Quality of life

These past 3 days, I have been doing work I am not usually doing, such as testing tools for the new office, preparing materials, and also geting my paperworks done for the new job. it might be the heat, or the fact that I actually have to use my brains, but I have been very exhausted everyday around 4-5pm. It is not the fact that I wake up at 6:30am everyday to catch the bus at 7:40 and to start at 8:00. I actually enjoy waking at that time and have my 15min walk in a fresh crisp morning along the lake.

After work, it has been a countless visit of flats, with other homeless people. I am also discovering different areas of Geneva, as well as cute little restaurants.

Having my colleagues from London with me helped ajusting to the environment. I am among the priviledged ones who can communicate with the locals as most of them do not speak French, so they are also using me as guide. It will take time for all of us to adapt to the new life here, especially the 'no shopping after 7pm' rule: By Friday evening we had nothing to eat at home so it was the perfect excuse to try out a restaurant in town, and even an ice cream joint.

I suppose it is a pretty town. But I am sure there are prettier towns around, with the same al fresco atmosphere. What is suprising is the fact that it is a landlocked place with the atmosphere of a mediterranean city and rythm.

For now, my main concern is getting my apartment, as although I am smack right in the middle of town, across the 'Jardin Anglais' it would be good to have all my 35boxes with me so that I can fill up 2 wardobes and get my own kitchen ustensils...not to mention all my adapters...

First impressions

This morning I awoke feeling out of place, staring at the big window, though the stores and on to the balcony and rooftops. After enjoying the fresh morning air, I ventured out, in the quiet empty streets. Across the river Rhine (le Rhone), I walked into the Paquis area, across the Cornavin station, looking out for restaurants and the look of buildings. From 10 till 11 I wandered through small streets, with the sound of morning mass fromthe nearby churches. I met loads of tourists but also small furry dogs and their masters...and they keep the streets clean of poo.

Then along the promenade, I then saw the water jet. After finding a public toilet, I decided to cross over again and explore the Eaux-vives area, on the south banks.
Going through the Jardin Anglais, I got to see a small fountain and gazebo.

Walking along rue des Eaux-vives and to the park, I stopped for a snack at a bakery. It is good to know which places are open on weekends.
In the park, I came across many toddlers and their parents, at the jungle gym or just roaming the green grass. I got lost for a bit but soon ended up near the tennis club. The it was time to get back to the flat, along the lake, past baby plage, and using the many drinkable water fountains around town.

Before going home for a nap, I took a detour towards the cathedral on the hill behind the flat, and found the recommended restaurant 'chez ma cousine' and a plaza with lots of restaurants. I got sushi to go and rolled down the hill happy, noticing the pharmacy and post office on the way.
Tomorrow, I have to get a deodorant before going to the bank...

Doing groceries in Migros

This is all chocolate. The ther ailes are as big except one aile like this will display pasta, sauce and tinned cams, so really litle choice. Similarly meat is limited...sniff
I am missing my local Sainsbury's where I can pick among at least 3 brands of each item...but I have stocked up for the weekend and located a pub brasserie nearby.

Balcony gnome!

Hello

Arriving in Geneva

I almost missed the flight from T5 as they didnt show the gate number. I had to ask the desk agents for it and make a mad dash for A21.
The flight was uneventful and I forgot my maroon cardigan upon unboarding. I had to buy a CHF2 token with my credit card, to be able to get a trolley and put my 4 suitcases on it.
Hopped into a cab adter picking up the keys, and was dropped 100m away from the flat because it is in a pedestrian shopping area. the driver very kindly dragged 2 of my suitcases, then I took the lift to the 6th floor, to end up climbing the stairs to the 7th floor.
I am in Geneva, and all I want now is a cold shower!

Bye bye Parliament

2hours after the movers tornadoed my things away

Amazing how much space I filled up. Tomorrow is leaving day...

Indian voices in the park

Kensington gardens

The Tower of London

Yup, as a soon to be ex resident of Tower Hamlets borough I saved £16.
The tours were nice and jewels dazzling, but even at 10:30 there were crowds.
Did you know that it was William the conqueror who first built it?

Proms from loggia 20

A visit from the East

Last week, before my escapade to South of Francce to glare at the warm sun, F came to visit, from Japan. She was in England for her 9 days summer holidays and made a point to visit all her friends in the country. I was very honoured and happy to see her.
I first and last met her in Tokyo in May, around some seriously yummy monja...mmmmm.
With her friend and colleague R, she enthusiastically followed my guided tour of my area in east London, along Whitechapel road, passing the mosque, Brick lane, the small streets where Jack the Ripper operated, and curry at Dawat. Of course they did the touristy places the days before, and F even went to Hartfields, where Winnie the pooh played.
I hope they enjoyed their unexpected experience in east London...

A new beginning?

As the days are quickly trickling by, i realize I haven't had a chance to stop and look back at what and who I am leaving behind. Now that the laptop is formatting at a snailpace, I have no excuse not to look inwards. The blue screen of death is not that captivating.
So I am wondering: what will I bring with me unto the new life awaiting for me on the continent?
...
-A sense of loss, from separating from familiar faces, habits and places
-A greater awareness of myself and what I can do and don't want to do
-An understanding of what my ronatic heart desires, after being broken no less than 4 times in 4 years
-Somehow long nails
-My never ending will to learn new things, even if some people have warned me it would be difficult or even impossible
-My willingness to survive, despite changes around me

London was the first stage of my workforce experience. I have made good friends who will hopefully visit me in Geneva. I've learned so many things with them, especially how impulsive I can be.

I am hoping next month I will find a new home for this soon to be 'not so fairy' godmother, still looking for her wand amidst her boxes...