GENEVA, Feb 10, 2010

I arrived in Geneva at around 1:00 pm and went straight to my hotel. Fortunately, it was just within walking distance from the main train station, so it didn't take me very long to get there. However, my muscles are already so sore from the consecutive days of traveling that the 5-minute walk from the train station to the hotel took it’s toll.

By the way, I’ve been on my tour now for about 7 days already, not counting the 4 days I spent in Cologne, Germany for the ISM fair – which was also physically draining as I had to scour hundreds of potential suppliers. Plus I did the sled ride in the snow, going down Mt. Pilatus the other day, then I slipped and fell on my butt (and it still hurts til now). So practically every muscle in my body is screaming for rest, even my armpits are hurting! But I still have 5 more days to go, and I don't want to waste a minute of my short stay in each city.

Anyway, after I arrived in my hotel, I just dropped off my luggage and started on my exploration of the city. First thing I asked the receptionist is how to get to the United Nations headquarters, which was again the only reason why I made the stop in Geneva. Fortunately, the hotel also had one of those free city transport card, so I saved a few Swiss Francs again J .

The UN headquarters was only 3 tram stops away from my hotel, so it took me only 10 minutes to get there. And this time, it was worth the trip. The compound was really impressive. Even from the gates, you would feel this sense of awe to be in the presence of something great.

I took the guided tour for a fee of 10 Swiss francs, which I think was again worth it. There weren’t any spectacular views, but just knowing that I sat on a chair that a country’s president usually sits on during the UN conferences makes it a one-of-a-kind experience.

From the UN office, I passed by the Red Cross headquarters which was right beside it. I didn't go inside their compound, though – it didn't look as interesting or as impressive. Hehe.

I took the tram back to the city and walked for a while to check out the other interesting landmarks I saw on the map. Geneva has interesting buildings, especially in the “Old Town” area, where the old buildings are still standing.

All in all, it was an interesting trip and one I don't regret taking.