This post is a part of the Switzerland travel series, where I try to remember how was my visit to the home of some of the highest peaks of the Alps back in November 2017.
Switzerland has many other things to offer besides the Alps, so the itinerary for the day was - Geneva. But first, breakfast at Sunstar Hotel in Zermatt.
As you can see from the photos, the place was pretty empty. We were quite early I suppose, and there weren't any other guests when we started breakfast, though after a while other guests started coming in.
Not long after breakfast, it was time to bid goodbye to Zermatt. Some photos:
As per usual throughout this trip, we took the train - which was the main mode of transportation. We depart Zermatt by train (change in Visp). As always, the view was great:
Once we arrived in Geneva, we made a quick pit stop at Hotel Cornavin, which was our accommodation for the night. Dropped our luggage at the hotel first while we continued our journey for the day.
Lunch was at Auberge de la Mere Royaume, which is located at the centre of Geneva. It's a French restaurant.
Had wine almost every lunch and dinner in Switzerland.
This was a typical French cuisine and it was one of my favourite mains that I had throughout the trip. It's the sole meunière (apparently one of Julia Child's favourite) which is basically fresh fish fillet with butter and lemon.
Fancy dessert as well.
This restaurant is recommended by Geneva Tourism, and is known for its stained-glass windows
After lunch, we went to check in at our hotel. Got a preview of the room. Simple. Still, like I said, I like the cosiness and this feeling of warmness at the Sunstar Hotel.
And off we go for the ground tour around Geneva.
Christmas was not too far away so it was nice to be able to give a glimpse of one or two Christmas markets while I was in Switzerland.
This is the popular water fountain in Geneva, Jet d'Eau and is one of the city's most famous landmarks. I felt... unimpressed. Might have been the gloomy weather. I have to be upfront though - of all the places I visited, Geneva is my least favourite. Not because it's a bad city or what. I'm a city person but if I had to choose between historical buildings and the beautiful landscape of nature, I'd choose the latter.
We actually took a boat ride.
Travellers in Geneva are granted a free Geneva Transport Card when they stay in any hotel or a campsite in the canton. What's useful about this card is that it allows the cardholder to use the public transport in Geneva is free for the full duration of their stay. There's also the Geneva Pass which can be purchased from the Geneva Tourism office. Geneva Pass is said to be quite a good deal as it offers free or discount rates when for museums and cruises, guided city tours, and even selected restaurants.
An engraved plaque with the writings "Geneve Cite De Refvge" translates to 'Geneva, city of refuge'.
Geneva is extremely diverse - home to hundreds of international NGOs and organisations with more than 180 nationalities living here.
Place du Molard is situated in between the Shopping Street Rue du Marche and the Lake. Rue due Marche is a traffic-free shopping street, known for its luxurious, high-end offerings and this is probably how Geneva gained its reputation as a luxury destination.
St. Pierre Cathedral (in French) or St. Peter Cathedral in English is another must-see destination when in Geneva.
In the next few photos, you'll be able to get a glimpse of how the route towards the upper part of the cathedral's towers is like. Basically, the pathway is quite narrow and you'd have to climb up 157 steps before you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of Geneva.
As many travellers have pointed out on the Internet, you'll get the best view from the North tower.
Chapelle of St. Pierre Cathedral
The old buildings are a common sight in Geneva's old town (Vieille Ville in French).
Geneva has a strong French influence and is evident in the language used by locals as well as gastronomy.
Got to pass by and had a good look at the Geneva Town Hall as well.
In each of the last few posts related to this Switzerland trip, I try to include one fun fact. So if you must know, the Marronnier de la Treille (Treille Promenade) is the world's longest bench. It's 120 metres long and was built in 1767. Find it at the Promenade de la Treille, at the south of Geneva's Old Town.
I'm amazed at these huge doggos. The only time I see such huge dogs here in Malaysia is when I see a Rottweiler.
Shortly after, we were headed for our next meal at Capocaccia, an Italian restaurant.
Dinner was a strange experience. So people were actually sort of clubbing (or rather mingling may be) at the restaurant and after a while, everyone dispersed and we got seated. I think it was like their happy hour.
Bocconcini - when I googled this, my best friend tells me that it refers to small mozzarella cheese balls.
Once again, the food here in Geneva was good.
I did some checking, this place apparently closed down sometime in November last year and is looking to relocate and sport a new concept as well. Per their recent updates, they're still in the midst of resuming their operations at their new place.
Goodnight, Geneva.
The trip is coming to an end soon.
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