Hangzhou Global Tour: Day 21

Today was a travel day and started out with a bit of a challenge. Three water taxis had been scheduled to take our crew and large quantity of luggage to the train station where we were to travel to Geneva. Unfortunately, our taxis were late and our film crew did not make the train as they were on the last water taxi. As it was, the two families and I made the train with just 2 minutes to spare.

The rest of our crew was going to try and get a flight to Geneva and meet us there at nearly the same arrival time, but it was just not possible…so they boarded a later train and met us much later that evening.

From Venice, we switched trains in Milano en route to Geneva. The shape of our train looked like a bullet, but did not travel any faster than a normal rail car. While it looked sleek from the outside, the inside was a bit disappointing—it was quite hot on board, the bathroom had not been serviced, and the available food choices lacked a lot to be desired.

Some of the scenery however was quite picturesque and idyllic…the Italian, then turning into the Swiss Alps were full of highly manicured terraced vineyards, with the occasional lake, reflecting the nearby landscape as we moved past. The Swiss countryside is something straight out of a children’s storybook.

Once we arrived in Geneva, we made our way to the Hotel Cyrstal, which was a very cool, hip and uniquely modern hotel. Unfortunately, it was quite hot in Geneva and the hotel did not have adequate air conditioning, therefore our rooms were quite uncomfortable.

After a brief respite, we walked down to Lake Geneva where we boarded a water taxi that took us across the lake. From there we explored old town, taking in all the historic structures and cafes with tables spread over the cobblestone courtyards.

During the tour of old town Geneva, we all went our own way in search of something to eat for dinner. Since we were not going to be in Switzerland long, only a small portion of currency had been exchange. Each armed with just 15 Swiss Francs, it was a challenge to find a place for dinner as Geneva is very expensive. I was really surprised by just how excessive the pricing was. Take for example a small bottle of water, a small scoop of ice cream, a Swiss chocolate bar, or a cookie, were each over 4 Franc…double what you’d find in the States.

On my quest for dinner I couldn’t help but notice this wonderful Chocolateria, so I popped in to have a look. After buying a chocolate bar (thankfully they accepted Euros) I asked the shopkeeper if she could suggest an inexpensive place for me to have dinner. She directed me to a family run Lebanese restaurant just down the street. As soon as I entered I knew it was just what I was craving. I ordered a delicious chicken shawarma type sandwich that came with French fries and a Coke for exactly 15 Francs. I really love how everywhere in Europe we’ve been, all the prices include the taxes. Don’t get me started on food taxation though…that concept really irks me. The idea that we have to get the government’s permission to sustain ourselves is immoral in my book.

Stay tuned for my second day in Geneva as we head to the UN for a tour. In the meantime, you can click here to read yesterday’s update, or click here to read the next.