I started my journey at the 24th and Mission BART station with a backpack, satchel, and suitcase in tow. Airport security was a breeze and I found myself waiting quite awhile in both the SFO and Heathrow terminals. And let me just say that whoever designed Heathrow airport should be shot (Author's Note: Author does not condone violence and being shot is a reference to old Latin shotticus, which means to shoot full of love). There are trams and tunnels and bridges and turnabouts. Going from Terminal 1 to Terminal 4 is like following a Family Circus comic strip. Nevertheless, I had plenty of time to waste people watching and acting interested in duty-free goods.
When I finally got to Geneva, I spent 45 minutes waiting for luggage that never came and filling out the appropriate forms for luggage that would arrive the next day and trying to wait in the correct position to call a taxi to take me and half my luggage to the PowerLight office.
The office is located on the second floor in a larger complex with shops next door. From the office, you can see pristine snow covered mountains and graffiti-covered buildings. Yes, Geneva has it all. Everyone in the office is very nice and very trilingual. I have my work cut out for me.
After spending approximately 7 minutes in the office, we walked down to a bar to celebrate one of the co-worker's birthday (and my arrival). One pint of brew later, I stopped by a supermarket "Coop", to stock up on some supplies. Coop is a supermarket chain with selection comparable to a glorified mini-mart and prices comparable to Neiman Marcus. Since it was a Thursday, the store was open "late". Luckily we got there before the 8pm closing time.
Two of my co-workers then drove me to my apartment, or l'appartement, to show me my new digs.
L'appartementThe apartment is tres quaint. My studio in the city has given me great appreciation for the cavernous studio I have in Geneva. The apartment is furnished a la IKEA (or Swiss equivalent). But my sweet Italian leather sofa (or Swiss equivalent) has a pull out in case any of you want to visit.
The apartment is about a half hour walk from work. However, there are some used bikes at a shop next to work that I am eying. Everything is pricey in Geneva, so that sweet Huffy is going to cost around 150Sfr (about $110). But I don't think I can live my life here without a beater bike to my name.
The bathroom is huge, at least 30 ft2 with a bathtub that can fit almost my entire body. I took my first bath in years last night after a long day of sifting through High Life magazines and airplane food.
The kitchen is more "charming" than my place in the city. But they did manage to squeeze in a dishwasher. My 3/4 size fridge has been downgraded to 1/2 size and I have yet to figure out the oven. I'm not sure if it can microwave anything, but judging from the way the Swiss view time, I doubt it can cook a meal in less than 30 minutes.
The view from the apartment overlooks Rue de l'Athenee, an important rode for the moped and loud truck community.
Tomorrow I will be exploring downtown Geneva and purchasing a few more items so I can call l'appartement my le home. I'll post those pictures soon.
1 comment:
I'm glad to see that you are alive and well. L'appartement is adorable. I tried leaving you a comment earlier, but apparently I am blog impaired.
I can't wait to hear about all of your adventures. We miss you!
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