Geneve=Diversity

Diverse. I am beginning to find this word more and more useful as I travel around Switzerland. However, I find that in Geneva, it is especially applicable. Geneva is unlike any other European city that I have ever been to--parts are modern, parts are old, parts are distinctly French-Swiss, parts are international. Geneva has shown me the value of not just coexistence but acceptance and the power of humanity working together for the common good.

Riding the bus 4 days a week to my internship at the edge of town has taught me a few things:. He is a little segment I like to call, Passing Time & Thoughts on My Hour Commute to Work. (Ok, so the title needs work.)

1) Geneva is the most diverse city on the planet. In a 20 minute bus ride I heard 7 different languages, saw people of every different ethnicity, and passed a synagogue, a Catholic Church, a LDS (Mormon) Church, and a mosque. The same bus ride has afforded me the opportunity to feel like a local Genevois. I have spoken French (rather poorly) with people around me and have been able to help a few tourists work the bus system. (Don't worry Dr. Z, I have been able to speak Spanish occasionally... we had a few Cubans who lived in the same complex that I am staying and I work with a man, Fidel, from Cuba at my internship.)

2) First impressions matter, so always dress to impress and remember to smile. Please and thank you go along way, in any language. You might be sitting next to the UN Ambassador from Nigeria. Oh wait, that already happened to me. He saw me reading an article for class about human rights violations in Darfur and he thought it would be an opportune moment to talk to me about his views on the United Nations and its role in ending the genocide in the area. What an absolutely engaging conversation! And I was glad to be on my A-game! He gave me his business card and told me to give him an email if I ever wanted to continue the discussion. I believe that I sat in shock for about 20 minutes after this conversation.

3) Public transportation is a fast, efficient, and environmentally friendly way to transport people and to get places. The TGP in Geneva has been so efficient, clean, and fairly affordable that I regret using my car so much back in the United States. The light rail system that was proposed between Dayton and Cincinnati now seems like such a good idea.

4) Getting lost is just as fun as being found. It is enjoyable to take a bus to a new part of Geneva and explore the surrounding area. Each neighborhood is distinctly different whether it is the wealthier districts of Grand & Petit Saconnex, the Old City, Carouge (the young, hip hang-out area) or the waterfront with its expensive stores and shops. My favorite place right now is the Parc de Bastions... right by the University de Geneve (surprise, right?).

5) American celebs and music are more popular in Europe than they are in the US. Le Matin Bleu, the free newspaper that I read on the bus everyday covers US celebrities more than any newspaper that I have seen back home. In addition, I have yet to hear a local listen to "pop music" that has not been in English. However, said newspaper has been a great way to stay on top of the local news and the occasional international story.

The next update (hopefully tomorrow) will be about my trip this weekend to Montreux and the Chateau de Chillon. That should be fun. Until then, au revoir.

Love & Honor,

Mathieu