Wrapping up the semester

The semester is almost over. I can officially say that I live in Geneva, go to school in Geneva and have survived Swiss bureaucracy, culture and life. These last few months have been full of surprises, discoveries, and challenges. I have learned so much and gained so much. I have grown. It is not just about living on your own, acquiring independence, engaging in a new atmosphere, discovering a different culture, and gaining from divers experiences; it is about starting a new chapter in your life.  

 Being away from home has made me appreciate my own traditions even more. 

Who would have thought that I would tackle my first turkey ever while in Switzerland. 

Thanks God my turkish friend Tugce is an excellent cook and was ready to help out (or more like I helped her haha).  

Thanks Giving Dinner was a success. I felt so happy to see more than 50 people show up to the dinner I set up. It was not only nice to share this beautiful American tradition with students from all around the world, but as everyone gathered around the table and I gave my ThanksGiving Speech I couldn't help but smile , "miles away from home, I have found a beautiful family."

One of the best things about studying abroad is that you get to experience a new culture. In Geneva, Escalade is a yearly traditional celebration that involves, a fair, parades, costumes, dances, a race, and a lot of fun. 

There is nothing more beautiful than Christmas in Europe. Between the lights, decorations, and snow it is impossible to not feel the Christmas spirit all around. I am so glad I have amazing friends to share it with. 

 Rotary continues to be a big part of my life here in Geneva. I love our meetings and get togethers. Geneva being such a "moving city" brings visitors from all over the world and I love to hear what other Rotaract clubs are doing and how we can work together. This month I also met other Ambassadorial Scholars at a lovely fondue my Host Rotary Club put together. Rotary is all over the world and making a world of difference. 

Over all, Geneva has treated me well :0) 

I came to Geneva determined to break stereotypes, but I never thought it would be Geneva who would change my perception of the world. Not everything has been easy, actually most of it has been hard. Many days I have felt weak but I am thankful to be sensitive and vulnerable enough to let things touch me and hit me in such deep levels sometimes. In a way I think that this "weakness" has allowed me to become more human and more humble. At the same time,  I am also glad to still be strong and stuborn enough to not leave my dreams and ideals behind, to not let a reality break me. I am taking with me a lot of knowledge I have gained these first months in Geneva, some which have brought tears and disappointment and others that have brought smiles and hope, but they all continue to help me grow.

Counting Down

I have been in Geneva for almost FOUR MONTHS! This totally blows my mind. I can finally say that I am completely settled in. I don't really get lost in city anymore (for the most part), I have decided on my favorite foods and brands (although I haven't yet tried all the chocolates options), I am learning this whole layering system to avoid freezing to death,  I have come to terms with this ridiculous grading system, and I am finally realizing that a 20 CHF dinner is in fact a super good deal. 

There are certain things that I know I will never get use to and things that I miss more and more as time goes by. I am never going to be okay with my roommate's cat sneaking into my room, I will continue to mourn the fact that I am getting paler by the second, I will forever wish I could get a hug from my mom, a kiss from my boyfriend, or even a smile from my sister after a tough day, and will never get use to not eating ice cream or frozen yogurt at least once a week. 

However, I am keeping myself busy. I am learning a lot. I am experiencing new things. I am finding the positive in the situation. When the day is full of great moments I smile and when things get tough I simply remind myself that the count down has already begun. Then, I also smile and I keep looking forward to more adventures to turn into amazing memories.

Dinner and Play "Rhinoceros" with Rotaract Geneve 
The Rotarct of Geneve has been a blessing in my Swiss experience. They have really taken me in like family and have exposed to Swiss culture and what I would call a "grown-up social life." Every time we have a meeting or an event I leave feeling wiser, more cultured, and blessed to have Rotary everywhere I go. 

Green Week Posters for the Environmental Committee

I have joined many different clubs at the Institute. I have really enjoyed getting involved and  feeling part of a greater community. The environmental committee has especially been rewarding. Not only it has given me the chance to help out and create environmental awareness but it has exposed me to issues I didn't know about and inspired me to become a better more responsible citizen and human being. 

Assembly Room at the UN (the ceiling is spectacular)

Living in Geneva has made of the UN (of course) my second home. I couldn't tell you how many times I have walked around the premises of the the Palais de Nation, eaten at the UN cafeteria, studied at the beautiful library, sat in the garden, or stared at the amazing art pieces that decorate every hall and room of the buildings. I have been lucky enough to participate in several seminars, conferences, lectures and debates.  Every time I look at my UN badge or come home after a day in the UN I can't help but smile as I am getting a little taste of my future career dreams. 

Fete des fous! Beginning of carnaval. 

One of my favorite things about living abroad is that everyday I am exposed to new things. Even when I don't understand or can't relate to different traditions and events, it is always fun to join in into a new experience. 

Halloween GISA Party 

As class representative and Social Chair for GISA I have had the chance to help students bond through many fun social events. I was really happy to be able to celebrate holidays that remind me of home with an international twist as I learn other cultures approach to my same traditions. 

Boring what? Aburrido que?

I am a firm believer in the concept of "work hard, play harder." I am all for hard studying and being responsible but making the best out of my year abroad is about more than books and lectures.

Soy una fiel creyente en el concepto de "trabajar duro y divertirse todavia mas." Creo que es muy importante ser responsable y estudiar pero aprovechar al maximo este año requiere mucho mas que clases y libros. 

Making my destination choice was not hard. I wanted to study in Europe and Switzerland was clearly a top choice for my career interests. There were different, many different renounced institutions that attracted my interest across Europe but my final decision came down to where I could actually picture myself living.

Escojer mi destino de estudio no fue dificil. Sabia que queria estudiar en Europa y Suiza era por razones relacionadas con mis intereses de carrera una muy buena opcion. Hay muchas instituciones reconocidos por todo Europa que me interesaban pero mi decision final tenia que ver mas con donde me podia ver viviendo.

Paris, San Andrews, Brussels, even Zurich seemed to fit my social personality. Cities filled with live, movement, history and most importantly for a 22 year-old student, youth! This is perhaps the least appealing comment I had heard about Geneva -- "Daniella, do not move to Geneva. The most interesting thing a person your age can do on a Friday night  here is hang out at McDonalds."

Paris, San Andrews, Bruselas, y Zurich parecian buenas opciones para mi estilo de vida ideal. Ciudades llenas de vida, movimiento, historia y sobre todo, muy importante para una estudienta de 22 años, juventud! Este es probablemente el comentario menos alentador que escuche sobre Ginebra -- "Daniella, no te mudes a Ginebras. La cosa mas interesante que una persona de tu edad puede hacer en un viernes por la noche es ir a McDonalds."

Despite this rather scary image of Geneva as a city full of serious bankers, diplomats and middled aged business men who did not make entertainment a priority I chose to move here. I thought that sacrificing a fun night life for a view of the Swiss Alps, the opportunity to live a few blocks from the UN, cross paths with people from all over the world, read a book by Lake Geneva, and attend IHEID was worth it.

Apesar de esta imagen medio aburrida de Ginebra como una ciudad llena de banqueros, diplomaticos, y gente de negocios para la que el entretenimiento no es una prioridad, decidi venir aqui. Pense que el sacrificar una vida llena de entretenimiento por una hermosa vista de los Alpes Suizos, la oportunidad de vivir a unas cuantas cuadras de la ONU, cruzarme con gente de todo el mundo, y leer un libro al borde del lago de Ginebra, valdria la pena. 

Today, I am SO GLAD I was willing to make a sacrifice that at the end was NO SACRIFICE at all!


Hoy, me da mucho gusto haber decidido hacer un sacrificio que termino no siendo sacrificio alguno! 

Whoever said that Geneva was boring had clearly never been here or really didn't want me to move. After more than 40 days in this city, I have yet to have a dull moment. I wish I had time to get bored! There is so much to do, so much to see, I can't even believe I once thought this city wouldn't be able to keep up with me.

Quien haya dicho que Ginebra es una cuidad aburrida obviamente nunca ha estado aqui o realmente no queria que me mudara. Despues de mas de 40 dias en esta ciudad, no he tenido un solo momento aburrido. Me gustaria tener tiempo para eso! Hay tanto que hacer y tanto que ver que no puedo creer que algun vez haya pensado que esta ciudad no me aguantaria el paso. 

Swiss culture is pretty amazing! I can't believe they came up with so many interesting ways to play music (from spoons to saws!). I love a good Swiss atmosphere while eating delicious fondue or raclette ! YUMMY! 

La cultura Suiza es increible. Me entiendo como se les pudieron haber ocurrido tantas maneras de tocar musica (desde cucharas hasta cierras!). Me encanta disfrutar de un ambiente tipico mientras me deborro una rica fondue o raclette. 

How many people can say they have swam in lake Geneva? Even if it was on a dare and I almost froze to death! 

Cuanta gente puede decir que han nadado en el lago de Ginebra? Aunque haya sido parte de un reto y me haya congelado del frio! 

Every night is a fun night when you have such amazing friends!

Todas las noches son divertidas cuando tienes amigos increibles!

 Germany, Switzerland,Turkey, Pakistan, Canada, Greece, Mexico, and the US! Geneva really is a mini world in one city! 

Alemania, Suiza, Turquia, Pakistan, Canada, Grecia, Mexico, y Estados Unidos! Ginebra es realmente un mini mundo en una ciudad!

 I am so happy to be able to say that the Rotary family is everywhere! The Rotaractors of Geneva have treated me just like family!  (Italian, French, Argentine, Turkish, Santo Dominican, the diversity continues).

Me encanta saber que la familia de Rotarios se encuentra en todo el mundo! Los Rotaractor de Ginebra me han tratado como parte de su familia! ( Italianos, Franceses, Argentinos, Turcos, Dominicanos, la diversidad continua).

Probably my favorite thing about Geneva is that any day any time I can venture into the UN! I might not love Swiss bureaucracy, but sometimes it is worth it when you get to enjoy the beautiful gardens and taste a bit of your dreams!

Probablemente mi cosa favorita sobre Ginebra es que en cualquier dia en cualquier hora puedo pasearme por la ONU. Puede que no me encante la burocracia Suiza pero vale la pena si puedes disfrutar de estos hermosos jardines y tener una probadita de tus sueños! 

TIME FLIES! EL TIEMPO VUELA!

Dear Family and Friends,
Querida Familia y Amigos,

Time flies when you have a million things keeping you busy. I cannot believe I have been here for 3 weeks now. So much to tell ...
El tiempo vuela cuando tienes mil cosas manteniendote ocupada. No puedo creer que ya hayan pasado mas de tres semanas. Tengo tanto que contarles ...

First of all, I have now an official home :0) It is really close to where my classes are and the lady I live with and her daughter are really nice. If I ever make it home by dinner time, we eat together and chit chat about really interesting things. I really love how europeans are so informed about the world, it makes from amazing conversations. I also get to practice my french which is awesome :0)
Primero que nada, ya tengo casa oficialmente :0) Estoy quedandome con una señora y su hija en un departamento muy cerca de donde son mis clases. Las dos son muy lindas y cuando me da tiempo de llegar temprano, cenamos todas juntas y platicamos de cosas muy interesantes. Me encanta que los europeos sean gente tan informada, uno puede tener conversaciones increibles. Ademas, practico mucho mi frances.

Christel, the first girl I met (who was in Houston last spring) has been really nice and showed me around the city. She introduced me to some of her friends and even took me to a rap contest, haha. It was funny to see the American influence. Even though everyone rapped in french (which was very interesting to say the least) they all wore American brands and there were American flags everywhere. 

Christel, la primero niña que conoci aqui (estuvo en Houston el semestre pasado) ha sido super linda y me ha enseñado la ciudad. Me presento a varios de sus amigos y hasta me llevo a una competencia de rap, jaja. Estuvo super chistoso ver como la cultura Americana ha llegado hasta aca. Aunque todos los raps fueron en Frances (jaja) todos los concursantes traian ropa de marcas Americanas y habian banderas de Estados Unidos por todos lados. 

I can't believe that people told me that Geneva was a boring city. There is so much to do and even getting lost is fun because of the beautiful scenery. The food is the absolute BEST. Between the cheese, the bread, the chocolate, and the amazing crepes, I am very glad I walk everywhere or else I would be rolling by now. 

No puedo creer que la gente me haya dicho que Ginebra era una ciudad aburrida. Hay tanto que hacer y hasta perderse es divertido porque los paisajes son hermosos. La comida es lo MEJOR. Entre el queso, el pan, los chocolates, y las crepas, me da mucho gusto tener que caminar a todos lados porque si no ya estaria rodando! 

My last week with Ian was also really fun. He invited me to Montreux, a city about an hour away from Geneva by train. The train ride was beautiful, I could see the mountains, the vineyards, and fields full of sunflowers (my favorite) all the way. Montreux has a spectacular view. I seriously think that the question is no longer if Switzerland is the most beautiful country but which city has the best views! I love walking around and enjoying the nice weather that we still have :0)

Mi ultima semana con Ian fue muy divertida. Me invito a Montreux, una ciudad a una hora de Ginebra en tren. El camino estuvo increible, por la ventana pude ver las montañas, los viñedos, y los campos llenos de girasoles (mis favoritas). Montreux tiene una vista espectacular. Creo que la pregunta ya no es si Suiza es el pais mas bonito sino que ciudad tiene la mejor vista. Me encanta dar paseos a pie y disfrutar del clima maravilloso que todavia tenemos :0) 

Another thing that I love about this city is the people and the world environment. Everyone is so international and so involved. There are peaceful rallies everywhere. Whenever you meet someone the very first question you ask after their name is "where are you from" and the answer is NEVER the same. It is truly to experience such a diverse environment. I have friends from all over the world and telling people I am "Tex-mex"is not even a surprise to anyone as mostly everyone has multiple nationalities. Speaking more than 3 languages is considered normal and no matter where in the world you have been, there is someone else that has a travel story to tell you about that place. It is just amazing! 

Otra cosa que me encanta de esta ciudad es la gente y el ambiente global que se siente. Todo el mundo es tan internacional y esta tan involugrado. Hay protestas pacifistas por todos lados. Cuando conoces a laguien llo primero que preguntas despues de su nombre es "de donde eres?" y la respuesta NUNCA es la misma. Tengo amigos de todas partes del mundo y cuando le digo a la gente que soy "TEx-Mex" no se sorprenden ni un poquito porque la mayoria de las personas tienen varias nacionalidades. El hablar mas de tres idiomas es normal y no importa a que parte del mundo hayas ido, siempre hay alguien con una historia de viaje que contarte de ese lugar. Es realmente asombroso! 

Well, I continue enjoying my new Swiss life. Missing home. my family and friends but feeling blessed to have this amazing opportunity. Life can get pretty hectic and time really does fly but I am determined to make the most out of it and try to keep you guys updated about it. 

BISOUS!!

Bueno, pues seguire aqui disfrutando de mi nueva vida Suiza. Extraño mi casa, mi familia y mis amigos pero me siento afortunada de tener esta gran oportunidad. La vida se puede volver muy ocupada y el tiempo vuela pero estoy desidida a aprovechar el tiempo al maximo y a mantenernos al tanto lo mas que pueda. 

BISOUS!!

Some days are better than others...

Dear Family and Friends, 

It is very true that some days are better than others. Although my days in Geneva have been pretty wonderful--the weather, the view, my amazing tour guide and guardian angel, Ian Hill, and the many new things I am learning, I can't deny that I miss home very much. 

I go through the bell curve everyday several times. It goes from me getting really excited about something new I see, to wondering if I will be able to adapt. I get really happy when I see something familiar from a McDonalds to hearing someone speaking English but I suddenly find myself reminded of home and missing it. I have been told that this will happen to me a lot. There are good days and bad days, happy moments and not so fun ones but all in all no matter where you are this is how life is and we are here to make the best out of it. 

When I say that some days are better than others I don't just mean that for every sad moment or nostalgic memory I have there are a million happy moments and reasons for me to smile, but also that one good day can be followed by an even better one! 

Yesterday, I walked around all of Geneva, I had lunch at a nice Italian restaurant, went grocery shopping in France, met my Peruvian neighbor, had dinner at a Chinese restaurant, and enjoyed a raspberry and vanilla ice cream as I walked along the lake. Not bad for my first day in Geneva. 

Today after my morning run, I came home to the best surprise of all, Ian had bought me FROSTED FLAKES for breakfast! I wasn't lying when I said he was the best! After having the bowl of cereal that comforted me so much and for an instant brought me back home, I went on a boat ride across the lake with Ian. We talked for hours! First about American politics, yes I got to talk about the death penalty, the war in the Middle East, and the right the bear arms already! That followed a discussion on cultural differences and later my favorite subject, the youth. I talked to him about my history, my life, my upbringing, my experiences, my passions, my visions, my Rotary project. I got so caught up in my talking that I didn't even realize so much time had passed and it was already lunch time. 

We went back to the apartment and Ian made me a Brie and banana sandwich, strange I know, but oh SO DELICIOUS! Needless to say, lunch and the traditional tea that comes after the meal where accompanied by even more conversation. This time we talked about philosophy, world literature and told each other anecdotes of our travels. Ian Hill is an amazing person, so smart, so wise, so experienced, so worldly! I am truly blessed to have him as my counselor. 

He had to leave for Amsterdam today but right before he left he told me something that filled me with pride and reassured me that no matter how hard this seems to be so times or how much I might miss home, I am doing the right thing. He said "Daniella, I can see why you are a Rotary Ambassador. You are going places; you are going to do great things." That is all I ever needed to hear! My head is full of ideas, of passion for my dreams and projects and knowing that people can see that, that they believe in me, gives me the confidence to take action. I AM READY TO MAKE OF THIS YEAR A GREAT ONE! 

After he left, I walked over to a near by park where a girl I had been in contact with via Facebook (she was an exchange student last fall in Houston) had a soccer game. I met a couple of her friends and we took a walk around the park. I got to practice my French a lot and got a taste of Swiss slang :0) It felt so nice to be around people my age and once again confirm that despite the distance or cultural differences, we have so many things in common and one can really make friends anywhere. 

I still cant believe I live in Geneva but the more I am here the more I love it and I realize that a great year awaits me. 

Bisous

ALGUNOS DIAS SON MEJORES QUE OTROS ...

Querida Familia y Amigos,

Es muy cierto que algunos días son mejores que otros. A pesar de que mis primeros días aquí en Ginebra han sido maravillosos—el clima, mi encantador guía de turistas, ángel de la guarda y padrino Rotario, Ian Hill, la comida, la vista, y todo lo que estoy aprendiendo, no puedo negar que extraño mucho mi casa.

Mis emociones pasan por la campana de Gauss varias veces al día. Un Segundo me emociona ver algo nuevo y el siguiente me pregunto si podre adaptarme a todo lo que es tan diferente. Se me dibuja una sonrisa en el rostro cuando veo algo familiar desde un McDonald’s a escuchar a alguien hablando ingles pero de repente me acuerdo de casa y extraño mucho. Me han dicho que esto es normal y que será algo que experimentare seguido. Hay Buenos días y malos día, momentos felices y otros que no lo son tanto pero no importa donde estés así es la vida y estamos aquí para sacar lo mejor de cada situación.

Cuando digo que algunos días son mejores que otros, no me refiero nada mas a que por cada momento triste o recuerdo nostálgico tengo un millón de momentos felices y razones para sonreír, sino también que un buen día puedo dar paso a otro aun mejor!

Ayer, camine por todo Ginebra, comí en un pequeño restaurante italiano, fui de compras a Francia, conocí a mi vecina Peruana, cena en un restaurant de comida China, y disfrute de un paseo al rededor del lago mientras me comía un helado de vainilla con frambuesas. Nada mal para ser mi primer día en Ginebra.

Hoy en la mañana después de ir a correr, me encontré en casa con una muy grate sorpresa. Ian me había comprador Zucaritas para desayunar. No estaba exagerando cuando dije que era un tipazo. Después de devorarme el plato de cereal que me apapacho tanto y por un instante me hizo sentirme en casa, fui a pasear en barco por el lago con Ian. Hablamos por horas! Primero sobre política Americana, si ya empezaron las preguntas sobre la pena de muerte, la Guerra en el Medio Oriente, y el derecho a la carga de armas en Estados Unidos. Seguimos la conversación hablando sobre diferencias culturales y después mi tema favorito la educación y la juventud.

Le conté sobre mi, mi vida, mi historia, mi cultura, mi niñez, mis experiencias, mis pasiones, mis ideales, mi sueños, mis metas, mi visión, mi proyecto con los Rotarios. Como de costumbre me emocione tanto con la conversación que se fue el tiempo volando y me di cuenta de que ya era la hora de la comida.

Regresamos al departamento y Ian me prepare un sándwich de plátano con queso brie, suena raro pero sabia delicioso! Obviamente la comida y el tecito de después lo acompañamos con mas buena platica. Esta vez hablamos de filosofía, literatura mundial, e intercambiamos anécdotas de viajes. Ian Hill es una persona increíble, inteligente, culto, lleno de cultura y vida. Es una verdadera bendición estar bajo sus alas.

Se fue a Ámsterdam hoy pero antes de irse me dijo algo que me lleno de orgullo y me aseguro que no importa cual difícil esto parezca a veces o cuanto extrañe mi casa, estoy haciendo lo correcto y esta fue la mejor decisión que pude haber tomado.

Me dijo “Daniella, se perfecto porque eras una Embajadora de Buena Voluntad de los Rotarios. Vas a llegar muy lejos, vas a lograr grandes cosas.” Eso es todo lo que tenia que escuchar. Tengo la cabeza y el corazón llenos de ideas, pasión por mis sueños y proyectos y el saber que la gente que admire tanto lo puede ver y que creen en mi me dan toda la confianza y fuerza que necesito para hacer de todo eso una realidad. ESTOY MAS QUE LISTA PARA HACER DE ESTE AÑO UNO PRODUCTIVO Y MARAVILLOSO!

Después de que se fue, camine a un parque donde una niña con la que había estado en contacto por Facebook (estuvo de intercambio en Houston el otoño pasado) tenia un partido de futbol. Me dio mucho gusto conocerla y también que me presentara a algunos de sus amigos. Pude practicar mi francés y escuchar un poco de slang suizo. El estar rodeado por gente de mi edad me ayudo a sentirme mejor y además me confirma que no importa la distancia o las diferencias culturales, uno siempre encuentra cosas en común y puedes hacer amigos en cualquier lado.

Todavía no puedo creer que vivo en Ginebra pero cada día me enamoro mas de esta ciudad y me doy cuenta de el año maravilloso que me espera. 

Bisous.

Finally here

Hello everyone! 

Well, after a long flight and very stressful preparations, I AM FINALLY HERE IN GENEVA! :0) 

Although it is night time, Geneva is just as beautiful as I remembered and I cannot wait for my morning jog tomorrow! The weather is perfect and the view as you might expect just beautiful. 

It was sad leaving home. I am pretty sure I cried for the first couple of hours on the flight. Then when I finally stopped crying (mostly because everyone was staring at me haha), I read the letters that my mom and sister had written me and well, needless to say, I started crying again! 

I know I am about to experience amazing things, that this is the opportunity of a lifetime, and that I am suppose to be a "young adult" who like my mom would say "needs to spread her wings and fly," but for a moment there I felt like 6 year old again. I hugged my big panda bear stuffed animal (yes, I brought it with me), looked at the picture of my family that I printed before I left and thought to myself "what did you just do?" 

It wasn't until I arrived to London for my 8 hour lay-over that I felt like a grown-up again. I picked up a city map and my adventurous spirit and the travel bug that infected me years ago instantly kicked in. Ten minutes later, I was sitting in the underground train ready to discover London. 

As I walked into Harrods and looked for a item to purchase (part of my life bucket list) I couldn't help but smile. I wasn't even in Geneva yet and I was already getting to do things I had wanted to do my whole life. 

Why would I want to be 6 years-old again, when as a grown-up I am getting to live my dreams?!

I made my way to Buckingham Palace, the famous Big Ben, and later walked around Piccadilli Circus. I had lunch at a cute cafe downtown and made sure to take a picture by the Harry Potter 9 3/4 platform at Kings Cross station before heading back to the Heathrow airport. 

I sat down in the British Airways lounge waiting for my plane to board and that's when it really hit me. My feet where killing me from all the waking, I felt like my body was screaming for a shower and my brain was still in another time zone, but I had never been more awake, more thrilled, and more excited. This was the beginning of something great.

I saw people of all ages, shapes and sizes walking from terminal to terminal, I heard many different languages being spoken, I noticed families, lovers, and professionals making their way through the airport. Everyone had a purpose, a destination, a plan, somewhere to go, somewhere to be, something to do. I was going to Geneva, I was a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar, and this was the beginning of an amazing year.  

My counselor, Ian Hill, picked me up from the airport. Being a Rotarian, I already expected him to be extremely nice and welcoming, but he has really gone above and beyond.  I was getting my coins out to get a cart to go get my luggage when he tapped me on the shoulder and with a friendly voice said "Daniella? Welcome to GENEVA!" He already had a cart for me, he helped me with my million bags without judging me for probably overpacking, we had a nice conversation in three languages on the way to his apartment, and as I open the door I found a beautiful bouquet of pink flowers and a lovely note from him and his wife!  He is amazing! I feel so lucky to have him helping me every step of the way. 

I have no pictures of Geneva yet but I am attaching a couple that I took in London. I have a "capture every moment" fetish, so expect me to document everything and send you way more pictures than necessary in the next e-mails. 

That is all for now but tomorrow I began my apartment hunting and new Swiss life (cell-phone, bank account, residence permit, school orientation, etc) so I will have much more to tell. We area also going to France to buy supplies for the week, as Ian said :0) Three countries in two days, loving it ! 

I want to thank all of you once again for being so supportive and making all of this possible. I hope everything is going great over there in the other side of the Atlantic :0) Please don't forget to KEEP IN TOUCH! Hearing news from you will make me feel close to home. 

A Bientot ! 

Bisous

FINALMENTE EN GINEBRA

Hola a todos!

Después de un largo viaje y mucha anticipación y preparativos, ya estoy finalmente en Ginebra!

Aunque ya obscureció, la ciudad de Ginebra se ve tan Hermosa como la recordaba  y espero con ansia mi rutina matutina de correr por el lago. El clima es perfecto y la vista, como era de esperarse, bellísima.

Despedirme de la gente que quiero tanto fue difícil. Llore como Magdalena durante las primeras horas del vuelo. Cuando por fin me pude secar las lagrimas (mas por pena que por otra cosa), leí las cartas que mi mama y Hermana me habían escrito y no pude contener las lagrimas una vez mas.

Se que lo que me espera es maravilloso, que esta es una oportunidad única, y que se supone que soy una mujer ya adulta a la que, como diría mi mama, ya le llego la hora de abrir las alas y despegar, pero por un instante me dieron ganas de tener 6 años otra vez y no tener que dejar el nido para volar a otra parte. Abrasé mi Panda de peluche (si, el que me traje conmigo por mas “adulta” que sea), miré la foto de la familia que imprimí antes de irme y me dije a mi misma “ Daniella que acabas de hacer?”

No fue hasta que llegue a Londres para una espera de ocho horas que me volví a sentir como una persona adulta. Compre un mapa de la ciudad y mi espíritu aventurero y el virus de viajero que adquirí hace varios años despertaron. Diez minutos después, ya estaba sentada en el tren subterráneo, mas que lista para explorar Londres.

Mientras buscaba algún articulo interesante que comprar en Harrods (algo que estaba en mi lista de cosas que hacer durante mi vida) no podia dejar de sonreír. Todavía no había llegado a Ginebra y ya estaba hacienda cosas con las que había soñado toda mi vida.

Por que querría tener 6 años otra vez cuando a mis 22, como adulta, estaba viviendo mis sueños?

Llegue hasta Buckingham Palace, el famoso Big Ben, y Piccadilli Circus. Comí en un restaurant del centro y me tome una foto en la plataforma de Harry Potter de la estación de tren de Kings Cross antes de regresar al aeropuerto de Heathrow.

Me senté en la sala de espera de British Airways mientras llegaba la hora de abordar y fue entonces cuando me calló el veinte. No aguantaba los pies de tanto caminar, me urgía un baño, y mi cerebro seguía en otro horario, pero nunca había estado mas despierta, mas emocionada, mas ansiosa. Este era el principio de algo increíble.

Vi pasar gente de todas las edades, colores y tamaños. Escuche decenas de idiomas diferentes. Pude observar familias, parejas, profesionales, y jóvenes aventureros caminando de un lado al otro del aeropuerto. Todos tenían un propósito, un plan, un destino, un lugar al cual ir, adonde llegar, en donde estar, algo que hacer. Yo iba a Ginebra, era embajadora de Buena voluntad de los Rotarios, y este año iba a ser inolvidable.

Mi consejero, Ian Hill, me recogió del aeropuerto. Siendo Rotario, ya me imaginaba que seria encantador y amable, pero supero todas mis expectativas. Estaba buscando una moneda para conseguir un carrito que me ayudara con las maletas cuando alguien me tocó el hombro diciendo, “ Daniella? Bienvenida a Ginebra!!” Ian ya tenia listo el carrito y me ayudo a cargar todas mis maletas, sin juzgarme por probablemente empacar de mas.

Platicamos en tres idiomas diferentes de camino a su departamento y al abrir la puerta me encontré con un hermoso ramo de flores y un recado de bienvenida de parte suya y de su esposa, un detalle muy lindo. En verdad que me siento afortunada de haber caído en tan buenas manos.

Todavía no tengo fotos de Ginebra pero aquí pueden ver algunas que tome en Londres. Tengo una obsesión por “capturar todo momento” así que esperen recibir muchas fotos mas pronto.

Eso es todo por ahora. Mañana empiezo a buscar departamento y mi nueva vida en Suiza (celular, cuenta de banco, permiso de residencia, inscripciones, etc.) y tendré muchísimas mas cosas que contarles. También vamos a ir a Francia a comprar algunas cosas. Tres países en dos días, creo que me puedo acostumbrar a esto! :0)

Finalmente, quiero agradecerles a todos por su apoyo y por hacer que todo esto sea posible. Espero que todo esté bien por allá en el otro lado del Atlántico. Por favor no dejen de estar en contacto, el recibir noticias suyas hace que los sienta más cerca.

A Bientot ! 

Bisous