Wanted to go downstairs for breakfast but was too late coz it was past 10am. So, got ready to head down to town by myself and go jalan-jalan in downtown Geneva. Took the shuttle bus from the hotel to the airport and took the express train from airport straight to downtown. Whilst waiting for the shuttle bus, I was looking at the map and charting the course I wanted to take and marking down what I wanted to see and do and there was this kind French guy who was kind enough to volunteer his help and showed me what are the must see and do. And, he quipped, "if all things fail, if you can wait for me, I'll take you there myself." To which I laughingly said, "thanks, I think I can handle it."
Over here in Geneva, most people speak French so, am quite lost at the airport coz didn't know which platform to go to for the train ride downtown. Asked the station master and he muttered incorrigibly in English and point point point. I guess sign language works best in this instance, hahaha. The train ride to downtown is only 1 stop.
This is the beautiful fountain called Le Jet d'Eau in the middle of Lake Geneva. It was a sight to behold as I stand there in awe of its beauty. Luckily for me, I took this photo and after that went about my tour coz when I came back to it 2 hours later, the fountain was actually turned off.
This is the Basilica of Notre Dame which I come across in downtown Geneva. Beautiful church from the outside and inside. Was actually inside the basilica marveling at the gothic architecture and vivid colors of the stained glass depicting Catholic saints.
And from the pictures above, you can see that all the buildings are very nice. All of them facing Lake Geneva. I dare not even enter any of the shops in case they have a dress code of some sort and I am in jeans and t-shirt.
Downtown Geneva is a shopper's paradise. One can find all kinds of brand names in this town. Only problem is whether one has money. And talking about money. I was so embarrassed coz I thought I wanted some extra cash just in case I am in the mood for shopping and so, when I saw this huge HSBC bank, I was elated. Walked in there and saw this guy in a black jacket sitting very confidently over the counter and I told him I wanted to withdraw some money. He looked surprised at me and then said, "Oh, we only accept cash deposits. No withdrawals here. If you need an atm, it is outside a block away and you'll find the machine there." You should have seen my face blushed red. I forgot I was in Switzerland where people here are rich and t4, they don't withdraw money, they only put in money, geez!
After walking around a fair bit, got hungry coz didn't eat breakfast this morning. Decided to go to this food court and guess what I ate? Rice! finally. It was lunch time and that place was packed. After lunch, walked around and
took some more pictures. Frankly, if you don't like shopping, Geneva old downtown is not the place to be and clearly, I came home without a shopping bag so, that explains why I didn't enjoy Geneva as much as I did Zurich.
Took a train back and at night, Ed took me to a French restaurant that was really jam packed with people. It was drizzling a little but we managed to walk around with the umbrella. Food was excellent and the place was abuzz with people. I enjoyed the French food and wine and it was indeed a good ending to a great holiday. Tomorrow, we head off to Chamonix, France.
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