I'm working in our office here for the next couple of days, so flew out this morning and spent a bit of time looking around the City.
Early start this morning, up at 6am (and on a Sunday too!), but was at Gatwick by half past seven. Checked in using the touch screens and dropped off my bag, then popped back down to Smiths and picked up a pocket guide to Geneva.
Bought myself some Swiss Francs before going through security, which was unusually smooth - the machine didn't seem to mind that I had a pocket full of keys and coins, and I got away without having to take off belt or shoes.
Just time for a trip to Starbucks for latte and a cookie before being called to the gate. Flight was uneventful, and I spent most of the time dozing and listening to ipod. Through security, collected bag (one of the first off) and then the ten minute walk to the Movenpick.
It was at this point that I discovered that Geneva in June is HOT, and regretted not putting a pair of shorts in my bag. I checked in with home once I'd checked in to room 815 and then it was time to go explore. Looking at the map in the guidebook I thought that it didn't look too far to walk, but given the temperature I decided that a taxi would be a better option, and a 40 CHF fare later I was extremely pleased that I did!
I asked the taxi to take me to the Cathedral St Pierre in the old town, as this looked like it would be the furthest point in my wanderings, and started off by climbing the spiral stairs to the towers. I remember that the first bit was 82 steps, but not the grand total - it was probably about 130. Took lots of photos at the top, including the famous hold the camera out self portrait, with the big fountain in the background.
Meandered my way around taking in some more sights (Nicky - all the shops were closed, honest! I'll get you a toblerone on the way home !!), finally arriving down at the lake. Walked through the Jardin Anglais, and then to a waterside café for a panini and a much needed drink. Coming back along the waterfront I bought an ice cream cone - time for another hold the camera out photo. Found the 'famous' flower clock on my way back through the Jardin, having missed it the first time.
Walked back over the Mont Blanc bridge and up to the station to pick up a taxi back to the hotel. The taxi went past the UN European HQ and the 'famous' broken chair statue (honestly - all these famous things that I've never heard of!).
Back to the hotel and a welcome shower to cool off before a little nap - briefly interrupted by a hotel maid wanting to come in! Have just had my room service pizza and ice cream and am settling down to watch the Euro 2008 final.
Photo at top of post is the view (of the airport) from my room. Lots more interesting photos to upload when I get home.
