Last day in Geneva and the Start of our German Invasion

 Wednesday 12th July:  Our last day in Geneva was a relaxed one. We took advantage of their free public transport QR codes and caught the tram to the last station where the Palais des Nations and the botanical gardens were located. We firstly stopped outside the United Nations building in Ariana park.  




This building was built to serve as the headquarters of the League of Nations.  It was built between 1929 and 1938. At the time of its completion it was the second largest building complex in Europe after Versailles.  




Just down the road was the botanical gardens, while nice with some huge trees and a small enclosure for some Ibex’s (a type of mountain goat), flamingo’s (go figure) and ducks,  it failed to have the wow factor.


Back on the tram to travel to the other end of the line. Got to see some further commercial and residential areas. We then noticed (Well I did) some marquees set up in a town square. Markets - Off we got!!! It was mainly second hand items. It was still nice to be wandering and exploring some local markets.

Overall Geneva is a charming city with amazing architecture, a city with great transport options (particularly bikes and scooters). It is a very expensive city and with good advice from the locals you can always manage to find an ok priced meal. We particularly liked the shop called The Manor as it had a downstairs area with flavours of the world on ready supply. The weather was hot on some days with a storm in the evening. The locals do not come out much in the hot weather - know the feeling! That said many of the shops, hotels and businesses are not air conditioned. Each night in our hotel room we had the ‘massive’ desk fan running all night, by massive I mean a bread and butter sized plate. Moved the air - that was the main objective. Plus we got some washing dry.

Thursday 13th July : Our journey to Germany begins. A short walk to the train station in Geneva to catch our first train of the day to Zurich. 



This part A of our day took 2 hours with a transfer to our next train to Munich. While we were boarding the train luckily we heard the announcement in English (bonus) saying that all passengers going to Munich would need to go to another platform and catch a train that was going to take the scenic view ie a longer way to Munich via Mannheim. So our journey took a slight detour.

The country side was relatively flat with lots of crops of corn, potatoes and sunflowers. As we got closer to Munich big fields of solar panels appeared.



I am currently sitting on the train that is taking us to Munich typing the days adventure. Technology is fantastic (when it’s working). The train travels at 250 kms an hour. Should be there in no time!! A full day of train travel.

 This was on the display. Note the speed.
We have made it to our hotel - Munich Deluxe just at dark. Full credit to Peter who put his excellent inbuilt compass and navigation skills to get us to the hotel. Just from memory. Bloody amazing! Tomorrow we will venture out and take part in a walking tour - Peter just told me it’s called The 3rd Reich Walking Tour - ummmm!!! Better be some interesting shops along the way. That said I usually end up enjoying the military side of it. 




 

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