Yesterday we took a planned trip into Geneva. Unlike our lunchtime adventure last Sunday, this time we were armed with maps, snacks, strollers, and a list of helpful French words and important street names. Not wanting to shirk our spirit of adventure, we decided to leave our car at home and take the bus into town. Children love public transportation. I was afraid that Maggie (the fragile Austen-esque character that she is) would pass out from excitement as the bus approached. Note to self, must bring Maggie’s smelling salts when riding the bus/tram.
Geneva was a busy place yesterday. There was a marathon and a political demonstration taking place, neither of which we participated in, but both provided great entertainment and people watching. We took the bus to the Jardin Botanique (Botanical Gardens). En route we passed the UN where the rally was taking place. There were throngs of people wearing vaguely familiar flags draped around their shoulders. No one seemed overly upset; there were families and people of all ages milling around the plaza, occasionally shouting, but mostly just conversing with each other. After much research at home (thank you wikipedia) I have concluded that it was a group of people from Catalonia and/or Aragon, protesting for their desired autonomy from the Spanish government. Thank you protesters for piquing my curiosity and prompting a late night history lesson.
We were so busy watching the protesters we missed our stop for the Jardin Botanique. Our bus driver was kind enough to stop the bus a few hundred yards past the entrance, proving that confusion and gratitude can be communicated in any language. The gardens were beautiful. The girls, however, were far more interested in picking daisies and dandelions in the grass than touring the beautifully landscaped flower beds.
After much flower gazing we found a lovely spot for a picnic lunch of baguette, cheese, salami, fruit, and Pringles. I know, I know, the Pringles seem out-of-place in a French picnic lunch, but they are really very popular here, not to mention delicious. (Also there is something pleasing about the familiar cylindrical can and moustached man that eases my homesickness.) At lunch we were stalked by an enormous, haughty crow. Our otherwise picture perfect picnic was marred by the presence of this bird who, with each flap of his wings, elicited screams of terror from Emma, and squeals of delight from Maggie. We could not keep Maggie away from him, I am afraid she thought he was an oddly shaped dog. She kept on toddling up to him with a mouth full of bread and I feared that he would peck the food right out of her gaping, little mouth.
After surviving lunch with THE CROW (despite the above picture, Maggie walked away unscathed from her dealings with THE CROW) we set about exploring the rest of the Jardin Botanique. We happened upon an incredible carousel that looked like it was straight out of the imagination of Louis Carroll. It was beautiful, and much to Emma’s delight, far too beautiful to resist a ride. The carousel was run by a group of people who I can only describe as gypsies. Real life, honest to goodness gypsies. They were very kind, even if the leader was wearing a Yankee’s cap, and they added to the magic of the ride. Emma chose to ride on a dolphin, while Maggie and I chose a turtle. I could try to describe the fairy-tale like beauty of the carousel, but I think Jim’s pictures do a far better job.
Well, the only thing that could top the carousel, or get Emma’s mind of taking another spin, was gelato. We walked along the lake to the very same gelato place we went to last Sunday. We are becoming regulars. The walk there was beautiful. It also happened to be along the marathon route. The runners had finished but the course was still roped off in areas. There were many people strolling along the lake. I think we were all grateful that the rain that has plagued us for a solid week had held off for the day, and that the sun was bravely pushing through the cloud cover.
Our day in the city ended with a crowded tram ride home, where two kind men gave up their seats for me and the girls. Both Emma and Maggie managed to keep it together until the key slid into the lock of our apartment, and then they punished us harshly for forgoing naps.
**I forgot to mention that Jim tried out a new sport while we were in Geneva today. I think he is a natural…
Maura,
Jim’s pictures and your words are fantastic. In 7 weeks you can show us Geneva in person. Happy Mother’s Day. Seeing these pictures and reading your blog is the best gift ever!
Love, Mom
Maura,
Happy Mothers’ Day! I can’t tell you how much fun it is logging onto your blog each day. What an adventure you’re all having! You have such a gift of putting your feelings into words, Maura. PLEASE write a book someday! And Jim’s pictures add so much to each story.
We send our love to you, Jim, Emma and Maggie.
Vicki
Thanks Vicki! Are you and Peter ready to join us in our European adventures? We are sending you all our love too!
I am SOOO Jealous of you guys right now!! Rob and I just have to figure out a way to live abroad for a year or two… what a great adventure. And I think TV viewership losses aside, the world has been waiting for your blogging style! I’m loving it all!
Kathy over at Everyday Bliss
Thanks Kathy! Coming from a queen blogger, your comments mean a lot! If you are having trouble finding a way to live abroad, you can always come join us for a week or two of adventures! Miss you!
I love it. I’m glad THE CROW didn’t get little Maggie. Tell Jimmy his orange speedo is indecent. I don’t care if he’s in Europe, that’s just gross. 😉
Jimmy is really embracing the European culture, it is embarrassing. You need to come over here and talk some sense into him.
I’m lovin’ the blog and the beautiful pictures! By the way, the carousel was built and run by people who would otherwise be unemployed. 🙂
Thanks Laura! That is the coolest carousel I have ever seen. I was so glad Jim wanted to take pictures and I got a chance to ride with the girls!