have ever imagined.

One interesting thing I have noticed in my first week in Europe, is that they seem to be obsessed with American pop culture! I have heard more Brittany Spears on the radio stations here in one week than I have in the past few months back home. They even use our celebrities on advertisements for everything! Nicole Kidman was on an add for a parfumerie, and George Clooney was on window advertisements for espresso machines all over Geneva!

The bus ride back was almost as interesting as the time we spent in the city. Since it is a two hour bus ride, Guillaume gave us options of movies to watch... in French, with French subtitles, since that is what we are here to study. So I enjoyed an hour and a half of the Simpsons Movie en francais. Tres interressant! As hyped up as I still am about our trip to Geneva earlier today, I am still even more excited for the rest of this weekend! Tomorrow we are hiking up to the Nivolet Cross, and on Monday (since we don't have class) we will be going to the Hautecombe Abbey, which is a beautiful church in the mountains. I can't wait!