Swiss Treats Abound...

Our journey in Switzerland only included Geneva, so we planned to make the most of it. And as already mentioned, getting there was tense with the rental car return. We had to return on the Grench side of the airport, and with no signage, it was a feat. But the adventure didn’t end there! Turns out, as the airport/security guy told us, without a boarding pass, we’re not to go through the airport into the Swiss side to the train station and on into the city. A fact the rental company neglected to share. They said it’d be fine. He explained that this is actually a big “war between airport and rental car people usually but not today”... to which I said, “because you’re being kind and letting us through?!” And he said, “Yes!”
Grace. Indeed. In the city of Calvin, no less.
I did ask what we would’ve had to do—go back out, get a taxi, pay like $50 and be driven over. Instead, we found the train (with the help of another airport employee further on the way), and paid $0...yes, zero!, to go the city center train station and then walk the remaining five or so minutes to our hotel. Big shout out of Thanks to Doug Baker for the hotel rec — close to everything, easy, and relatively-speaking, reasonable (in Geneva, all things are costly!!). They gave us public transportation cards for our time in the city—free on all trains, trams, water taxi, buses—because it’s free for everyone!!, yet we didn’t even need it because we walked everywhere; the hotel was located conveniently enough to do so!
We got settled, then set out for early dinner. Found the tributaries to the Lake and ate at a small little cafe next to the water. Nice guy who shared good info about getting to the sites to see, suggesting the boat tour. Definitely some sticker shock about prices, though we’d been warned. Goodness, people must make lots of money here! Of course, we noticed, too, the city is quite clean, transportation is free, education is pretty great—kids learning 3-4 languages, family leave for mom’s and dad’s, healthcare for all, and in our short visit, we didn’t see a single homeless person. That’s not to say there are none. But we did not see one. After our meal, we walked to the water, finding Lake Geneva simply beautiful! India and Eli rode the Ferris Wheel, and we all enjoyed their “urban nature” swings by the water. We were struck by the Eau d’Jet—the huge water spout and the many swans. I’ve not seen so many at once.
Our second day had us up early to visit all the Reformed treasures plus: we walked to the old town area first and St. Pierre’s Cathedral, where Calvin preached. What a glorious church! And we were greeted with the organist practicing for an evening concert. We toured around, then climbed the South and North towers...many, many windy, small steps, seeing the bells and the panorama views of the entire city. Gorgeous! After, we explored the archeological exhibit/excavation site that is beneath the Cathedral, that chronicles the excavation done from 1976...wow! It shows how a church/Cathedral existed since 6th c. Quite remarkable work done. The kids really enjoyed this! And then, headed over to the Museum of the Reformation. Well-done, as well...I was surprised that is a private collection. Very impressive morning! Josiah called St. Pierre’s our tradition’s “mother” church and St. Gile’s in Edinburgh, the “daughter” 😀!
Following all that, we were hungry. And went to the Hotel Amures restaurant outside, around the corner. Fancy, treat for a meal, and what a meal!! We had traditional cheese fondue, veal, steak, fish, and even escargots! Dipping bread and potatoes in Swiss-style cheese fondue...OMDL! This restaurant has its origins in the 18th c., too, which is incredible.
So...you’d think we were ready for a nap, but off we went, browsing through old town, wandering our way down to the Lake again. And there we took the boat loop tour on the Lake. It was about an hour, seeing Geneva and the area around from the water. We traveled up close to the water jet—gets the spray!—and it was another lovely way to see the city. We had fabulous weather the entire time.
Our way home included a stop at the famous Favarger chocolate store. Since 1826, making chocolate that is nothing short of divine! French macarons, Swiss chocolate...my goodness, we are lucky indeed!
For such a short stop, Geneva proved full of gifts for us! To those who down-play it as a worthwhile place on a journey, I’d say re-consider. It’s vibrant, international, has an ease and peace, with history worth exploring. Certainly there are many other stops in Switzerland, but this one served us well as the singular place we could see, especially with our Reformed interest,  in this month-long journey. Here’s to Swiss treats!!
Pics to go along on FB ~

P.S.  — I know Clark is ahead in posting stuff, but thought I’d keep blogging nonetheless.