seekingmygreaterperhaps

Welcome to Switzerland! The land of watches, chocolate, and money! I have landed in Geneva, Switzerland, and the sun is shining! My stay here is rather quick, because I had been warned about the prices of things in Switzerland, but I definitely wanted to see a teensy bit of this country! I have been lucky enough to been taken in by Sorin and Nassim from couchsurfers- so that has been quite lovely.

Pictured above is what Nassim says is a “must” for every tourist- apparently everyone gets their picture here. And, as a major theme of my trip, it is of course under construction. Haha. I still like it.

This is Nassim- my French speaking tour guide and friend. The first day, he took me around Old Town, and we walked all along Lake Geneva. Slightly disappointed that I don’t speak any French, he has been doing a great job of trying to speak English. But more importantly, we are both great at charades. This picture is of THE geiser of Geneva. My first day it was turned off because of the wind, but when it’s on, it is quite cool. AND, we saw a rainbow at the base. We ate our lunch sitting in a park right in front of this glorious view.

Today was a day filled with reverie for the people working tirelessly for human rights. I am so glad I didn’t skip Geneva, because even with a few hours at the United Nations and the International Red Cross Museum, I feel inspired.

At the United Nations, there is about the same level of security you experience as going through an airport. Gotta keep them leaders alive. We went on a guided tour, and I quite enjoyed being able to *almost* rub elbows with some really incredible people. So when you think of the UN in a political sense, all of that takes place in New York City. However, here in Geneva they are focused on human rights. I sat in the same chairs of the conference room where people all around the world are being fought for. It was pretty breathtaking if you took time to recognize that fact.

This is the chamber where the human rights and world alligence forums happen. The ceiling mimics stalagmites, and also represents the waves and the different colors of people. Or something with that caliber.

UN Fast facts:

– Why Geneva? Neutrality bro- also the World Health Organization and the Red Cross were already founded here when the UN was founded in 1945, so it seemed like a great place to have another international organization.
– 193 states are a part of the United Nations, with 51 founders.
– There are six official languages: English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese Mandarin, and Arabic
– Each country gives money to keep it going based on the gross domestic product. So really poor countries don’t have to give away too much, but good ol’ Murica is #1.

The United Nations main goal is the promotion of peace and cooperation among its member states. To quote, ” The United Nations aims to develop friendly relations among nations and promote social progress, better living standards, and human rights.”

Psh- I could totally be a diplomat and fight for human rights. PICK ME!

Next up was the International Red Cross Red Crescent Museum. Did you know? The Red Cross was founded in Switzerland? Maybe that’s why the flag is just the inverse of the Swiss flag. Who knows. This museum was really cool. You get an audio headset and it automatically activates. Also, there are 12 stories of real people, and they share their 3 minute tales. It shows you how big the reach is of the Red Cross that’s for certain. (As a side note- I saw the oldest RC flag in existence today.)

The Red Cross was founded because of one man who saw a need, and wanted to attend to it. That gives me great hope.

Switzerland, you have enchanted me, taken my money, but given me something to think about.

Thanks for sticking with me! Today I “accidentally” bought 7 bars of Swiss chocolate. Yes, that’s not a typo… 7. (It’s my favorite number?) ALSO- while in the land of watches… I bought myself a “big kid” watch. So, like what is a budget anyways? This watch is fabulous and I love it. When in Switzerland.