Blog, Europe, Travel

Gorgeous Geneva

During my time in Switzerland, Geneva was homebase. Although not the most central Swiss location (being on the western-most side of the country), there are several flight options from the UK and I have friends there, so accommodation was free. Just as well, since Geneva is the fourth most expensive city in the world.

It is also the most international city in Switzerland. Not surprising, since it’s home to the world’s second largest United Nations office. This means that you will hear English and several other languages spoken everywhere you go.

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Blog, Europe, Travel

The United Nations, Geneva

On Monday, I unleashed my inner diplomat and went to the United Nations Office in Geneva. It’s the second most active UN Office in the world after the New York Headquarters, hosting about 8,000 meetings a year.

I first started by taking the obligatory tourist photos in front of the main gate and the Broken Chair (the missing leg of the chair represents a symbol for landmine disarmament). I then headed for the Palais de Nations for the guided tour. Remember to bring you passport with you and leave time to pass through the security checkpoint with x-ray machine. The tour costs CHF 12 for one hour and is worth every penny. Our guide, Natalia was extremely knowledgeable, providing the historical background on the UN and each of the main rooms within the building. The website says tours are in English or French but they offer several languages and I heard Spanish and Italian tours while I was there.

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