Thursday, May 17, 2007

Under-the-Weather in Geneva

I can't believe it's Thursday. My travels began around 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning when we headed for the airport, and I was checking into my hostel around 3:30 a.m. EST (which was 9:30 a.m. in Switzerland) on Wednesday. Unfortunately Monday night I stayed up late doing all of the last minute things that occur to you before a long trip and only got about 4 hours of sleep. I also had a major allergy attack and sore throat and all of that not fun stuff.

Day #1: So when I finally arrived at my hostel in Geneva I was absolutely exhausted; my ears had still not unpopped or whatever from my flight; and I was constantly blowing my nose. So instead of exploring the city, I took it easy in a chair in the lounge here at the hostel and slept and read until my room was ready at 2:00. I felt sort of lame about that, but then I rationalized that this was my vacation and that I should do whatever I want even if it is lame:) Then I took a nice nap and felt good enough to do some wondering around. Unfortunately it started sprinkling when I set out and rained some off and on but not enough to really get me that wet. I walked across the Rhone River, checked out the Old City and several parks, and saw the Reformation Wall. Oh, I almost forgot to mention all of the wonderful chocolate shops. They're everywhere! I had a white chocolate truffle (just ok) and a ball shaped concoction, which appeared to be cornflakes dipped in milk chocolate. Oddly yummy. After my exploring I was hungry but never found a restaurant that looked that good and wasn't expensive. So I got a take-out mini-quiche from a place near the hostel, orange juice to help ward off this cold/allergy mess, and had a Luna bar. Then I finished The Partner by John Grisham. I know....really exciting!

I met my two roommmates as I was finishing up the book, and they were young German cousins traveling together. They informed me that today is a Swiss holiday--which ended up meaning I had to stay in Geneva tonight as I couldn't find a room anywhere else in Switzerland. I had hoped to hop over to Milan or Como, Italy, but the Italian railworkers are on strike and delays/cancellations are expected. So here I am in Geneva for another night; tomorrow hopefully it'll work out for me to go to some quaint Swiss town in the middle of the mountains. I guess I should have done a little more pre-trip planning.

Good news: Yesterday I received an e-mail from the PC USA offering me placement with the Young Adult Volunteer Program at the Nashville site. The position will begin in September and last for 11 months. I'm about to check out all of the information attached to the e-mail and expect that I'll accept, although I figure one more day of prayer can't hurt:)

p.s. I'm grateful for Zyrtec and Benadryl...and that my allergies are so much better now than they were when I was little--and received 4 allergy shots a week.

17 comments:

cdp said...

I hate that ear thing! So glad you made it safely. And sweet news re. Nashville!

Looking forward to more updates!

Unknown said...

I'm sorry to hear you weren't feeling all that well and I'm sure a little jet lag didn't help. Congrats on the job offer...what a great opportunity to make an impact for Christ. And honestly, when you said you were starting out in Geneva the first thing that came to my mind was Calvin. I'm glad you got to see the Reformation Wall :-)

megabrooke said...

Hope you're feeling better!
I'm so excited that you're blogging already!
Enjoy yourself!!!
(will you still get to see Grey's???)

Douglas said...

Did I just read "the first thing that came to mind was Calvin"?

HOld out for Hollywood....Hold out for Hollywood!

Kimberly said...

I've been to Geneva, but I didn't know anything about the Reformation wall ... what is that? All I remember is banks and that big fountain.
I hope you are feeling much better!

Kimberly said...

I've been to Geneva, but I didn't know anything about the Reformation wall ... what is that? All I remember is banks and that big fountain.
I hope you are feeling much better!

Anonymous said...

I join the masses in wishing you get well wishes. And don't feel bad about the reading, like you said.. it is your vacation! As long as you bring me back heaps of presents, I will be fine.

Trixie said...

Congratulations on the PC USA placement. That is a wonderful opportunity.

Don't worry abuot the setbacks (no hotel room in Switzerland, train strike) ... it's all part of the adventure and will make great stories to tell about your trip. :)

Happy travels, Ally!

Anonymous said...

Helpful hint to ward off the ear plugging phenomenon... take some sinus decongestant the day before, or even just the day of air travel. I have many ear problems and I SWEAR by it. An airline attendant gave this hint to my dad on a flight when he thought his head was going to explode. Enjoy the rest of the trip!

Aaron said...

Awesome! I'd love to visit Switzerland. One of these days I'll tag along with a friend (since her parents live over there). Can't beat being put up for free with quality home cooking in another country!

Keep the updates coming!

Whine Girl said...

Helloooooooooo Ally!!! Glad to see you're keeping us posted with your... posts!! How awesome that you have the ability to travel like this... very cool.

Deadmanshonda said...

ohhhh...good luck! I hope you find a lovely town to explore. I know if you take the train up around to the northside of the lake there are some really cute villages in vineyards and a gorgeous castle with a nice view of the alps. Probably not far enough into the Alps for you, but makes for a nice day trip. And congrats on the PC USA volunteer assignment! That's great!

ella said...

Congrats on the Nashville position! I am so happy for you - it might be the best year of your life.

I hope your allergies have cleared up. So you found a keyboard that wasn't all backwards?

icadle said...

YAY!!! Off to Nashville - I'll visit there :-)

Anonymous said...

Sorry you're not feelind too well -congrats on your placement and have fun on your adventure!

Anonymous said...

Sorry you weren't feeling well... thank goodness for Zyrtec, right!? :) Happy travels...

B said...

Have a great time on your trip and congrats on the new oppurtunity:)