Okay- I couldn’t resist the title because I had the best hot chocolate I have ever had in my entire life (not being dramatic) last weekend. I apologize for my lack of photos. I guess I was just a little busy enjoying my time!
It was my final weekend trip to a foreign country, so I went with a couple friends to Geneva, Switzerland! We decided to stay in town and not go into the alps, since we were only there for one full day. But nonetheless, we had a great time (and we saw the alps from Geneva).
We landed on Friday night, and had pizza waiting for us thanks to Kendell’s boyfriend, Art, who met us in Geneva for the weekend. We stayed up chatting far too late into the night at our adorable little Airbnb. Saturday morning Sammy and Kendell went to a bakery and grocery store to pick up breakfast items. They delivered the best hot chocolate to me while I was still laying in bed. Picturesque, for sure (also I’m lucky to have such nice friends that go get breakfast and deliver it to me in bed!!). Not only did they bring hot chocolate, but also a few pastries to try accompanied with bread and cheese. It felt like we were living Danishly by eating bread and cheese with jam for breakfast, but the components individually were deliciously Swiss. Mostly the gruyere cheese- a personal favorite of mine.
After this delightful breakfast, we took a stroll through the city and down to the lake. The sky was perfectly blue and we saw the snow-capped alps in the background behind Lake Geneva. Along the way, we discovered the swans of Geneva. They are so clearly conditioned to be given food by humans, because they’ll come up to you and stare at you like you owe them something. It’s quite adorable if you ask me, even though I’m pretty sure a swan could get rather aggressive… oh well, no swan attacks were witnessed.
The Lake has the iconic fountain, called Jet D’Eau – which was actually accidentally created. It was first used as a safety valve for a hydraulic power network, and is now arguably Geneva’s most iconic landmark.
After dipping our toes in Lake Geneva, we hopped on a bus and headed towards the French border. We walked across into France and headed for a cable car called Téléphérique du Salève. Unfortunately, it was closed for winter contrary to what we had read online. Sadly we didn’t get to see Geneva from the top of a French mountain, but we still had a fun time walking into France and seeing a bit of the countryside.
We returned to town and visited a flea market that I had heard about. It was in a big park where they were setting up for a big Christmas carnival. Another event happening around the park and our Airbnb was this fun run that had attracted many runners to the area. Later that evening, we had reservations at a fondue restaurant. We swam in cheese fondue and raclette. It was divine, although an extreme amount of cheese. The Swiss cheese fondue scene is definitely not for the lactose intolerant, that’s for sure. We were the last ones in the restaurant- we left at 11:45 and walked back to our room, satisfied with our bellies full of cheese.
The next morning we got up and went to a lovely creperie for brunch. I had a savory crepe with ham, cheese, and spinach. Of course, it was incredible. After brunch we were off to the plaza that hosts the United Nations, the broken chair monument, and the Red Cross Museum. It was so cool to imagine the sorts of diplomacy that takes place here.
I would highly recommend Geneva if you’re interested in cheese, chocolate, high end (anything) watches, or being surrounded by beauty. I might also suggest that you have more than a couple days in Switzerland, so that you could perhaps have the time to go into the Alps (Mont Blanc, or Chamonix are both relatively close to Geneva).
One more thing- this is my last post before I begin packing my bags to head back home. It’s been a crazy semester full of crazy things that I never would have imagined doing. I’ll be taking this upcoming week to reflect on my time and enjoy what I have left. Oh, and also finish up my final exams, papers and presentations! Until then, I wish you all the best- wherever on Earth that may be 🙂
Lots of love!
Alex
Al Abroad 