For those of you who aren't up to speed, I arrived in Genf early yesterday morning at around 7:45 AM. I only realized how lucky I was once I landed and saw the hordes of people stranded at Genève Cointrin (genf's airport) with delayed and often cancelled flights. Not only that but I was surprised to learn that my flight was the last one to be allowed to land before shutting down the airport as countless other european airports have done. What can we thank? The desire for a white Christmas. The recent snow storm has spread all across europe leaving thousands of people stranded all over the continent. The large international airports that have shut down include, but are not limited to: London Heathrow Airport, Frankfurt Airport, Madrid- Barajas Airport, Charles de Gaulle Aéroport and Fiumicino Airport.
Yes, this was one of those moments when I thought, 'hell yes...was a way better decision to go to school in the US than UK.' And yes, I'd appreciate it if you didn't point out that the UK can be train-ed unlike the US. But surprisingly enough, even the trains aren't operating due to the snow. People are stuck...I actually had a friend who was on her way back from the States and made a stop in Paris. To my knowledge, she's still chilling in Charles de Gaulle. I wouldn't mind being trapped in Heathrow or Frankfurt but Charles de Gaulle? Shoot me now.
Anyway, I didn't waste any time and got up this morning to bond with my mother and sister in the best way possible: shopping. I'm proud to announce that while our mall may not be able to rival American ones in terms of size, it can certainly do so in terms of Christmas decorations. I'm not sure why, but for the first time ever the Swiss have decided that Christmas warrants more than just a Christmas tree downtown. Then again, this is the one country that went all out in terms of decorations the year of the economic crisis. Go figure.
Balexert (the mall) was so decorative! I loved it! Get a peak below (click to enlarge):
I promise you, this is as festive as it's been for the last five and half years.The kids were lining up for hours to sit on Santa's lap and pet his reindeer...it was heart warming in every way. Although I did notice that Santa wasn't asking the kids what they'd like for Christmas...my theory is that these kids' bubble was popped quite early and they're well aware Santa is also known as previously unemployed....un chômeur.
Peu importe! Inside that massive Christmas box were little dolls dancing and chanting themed songs...it was nice to walk through and sing along. The mall was insanely crowded....everyone trying to get their holiday shopping in last minute. Wipe that smirk off your face, chances are I caught you in the act at some point. Geneva is a relatively expensive place so nothing becomes dirt cheap but after seeing the original prices, it's hard to resist the still-overpriced-but-cheap-in-comparison deals.
Unfortunately, I did so by buying glasses. That's right, I've officially received my membership to nerd-dom. No pictures yet since I'll pick them up tomorrow but here's to having my grades reflect this charmingly inconsistent change!
How have you been spending your first days of freedom?
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