Stroll in Geneva

Sergey, Russian, 33 years, Geneva

He  texted me his address when I was on the train. I found my way there asking around. There were some Swiss German speaking people on the train. In their language even talking courteously sounds like they are whiplashing each other with their tongues.

A man who sold carpets and fixed tables of some sort helped me out. I have his written directions with me still. He didn't know English and I didn't know French. But he directed me with sounds. tu tu tu tu for walking ahead and steeeecchhBOOSH for stopping, and ping for turning at junctions. 

I reached Sergey's place and he wasn't there. He came in twenty min and took me to his work place. He was a scientist who was trying to find a cure for cancer. His lab was linked to a hospital via a metal tunnel which was right out of a horror movie, one of those where they probably illegally transplant kidneys and then hide the bodies in huge underground vents, one which was right over me at the moment.

For a second there I thought he was going to pull out a knife and stab me, and then drag me and stuff me into a vent. Hmmm maybe use me for some experiments?

Anyways he guided me to an artificial geyser in the middle of the Geneva lake. I went near it and the water that sprinkled on me was so cold, but felt great under the heat of the sun. I lay down on the grass and took a nap.

I went to a park nearby and was excited to see an artificial wall put up on which anyone could paint on. I was given colors and brushed away. Someone took a video of me painting.

I rested on the grass, under the shade of a grandfather tree, the scent of picnic food and lotion in the air.

I also decided I would learn French as it was the sexist language I had ever heard. You could get away with swearing, yelling, screaming, anything, only if it was in French.

I found my way to a cruise to Cobbet.

The ship was beautiful and I lay on a hammock at the head of the ship basking in the cool breeze grazing me.

Had the best wine and cheese ever and even better dessert and went back on the deck with a happy high.

I got a wonderful table by a window opening out to the ocean. But I was alone.

I found my way back home with some help from ironically an italian woman!

I cycled around the city the next day, but the rain spoiled things. I saw a girl by the lake, sitting on the rocky ledge listening to music. I wanted to capture that moment, feeling.

I sat on the ledge and then raindrops got heavy.

I walked my cycle to an Indian restaurant - Hotel Bombay and then back to the rental. Rather be cold and wet than windy, cold and wet.

I walked back in the rain to Sergey's place and we made dinner together. He was in a good mood, reason being that his research during the past week had gone down the drain.

He worked on weekends too. He didn't seem to like company for too long and preferred his own quiet corner. He liked adventure sports, mountains and cold weather. 

We made spaghetti and it tasted amazing. He said he couldn't make out any difference when it came to food and I refused the urge to slap him.

He introduced me to Tiger Lillies Band, who mocked opera singing. They were the most creative band I've seen.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKQjCo0o8EY

I left the next day, leaving my jacket behind by accident. I had to reach P&G but lost my way.

A lady was nice enough to give me a ride.

I never once called Sergey by his name in the awkward apprehension of pronuncing it wrong.