Two hours in Geneva
I had a window of two, maximum three hours to explore Geneva. Looked up Google, spoke to a local contact on how to make best use of the time.
Got off the train at Gare Geneva Cornavin, the city’s main railway station at the city centre. Quickly headed towards the exit, but not before grabbing a quick Cafe Wendy at Migros, to keep the caffeine levels steady.
Also noticed a KFC at the other end of the street, to grab a quick cheap bite, if needed. Switzerland is expensive, Geneva especially so. Thus, it is important to take note of the options to keep within budget. As luck would have it, bus number 15, destination Nations, was just pulling in. I instantly masked and hopped in. I had paid one Swiss Franc extra to be eligible for free public transport in the city. Needed to ensure bang for my buck.
Checked out UNO, the symbolic broken chair, the fountains. It is possible to walk through them without getting wet, though I did not mind a few droplets as it was a hot day.
Was not sure whether I was at the back or the front of the UNO building, but that was not really my big concern. My aim was to spend as much time at Old City Geneva (Vieille Ville) which was at the other side of the town. Hopped back into bus number 15, which could have been the same one that I travelled earlier. Alighted Gare Cornavin. Waited for Bus number 8, as advised.
Pont Mont Blanc over the River Rhone links the old and new city. Vieille Ville did not disappoint: cobbled streets, architecture that is well preserved, cathedral, church, clock tower.
The numerous cafes and restaurants were buzzing. The food, as expected, was expensive. Need to go back to absorb the history of the place by spending time at the museums etc. Decided to walk back from the old city.
Bought myself une espresso at a cafe along Lake Geneva with a nice view of the city’s landmark Jet d’Eau. Recognised a cuckoo watch shop near Cornavin that I had visited almost 15-years back. The owner I met is no more, his granddaughter, who was manning the shop, informed. KFC chicken wings and french fries was my last constructive activity in Geneva.
