Life in Geneva - part one

So it's been one week and two days since I've arrived in Geneva. And a lot has happened... Here's what I did (not in order):

1. Got a cold, went to the pharmacy and realised that medicines should probably be shipped from Brussels in order to still stay affordable.
2. Pharmacists don't give you drugs easily here. You have to beg for them to give you spray that is actually stronger than mouth wash.
3. On the other hand, they are nice...
4. Come to think about it, everybody here is nice. Not in an American sleazy and hypocritical way, just genuinely nice. Everywhere.
5. Found myself an apartment.
6. With a bed :-), in a room, gorgeous, big, with internet, washing machine, garage for my bike, and more importantly in the middle of Geneva, two minutes from work
7. Why the heck did I take my bike then?
8. Oh yes.... Saturday the weather was gorgeous so went for a bike tour along the lake. Sunday weather equally gorgeous did the same thing, only bigger tour and took a book with me. Read my book lying on a bench next to the lake.
9. I know, you're all jealous
10. Actually, if I take my bike to work, I get there in one minute.
11. Since Friday I wake up one minute later. Yippee
12. Oh yes... nearly forgot. Started a new job.
13. I am now officially the communication officer for the access to essential medicines campaign.
14. Thank god, they are two others... too much work
15. Nobody leaves work before 7.00pm
16. So I don't – not yet anyway
17. Went out on Friday with Mallory and her friends
18. Very nice friends, good evening and I can walk home from Old town to my bed in 15 minutes... and it's along the lake.
19. First big party in Geneva on Saturday: Rugby - and England won.
20. Watching second semi-final on Sunday - oh my god South Africa is going to wipe us out
21. Some people told me Geneva was going to be boring. Well it's not super exciting but it's relaxing and some parties are happening, just not during the week.
22. oh and yes... took some pictures... here they are... enjoy

Ahhhh le Jet d'eau... difficult not to take its picture




My flat mate Ruud - he went for on Saturday around the lake, I followed with my bike. Here are some pictures of what we see when we run here...















Before that, in the morning, we explored the market... Very cheap vegetables and fruits. Sunday I made a pumpkin soup that was pretty good (although not as good as Amanda's).








And this is my street... Litteraly two minutes from the lake

Geneva - the sequel

So after two months I am back in Geneva. A lot has happened the last two months, so much so I didn’t really have time to write anything. It’s been exciting and stressful times. First job wise: two weeks after my interview in Geneva and a test in Brussels, they told me I was accepted for a 6 months contract to start with. In the meantime the UN invited me for an interview and then again for another one. I was in the last four but didn’t get it. I wasn’t really great during the interview and also the others had far more experience and networking skills than I have for the moment. So I accepted the job. The fact that it’s only for 6 months to start off with is reassuring: I don’t like it, it will be over quickly, I like it and more importantly, they like me, I can stay.


Also I am going back to my first love: medicine. This job is basically a campaign that focuses on making drugs available to everybody, so a lot of lobbying towards the pharmaceutical companies, WHO and WTO. Exciting stuff. However, now, back in the Geneva offices I feel overwhelmed, scared, excited and all of the above ☺

So now I am relocating to Geneva, well actually not until end of September. Before that I am taking a well-earned break. First on week in Brussels and then I am flying to Dublin for four days and then to Scotland!

The week in Brussels will be welcome as I just bought myself an apartment there. Yes I know sounds ridiculous to buy something and then moving out but I did the first thing before deciding on the later. The apartment is coming out nicely, although no real personal touch as I will be renting it out to two lovely (well I hope so) girls.

The last thing I still need to do is find myself a place to stay here in Geneva. And that seems to be extremely difficult. Not a lot of studio’s or rooms for rent and all quite expensive… So that another thing I have to do. I’ll keep you posted.