This Senior Has Fond Memories of Geneva

This senior has fond memories of my visits to Geneva.  First on a motor scooter and later with a group of high school students. Two things still jump out at me when I think of that great city: first the Jet D’Eau, an impressive water fountain that is one of the tallest in the world (140 meters) at the periphery of Lake Geneva.

Secondly, I needed to cash a traveler’s check.  When I went into the bank there was a gentleman piling up Swiss francs high on the counter.  The teller put down a solid stick of gold about the size of a stick of Wrigley’s Spearmint gum. He stuck it in his shirt pocket and away he went.

I also recall the huge colorful clock made entirely out of flowers (L’horloge fleurie) in the English Garden. It’s still there today.

 Seniors Astounded by Dramatic Views of the Alps

Geneva (Genève in French) lies at the southern tip of expansive Lac Léman (Lake Geneva). Surrounded by the Alps and Jura mountains, the city has great views of dramatic Mont Blanc.

Headquarters of Europe’s United Nations and the Red Cross, it’s a global hub for diplomacy and banking. French influence is widespread, from the language to gastronomy and bohemian districts like Carouge.

Known both as the «smallest of big cities», or the «city of peace», Geneva, among other things, is home to the European headquarters of UNO. The quayside of Lake Geneva, the parks, the old alleyways and smart boutiques invite senior visitors to a leisurely stroll. Lonely Planet notes that Geneva is sleek, slick and cosmopolitan and a rare breed of a city.

Culturally, this city on the westernmost fringe of Switzerland, just a stone’s throw from France, has much to offer. International artists perform in the Grand Théâtre and Geneva Opera House and many tourists arrive just for these two attractions.

 Seniors Enjoy Geneva’s Vieille Ville

Geneva has far greater international influence than any other city of 200,000 inhabitants. Switzerland’s second largest city is home to around twenty international organizations. The arts and culture flourish in Geneva and seniors enjoy the many fine museums and art galleries, theaters, music and book shops.

I’d try to talk my wife into a Segway Tour to visit the interior of the city. I would also plan a bus tour like Grey Line with the hop on-hop off feature. You can stop and spend some time at the the Cathédrale de St.-Pierre and take off for the next site.

The Beckers would start a visit in Geneva’s Old Town, in French called Vieille Ville. This ancient maze of small streets and picturesque squares, filled with homey cafés, restaurants, galleries, museums and historical sights, is lined by historical buildings adorned with beautiful masonry facades.

Maybe rent a bike as Geneva is a great town to get around in by bicycle. Au Revoir -jeb