UN Closed

Once I’d finished at the Red Cross Museum, I walked back towards the bus stop & saw the United Nations building, with all its flags, standing there prominently. Bummer, it was closed. So, I could only stand outside of it & take a few happy snaps. Maybe one day when I’m invited to give a speech there, I’ll get a chance at taking a few better pictures.

Red Cross Museum

On the Saturday, after lounging around my room most of the morning, then grabbing a quick Chinese lunch, I headed out to the Red Cross Museum. I had to catch a bus (another free ride) to get out there, wherever it was. The snow was thick on the ground out there & I was sad that I didn’t have anyone to throw snowballs at.
When I got there, I paid the entrance fee & went through to the museum. I spent over 2 hours there & learned all about the Red Cross, which was started up in 1863 based on the ideas of a Swiss guy called Henri Dunant. His ideas concerned the care for the sick & wounded during combat. I really didn’t know the Red Cross interest in humanitarian causes (esp concerning human suffering) were so diverse. There is also a Red Crescent (Muslim-based) society, but no Jewish equivalent.
If you’re interested in humanitarian issues, this museum is a must-see if in Geneva.

Geneva - Old Town Wanderings

After settling in to the room, I decided to get out & explore the town a bit. Prepped with a tourist map, I headed down across the bridge towards the old town. There weren’t too many people out & about for a Friday afternoon. There seemed to be some really nice little cafes & restaurants scattered about the place, & I was eager to try a few.
Once in downtown Geneva, I crossed the tram tracks on the main street, then walked up the fairly steep (& slippery from snow) slope that took you into the Old Town. It was a quaint place, like many of the old towns throughout Europe, with roughly cobblestoned streets, charming shop signs & displays, & a kind of rustic elegance. After a walk through, which took all of 20 mins, I headed back down to the main street, & aimed myself towards the overly packed cafe I’d walked past earlier where I then proceeded to indulge myself in hot chocolate & chocolate tart – no wonder I put on weight on this trip!

8th Jan - Arrival in Geneva

After a relatively quick flight to Geneva, I found my way to the Info Centre. To my delight I learned that the Swiss really know how to treat their visitors – they offer free public transport to visitors for their stay there! So I jumped on my free train ride & shortly afterwards was in the central train station. My hotel was located conveniently just across the road.
I fronted up for check in at the Hotel Warwick. The staff there were so polite & professional – a huge step up from most of the other countries I’d travelled to. And, I got a free upgrade to a business suite – beautiful!! I knew for the next 3 nights, I would be relaxed & comfy.