The Adventure Begins...

Wooot, I’m in Europe! After a long and delayed flight we arrived early this morning in Geneva, Switzerland. The plane ride from Washington DC to Geneva seemed to last forever, but we’re finally here, jet-lagged but still going! The general consensus from the group is that no one was able to get much sleep on the flight, but despite this we enjoyed a full day in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. The minute we landed in Geneva (an hour and a half late because of delays), a tour guide was waiting for us at the airport to give us a bus tour of the city. We hauled our luggage onto the bus and went on the tour. It was a perfect day, with a bright blue sky and a cool breeze. Our guide walked us around the city, into a chapel, up 150 winding stone steps, and onto a balcony so we could see Geneva from above. My first impression of this place was that I would like to live in it- Geneva is hands down the most vibrant, beautiful city I’ve ever seen. I could describe it forever but I’ll include some pictures instead so you can see for yourself. Huge, ancient trees grow even in the heart of downtown, next to the cobblestone streets and gorgeous stone buildings. Don’t even get me started on the clear water in lake Geneva. I’m a lucky duck to get to stay here for 4 days!

For lunch we drove to southern France (only a 30 minute drive to my surprise) and ate at a fancy restaurant that served us an amazing 3-course meal. It’s hard for me to believe that anywhere in the world is as picturesque as southern France- I felt as though I was in a storybook. Julia and I walked around just laughing because it was as if we were walking through a fairy tale. Ooh and also I got to sit on the longest wooden bench in the world today! :) But I’m rambling. I'm going to sleep- I’m exhausted from having been awake for the past 28 hours… I’ll post more later. Ciao everyone!  

                                                             Downtown Geneva

                                                            Lake Geneva with the famous fountain!

                                                            The group overlooking the city

                                                                    Cobblestone Streets! 

                                                             Delicious creme bruhlé in France!

                                                     Beautiful Swiss houses 

Sailboats on the lake

Last day in Northfield

Well folks, my suitcase is packed, the house has been cleaned out, and the Hodel family is officially ready for the airport tomorrow! (My parents are leading the global study-abroad semester for a group of St. Olaf students this year. My parents, brother Christoph, sister Julia, and 14 college students will be going on a trip around the world, beginning in Geneva, Switzerland. They were set to leave on August 30th, and it worked out for me to leave with them on the same flight. I'll be spending 4 days with the global group in Switzerland, then I'll take a train to Italy. I couldn't be happier with the way things worked out; it'll be so much fun to travel with my family and explore Geneva! Plus the train ride to Italy is right through the Alps and will be pretty scenic). We're leaving at 9am tomorrow, being taken to the airport by our good friend Gracia. I'll be sure to post more when I arrive in Switzerland. Ciao for now!