Back on the train, this time heading for my last stop – Geneva. This was where I would buy my first Swiss watch!

You could see the famed Jet Eau from 50 kms away. Apparently it was established to release the water pressure but it was now a major attraction for the city – as the train rolled in I was thinking it was an indicator Geneva has little to offer other than watches.

I was back in French speaking territory, which was great – I really should have paid more attention in German class! I was also staying in accommodation that provided views of Mont Blanc from my bedroom window!

I spent my two free days wandering the streets primarily in the watch precinct, of course, and the old town. St Peter’s overlooks the town and the Tival Villa gives an appreciation of the old money in Geneva – that 1799 town guillotine looked well used. The reformation wall was a well visited spot in the city – the Protestants celebrating the excommunication of the Catholics. Wars and religion – I know religion gives a lot of purpose to people’s lives but you only have to look into history to see that the religious conflicts of today are not so new.

I have to say that I had always had a vision of Geneva being very stylish (must have been the watch thing) but I was certainly let down. Even on the street with the designer stores you would see better fashion down on Brisbane’s Eagle Street precinct!

I did manage a side trip to Carouge which delivered the bohemian part of town, but again it was small and not quite brimming with the charisma of West End let alone Glebe or Newtown. I knew that when I was at a point of making comparisons it was time to go home.

I enjoyed the boat cruise on the lake for a bit of celebrity chalet/chateau spotting.

Staying with the lovely Nadia and her twins (Lilia and Nio) also caused a pang of homesickness – not like me at all! It had actually felt like it was a continuation of the trip from last year – how had all those audits in the Surat Basin disappeared from my memory? I had enjoyed the oompah of Germany, the joie de vivre of France and the alpine and lakes of Switzerland. What a conference can achieve hey???

In one week I turn the big 46! How did I get here having discovered so much of the world? I don’t really know; everything just seems to have fallen into place. I’m sure love is around the corner, whether it be a man, my friends or my family to share great times, or another wonderful travel experience. As long as I have the strength I will continue to see the world. So in the words of the inspirational late Sarah Henderson “all the strength you need to achieve anything is within you”.

Thanks again to those who’ve shared the journey; I would like to share in your’s too!

Have just noticed the stars in the Emirates cabin (always pays to look up in this world) – nice touch!!! Goodnight!

Monument to the eccentric Duke of Brunswick.

St Peter’s Cathedral poking through the buildings

Jet d’eau with its 140m high spurt – visible for 100kms.

Canons at the arsenal

Adornments off the Tavel House.

Wallpaper – 1770

Calico – 1770

Not sure what was going on here!

The city’s guillotine – well used by the looks.

The old guys out for a bit of chess – seemed very serious.

The Reformation Wall – celebrating Farel, Calvin, Beze and Knox.

Bedroom window out toward Mt Blanc – seems like a while ago!

Enjoying the relaxed lifestyle of Carouge.

The Geneva to Cannes Classic about to kick off.

The mermaid of Lucerne….the one in the background!

The Rothschilds Chateau on the hill.

Au revoir!