Head to Foots very quick Top Ten to Do in Geneva
Returned this week from a rather busy ten days. Ireland and Geneva, with only ac couple of nights back at Head to Foot Towers in the middle.
The reason for the travelling, I was working for Catalyst Events, a team-building company.
Arriving in Geneva on Sunday, with the job on Monday and a return on Tuesday, I decided to stay an extra day and have a look around Geneva.
For my adventures at the airport see the last blog.
Having Visited Geneva a couple of times previously, only briefly to see the water spout and have lunch in Switzerland.
The Event took place at the Intercontinental Hotel. This stands alone so it can be protected easily from attack. Bill Clinton and Castro both stayed in the hotel at the same time during a conference in town. The hotel Manager made sure they never met in the lift.
My first two nights were spent in the Ramada hotel very close to the airport and very little else. Apart from some kind of faux bikers bar, Le Petit Bison.
No problem though, as a visitor to the town you will get a Geneva Transport Card, which lets you use all public transport for free during your visit. Buses, trams and waterbuses.
For the first two days the town seemed cold very grey, and expensive. Not being a member of the Euro, you need to get heads round a new exchange rate.
Around CH1.60 to the £.
From Tuesday Lunch time I was on my own, making the schoolboy error of wearing a new pair of boots, as yet unworn in.
My first plan is always to take a guided bus tour of a new city. These give me bearings and in most cases, locations I want to visit again, in my sore boots.
Tourist information at the main Post Office pointed me in the direction of a tour.
Operated by Key Tours, leaving from the central bus station. CH45 seemed a bit expensive. A fascinating guide rather than a pair of hissing headphones led the tour.
There was around an hour of wandering on foot around the old town. Why did I wear these boots?
The tour covered the North of Lake Geneva, United Nations Buildings and park and the International area. Heading to the South of the lake, which looks like a fabulous stroll in the summer. Finally off to discover the History of the old town, and Geneva’s importance in the Reformation.
Wednesday saw me wandering on foot, and taking advantage of my free transport card.
Here’s a few snaps of things I found fascinating during my short visit.
I do have a slightly off kilter way of looking at places.
Jet d'Eau photo taken from the water bus, this is two things to do. 7 tons of water in the air at one time.
Not my best photo, the United Nations Building and Gardens. You will need a passport to enter.
Keith Haring masonry in the old town
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The world longest wooden bench
Saint Peter's Cathedral and the Chapel of Maccabees. Take a look around the ancient remains beneath the cathedral, CH5 with audio guide.
Chair outside United Nations, to remind us of the horrors of land mines.
From this point Calvin would preach to the men of Geneva each day at 6.00 am. They would then have to take his words back to their families and pass them on.
The Russian Church, built by white Russians before the revolution.
He was not looking at me when I was there, but I can assure you he is living. Got to be honest I think its a tortoise.
Public Museums are free to enter in Geneva.
Once I had come across the old town impressions of the town improved a bit.
I stayed close to the centre at Le Capitole Hotel, nice but a bit over my budget.
Best meal was in La Bagatelle on Boulevard James-Fazy 20. 1204 Geneva. Opposite the church.
Not top of the pile but suited my budget, surroundings perfect for dining on your own, space to spread out a newspaper.
Great second hand vinyl store on same street as La Bagatelle, just after bridge heading toward Airport. Lost name but will find it. Lost a couple of hours in there.
Geneva, cold, sunny, grey, bright, old, sort of modern, maybe I needed more time there. Dont think there will be an audio guide following this trip.
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