Wednesday 22 June, 2011

My journey from Shanghai was by way of Swissair via Zurich.  An early start in Shanghai, a delay of an hour at the gate, and then 11 hours to Zurich where, when we landed it was 25 degrees and very humid.  But by the time the connecting flight to Geneva was leaving only 50 minutes later, it was bucketing rain, with thunderous clouds.  So after another delay, we flew across to Geneva (small aircraft), in deafening thunder (which you could hear from inside the aircraft!) and lightning.  For a while there I thought I was going to meet my waterloo just getting to Mt Blanc!

My duffle bag with all the walking stuff in it was saturated however nothing inside was, so I know it turns the water well - not that it matters now.   The airport was seemingly full of dodgy backpacker types - of all ages, many of whom were catching the bus to Chamonix.

I have arrived here a day and a bit ahead of the other walkers without a hotel reservation and Geneva is "sold out". 

This is not as incompetent on my part as it seems, and I did know that before I left home.  All along I had the vague idea that I wouldn't spend that time in Geneva - pretty, but expensive and boring.  I thought I might catch a cheap flight elsewhere, or even take a train somewhere.  So, I didn't book anything.  But I also didn't factor in the weather and delays, and by the time I had my luggage and was ready to do anything it was almost 7.30pm.  Too late to do anything but find a room locally and re-think in the morning, and so it is that I am occupying a "room" at La Colombiere in Ferney close to the airport.

Let's just say 170 Swiss francs does not buy much!  I have a single bed against the wall - remaining space completely taken by my two smallish pieces of luggage.   From my observations so far it would seem that the pizza restaurant downstairs is La C's main claim to fame, and the rooms are definitely a sideline!

23 June, 2011

In the cold light of day, my "room" is a bit dodgy as well as small.  I can live with the hairs in the bed however they obviously came with nits because something nibbled away at one of my arms during the night - lots of little bites!

Breakfast was a Swiss version of Fawlty Towers, and best forgotten, and I couldn't get out of there quickly enough.   At least the rain had stopped, ditto thunder and lightning.   So, I decided that even though the hotel I am staying in from tomorrow, with the walkers, is full, I would go there anyway and leave my luggage, and take a toothbrush, and go to Lyon in France for the day, and probably overnight.  But when I got to the hotel, they had a room which I grabbed.  Not nice though and not to be spent any time in, but good to be able to dump the luggage, and have a proper base.  Still I thought I would go to Lyon, but by the time I got to the station which is some distance away, and obviously I wasn't hurrying, it was noon, and the next train wasn't until 2pm - too late.     So here I am in good old Geneva - quite possibly the most boring place on earth.  It isn't even pretty today because it is overcast and you can barely see across the lake.  Lots of dodgy back-packers, and suited United Nations people, and a lot of hijabs, underscoring the changing face of Europe.

I had lunch at a café beside the lake - Plat du Jour - fish and salad.  With water and bread it was CHF 33.    Later I needed to catch up on some emails, and needed wi-fi access.  I asked where I ate, and it was "non, non, non", so I was headed for the dreaded Starbucks when I passed a gorgeous little Salon de The, where I spied a man using a laptop.  Surmising this meant there was wi-fi, I asked at the counter, only to be told they don't serve alcohol!   He thought I was talking about wine, which the other guy probably did as well.  For wi-fi, one must say wee-fee in these parts!  Had a (very expensive) snack around the corner, and spent the evening tidying up emails, and sorting my walking stuff.  Curiously, at this hotel, they charge you for wireless access in your room however there are computers in reception which you can use for free!  Go figure.

Friday 24^th June

Well my room may be dirty and smelly, but my bed, single though it may be, is a beauty and I had a great night's sleep.  Nice sunshine today.  Looking forward to the arrival of the rest of the walkers.  I've had enough of my own company!