Cultural Differences

Due to popular demand, I will be posting again today. Things are going wonderfully in Switzerland! Ali and her family are so hospitable, and spending time in the suburbs of Geneva is extremely relaxing. A few more cultural differences I have noticed:

-       All the fountains in Switzerland are drinkable…even the decorative fountains in the parks!

-       There is an appreciation of food here: The only fast food restaurant is McDonald’s, and even at McDonald’s the food is a step above the average U.S. restaurant.

-       People don’t need a 31-ounce coffee beverage (see this article) to feel satisfied, but instead sip a small espresso drink slowly while enjoying the company of those around them.

Sipping water from a fountain in Geneva 

June 18^th, 2011

Reformation Wall at the park in Geneva

Ali, Ali’s brother, Christian, and I took the bus into the city for some sushi and a nice walk around town.  I tried real Swiss chocolate, which was to die for! I had three little pieces: champagne-filled, hazelnut, and milk chocolate.  We walked to the park to enjoy more of the Fete de la Musique—this time listening to Brazilian music.  The park was gorgeous to see during the day, with a massive wall known as the “Reformation Wall” with huge statues of John Calvin and other religious and spiritual leaders in Switzerland’s history.  Also bordering the park is the University of Geneva, where Ali’s friend Ksenia attends “uni.”  It is a gorgeous campus with old European-style architecture and lots of trees everywhere.

Laughing in the downpour

Ksenia and another one of Ali’s friends joined us at the park and we proceeded to walk around Geneva to see other performers for Fete de la Musique.  Another highlight of the festival are the twenty pianos placed at various locations around the city so that everyone can play music freely and celebrate together.  We sipped punch and toured the town while listening to bands and singers, which was very enjoyable.  We also stood at the top of a hill and had an excellent view of the famous geyser that sits on the edge of Lake Geneva.  All of the sudden, however, it started to downpour and everyone started taking shelter in cafes and under buildings.  The rain was ridiculous! I felt like I was back in Virginia.  Ali and I gave up on staying dry (we hadn’t brought umbrellas), so we just walked around in the rain to the horror of sheltered onlookers.

June 19^th, 2011

Creek on the Swiss/French border

Ali and I woke up early and journeyed to a market in France, which is about a 30-minute walk from Ali’s house.  It was a beautiful day, and the stroll through the fields was quite enjoyable.  Corn, wheat, and other vegetables are grown for acres surrounding Ali’s home in the countryside, and with the huge French Alps in the background it looks like something out of a movie. Anyway, we arrived at the market and I was a bit overwhelmed by the strong smell of cheese.  There were approximately ten vendors selling cheeses, and of course I had to sample quite a few before choosing which kind to purchase.  We also sampled wine, fresh apple juice, apricots, caramel, and olives.  It was wonderful—a foodie heaven! No one was speaking English, so Ali basically had to speak for the both of us while requesting samples.  I am sure the vendors all thought I was mute or rude or something, so I weakly attempted a “Merci” each time.  We finally decided on Swiss Gruyere cheese, a loaf of olive bread, and some sun-dried tomato topping to put on bread and eat as an appetizer.

Fields near Ali's house