Further Explorations

     For my second weekend in Geneva, Nuno and I stuck close to home. We set up a bank account at the post-office. That is the most popular way people pay for items through a debit card from the post-office. Later that afternoon, we took Ryder down to Lake Léman (also known as Lake Geneva) for a long walk to enjoy the nice weather.
     On Sunday, we visited Nuno's mom and boyfriend at her apartment (about a 20 minute walk away). We sipped Port, looked at old pictures of Portugal, and visited her garden. She gave us lettuce, parsley, and mint. I used a little of my Portuguese on Nuno's mom's boyfriend.
     This week I continued to explore Geneva on my own. I went to the Musée Rath where they had an exhibition of Rousseau inspiring landscape artists. I also visited a local public pool to swim for exercise. Today I plan on going to the Musée d'art et d'histoire, and start packing for Portugal. Nuno and I leave on Saturday and sadly, we are leaving Ryder with Lily and José for three weeks. It will be my first time visiting Portugal, and I am looking forward to exploring a new country.

Nuno and Ryder playing near Lake Léman

Nuno and I by Lake Léman with the Jet d'Eau in the background

Nuno's mom's boyfriend in the garden

Nuno and his mom in her garden

Eating a Portuguese Melon

I am official

Look I match the color of the sign!

Nuno cooked a Portuguese dish with fish and black eyed peas

As of today, July 6th, I have officially been in Geneva for one week. Since Nuno had to work this week, I have been giving myself small missions to complete. Most of them revolved around getting everything settled at the laguage school where I am going to be studying French at the end of August. The school is called ELFI (Ecole de Langue Française et d'Informatique) and it is a 15 minute walk from the apartment. I bought my books, and since I am going to be started at the end of level A1 instead of the beginning, I am studying on my own everyday.
      This week was also 4th of July. Usually, I am in New Jersey with my mom's side of the family. This is my first Fourth of July out of the country, but sticking with tradition, I did make a key lime pie to celebrate. And of course, Ryder was festivally dressed in an American flag bandana. 

      One of the high lights of my week was shopping with Nuno's sister Isabel, and Nuno's brother's girlfriend Luchi. We went to downtown Geneva and checked out the sales at various stores. Later that night, Nuno and I went to his friend José and Lily's house so that they could meet Ryder because they are going to take care of him with Nuno and I travel to Portugal. They live in Archant, France and have three kids, two girls, one boy, one dog, and one cat. José and Lily prepared Raclette, a traditional Suisse dish where you melt cheese on a small pan in a little oven in the middle of the table and then pour it over meat, potatoes, and tomoatoes and top with various spices (ex. pepper, paprika, onion powder). It is delicious!
     This next week is mostly going to be focused on the countdown until Portugal. . . .8 days! We leave on the 14 of July.

                                                   One of Ryder's favorite places to sleep.

                                                       Decked out for the Fourth of July!

                                                   Isabel, Lutchi and I shopping downtown.

                                                                  Lily and Evans

                                                                 José and Céila

Nuno and Lauren

                                                    Window display  of Franck Muller watches.

                                    This is one of the stores for the watch company Nuno works for.

                                         At downtown Geneva, with the Jet d'Eau in the background.

    

First Few Days in Geneva

     After many hours of travel, Ryder and I finally made it to Geneva on the 29th of June. We were happy to finally make it to our destination. Ryder, and I spent the weekend settling in and meeting Nuno's friends and family. My brain hurts after a while trying to keep up with rapid French. The weather was really warm when I first arrived, but this week it is raining. So far I am fascinated with the differences between Geneva and home. For example, while we were driving we approached a sign that tells you your speed and if you are going over the speed limit. The difference between the ones here and home is that if you are going over the speed limit, then a sad face appears, and if you are going under the speed limit then a happy face appears. Then there is of course the quality and amount of choices in the cheese and chocolate selection I came to expect here. Also, the snails here are far much more exquisite looking than the plain brown ones in the United States.
       Ryder is adapting to his new home, completely ignoring his bed and sleeping on any rug in the house, or under the table or desk. Today, Nuno is off to work again and I have a meeting at my language school. I plan on spending the week looking for job opportunities here. Until next time, as they say in French "À tout à l'heure," which translates to "see you later!" 

                                         Nuno and his family, from right to left: Nuno,
                                         his older sister Isabel, his mom Miquelina, and
                                         his younger brother Toni.

                                         Nuno and his sister picking out cheese.

                                         Ryder under the living room table.

                                         Ryder on the rug in front of the television.

  

Cool looking snails!

                                          Nuno and I at his former co-worker Mario's house.