A Mediterranean dream

Geneva is an extra-ordinary city, and very, very different from Berlin. It is even very different from the rest of Switzerland. Being sofar south, the air has a distinctly bright, sun-drenched feel to it, and the limestone hills accentuate the mediterranean feel.

It is a small city nestled around the south-west point of Lake Geneva, or Lac Leman as it used to be known. The term swan lake seems more appropriate though. The graceful birds are everywhere to be seen.

The Alps form the horizon, and if you know what to look for, you can see Mont-Blanc, Europe’s highest mountain.

The Jet d’ eau, a man-made fountain of some 140 metres high, is the city’s trademark and is ever-present, where-ever you are in the city. It is spectacular. Mesmerising to look at – even hypnotic – it is the focal point for tourists and locals alike with nothing to do. You just find yourself wandering - no gravitating - towards it all the time.

It is warm, with clear skies, and has a distinctly Mediterranean feel to it with a lot of French flair. But it is not as clean as other cities. And there is perhaps a hint of fatigue in the air. The buildings and streets just look that bit more neglected than the
German cities I have seen. Makes me think of a super-model that is still beautiful, but is getting old, and relies of her former glory and a lot of make-up to get through the day.

Geneva has lots of holiday makers, laughter and money. It is very expensive. Everything costs about four times more than it is in Berlin.

Yet, I can see myself living there. The sun was shining every day, and its highly cosmopolitan nature makes me feel at home.

What is a great delight to witness are the driving skills of the locals. They are insane, with a death wish. I came across a scooter accident, and I can’t believe they are not more frequent. Care-free or careless. Can't decide.

Free-spirited certainly. Must be the latin blood.

Lui, Cam Ly and Foster relaxing on the shores of the lake. Will we ever see each other again?

Making some new local friends!
The lakeshore is full of these little harbours.

Swans everywhere.
See?
Nightfall.
And more swans...
The lake is to Geneva to what Table Mountain is to Cape Town.

Who you looking at!


My entry for calender of the year.

Night-time is even more idyllic, with expensive brand-names reflected in neon everywhere.

You can see the fountain miles away.

It acts as a landmark not to get lost.

My other favourate. Its those roses.

Moody clouds keep watch as the evening sets in.

The swan are very curious, checking everything out.

That fountain again; you are always aware of its presence, no matter where you are.

One last look.