<p>My mother is spending six months working in Geneva, Switzerland, and I’ll be staying with her for most of July. Since my mom is working full-time on weekdays, I don’t know anyone else in the country (I’ve never been before), and my part-time job isn’t exactly demanding, I have to find ways to occupy myself. Is there anything in particular I shouldn’t miss? I’m open to any suggestions. I’m fluent in French, if that matters.</p>
<p>Thanks in advance,
E.</p>
<p>I hate to do this, but surely someone here has been to Geneva before?</p>
<p>My wife 40 years ago with her father for her graduation. Use your central location as a home base and make short or long trips from Geneva. Eat pain, fromage, vino and leaves. Find some American Tourists and hire yourself out as translator who also want to see the continent-your fee is food, local transportation.</p>
<p>I’ve been to Geneva, but not since 1973. 
I remember visiting the Chateau of Chillon near Montreux. It’s very romantic. There’s a nice Byron poem about the place. <a href=“http://www.chillon.ch/en/[/url]”>http://www.chillon.ch/en/</a> I’d also just take some time to hike around the alps. I love taking lifts up to the tops of mountains and then hiking where the view is great. I also love Paul Klee’s paintings, but I think they are mostly in a museum in Bern.</p>
<p>Take a course at HEI <a href=“http://hei.unige.ch/[/url]”>http://hei.unige.ch/</a></p>
<p>Summer Programmes</p>
<p>. International Affairs<br>
. WTO Studies<br>
. Global Health Diplomacy </p>
<p>Don’t let age be a barrier–most of these programs will take Ivy bound kids.</p>
<p>You might be able to get credit for it retroactively.</p>
<p>I’ve visited Switzerland twice with my family, stayed there for around a fortnight each time, it’s a beautiful country!
Although my situation’s slightly different from yours in that we were on a family holiday and based ourselves in Interlaken…</p>
<p>Switzerland’s essentially teeming with things to do, there’s a lot to see, even if you aren’t keen on the touristy jumping from place to place.</p>
<p>The Swiss rail system is, frankly, the best I’ve ever been on; you should be able to purchase an extended pass that would cover rail, bus and cable car transport; in addition I do believe there’s either a student discount or something that would significantly reduce your expenses on transport.</p>
<p>As regards places to visit; well I’m more of a spend your entire day in a place, get to know it a bit, person; so I’d definitely say that Bern’s a gorgeous city to walk around in; especially since you’re familiar with one of Switzerland’s languages you should have an easier time getting to know the place.</p>
<p>The first time we visited, we stayed in Schaffhausen, up north, near the Rhine Falls, another city that seems to be out of a postcard! The Rhine Falls are majestic and worth a visit (we went there both times).</p>
<p>The lovely thing about Switzerland is that with careful planning you can reach most places within a day’s time and return (possibly late at night, but it’s still feasible). Since you’ll be in the French side of the country, apart from walking around and exploring Geneva (which is, by the way, beautiful as well) (on a side note, make sure to visit the Gardens at Geneva)</p>
<p>Another possibility would be for you to also visit France for a bit, see San Moritz and so on… (if you can get a Schengen EU visa at such short notice)</p>
<p>Zermatt’s also not to be missed.</p>
<p>I’ll try to remember a bit more about my trip, so shall perhaps post a bit more later.</p>
<p>^^Agree with k_twin. My son roamed around Switzerland last summer a bit and enjoyed the same places. Interlaken especially is not to be missed. I would definitely suggest a rail pass; travel by train in Switzerland is a pleasure. Very easy to get around Geneva on public transportation if you just feel like exploring. When I was a little older than you, I side-tripped to Lugano (more Italian and German than French) and to Chamonix in France (your French will help you there). You’ll probably have to catch a milk train (extremely early in the morning) to the latter, but the views of the valley and Mont Blanc from the telepherique are worth it. It’s a popular destination for young people because of the sports. Just be forewarned: You might have a little trouble at some spots if you’re afraid of heights. Lucerne (Luzern) is also very pretty, especially in the summer.</p>
<p>Switzerland is very expensive, but if you stay there you won’t have to bother with changing to euros.</p>
<p>I see I wrote San Moritz when I meant Chamonix; apologies for that; San Moritz is more in the Romansch region of Switzerland than the French; although it is a very scenic place to spend an afternoon in.</p>
<p>Take the cruise boat (and a picnic) accross Lake Leman (Lake Geneva) to the French side (Evian). Fun, easy and scenic (and although it’s been years, I don’t think it’s expensive). The lake is at your feet. You can take windsurfing or sailing lessons, or you can just rent a pedal boat for an hour (with a new found friend). </p>
<p>Lausanne, Swithzerland is just half and hour away by train, and is the headquarters of the Olympic Committee. Go visit that (also near the lake).</p>
<p>I second Chateau de Chillon!</p>
<p>Also, taking some sort of classes would be a fun way to meet people your age!</p>
<p>I think Montreux is also near by and the site of a summer jazz festival.</p>
<p>I’m sure you’ll meet people in no time and have a great time!!!</p>
<p>We were in Geneva last year. I enjoyed the Old Town (two restaurants which stood out were Soupcon, a new and kind of trendy place, and a more traditional place a door or two away – perhaps it had some reference to pig in the title?). I took a cruise on the lake which was fun. A month there is a long time though, and since you’re fluent in French, I’d second the suggestion to take a train to Southern France. Geneva to Lyon is a cinch and you can transfer there for Avignon, which is worth a visit, and destinations further south.</p>
<p>You should also head up into the Alps. If you’re uncomfortable on your own, you can look for tours.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for the suggestions! I don’t think I’ll be able to travel very much since I’m trying to save money for college and will be working (as a receptionist at the Swedish Embassy) at least some of the time, but hopefully I can take some day trips. The cruise idea sounds lovely as well.</p>
<p>Thanks again! :)</p>
<p>If you spend your money on nothing else, use it for rail passes to go to Interlaken, Zermatt, and all the other places listed here. Take advantage of all the free public stuff to do around Geneva, go to museums, etc. The physical beauty is just awesome. I wouldn’t recommend spending all your college $$ here, but keep in mind this is an opportunity of a lifetime for most kits your age—don’t regret what you could have done during a month in Switzerland.</p>
<p>Visit CERN, if you’re at all interested in particle physics. The tours book up months in advance, but maybe you’ll be lucky.</p>
<p>astrophysicsmom, that’s a good point. I love to travel but don’t usually spend more than a few days in the same place, so this is something I’ve been looking forward to. I’ll have to ask my mom about public transportation since she’s been there for a few months already.</p>