Twenty months ago, I gave birth to our third daughter, Arianna. She was (and still is) the most easygoing little person I’ve ever met in my life. When my husband decided to take our older daughters to visit friends in the US when the baby was six weeks old, he booked Arianna and I a long weekend in Geneva. I was so excited to go see a new place, have some air-conditioning during the heat wave that was going on (A/C is extremely uncommon in Switzerland!), and to relax with my bubs for a few days.
I’ve never been one of those people that’s afraid to travel alone, but I have to say, traveling that first time alone with our tiny baby in a country that I had only lived in for three months came with some trepidation and nervousness. Almost every time I’ve traveled alone with our girls, it was domestically in the United States or in Italy - places that I was confident in my ability to get around, could communicate well if something happened, and had a solid support network.
That’s the trick of living in a new country. Even when you’re in a new state or province in your country, help is not that far from reach, but when you’re in a new country, it can take several hours or days to come to your aid. These are things that pop into your mind when your postpartum traveling with a newborn.
As soon as we got on the train however, I felt at ease. Arianna slept most of the way. We saw the most glorious fields of sunflowers. The Swiss countryside is so gorgeous, you can’t help but feel like you’re on some Narnia-like journey. I saw more churches, farms, and fields of green than I had ever seen in my life. (Now those gorgeous fields and mountain views just seem part of a normal day.)
Geneva is like Zurich’s quirky French cousin. It’s very multicultural, the food is fantastically French, and the art and fashion scene are much more colorful than Zurich. Summer was a fun and gorgeous time of year to visit.
My trip to Geneva was good for me. It gave me a break from everyday life, and it gave me a gentle reminder that I am still capable of traveling alone, or just me and the kids. I feel like sometimes it’s so easy to not do things, to not try things, or to talk yourself out of doing things that are difficult or scary. Self-doubt is the mean friend that you need to break up with, but don’t because you’re worried you’ll hurt someone else’s feelings. Do the things that make you uncomfortable, take the trips you’re nervous to take, attempt the hobbies you fear you aren’t capable of mastering. What’s the worst that could happen?
Some advice if you find yourself planning a trip to Geneva…
Walking around Geneva, especially the Old Town area, is one of the best ways to experience life there. Early in the morning, you see people with their trolleys going to the local market for fruit and vegetables, and popping in and out of the boulangerie for bread and rolls. There’s something so enchanting about the mountain views of Mont Blanc, Mont Saleve, and Le Mole. Walking along the lake, experiencing the bustle and vibrance of an aperitif in the summer, having a charming meal and exploring the pockets of green space were what really made the visit to experience so special to me.
If you want a picture of the Flower Clock without 500 tourists in the way, go early in the morning. That area is really special during that time of day. It’s you, people commuting to work, a few runners, and some vendors setting up.
The tram system is also super easy to navigate, if you don’t want to experience Geneva by just walking or cycling. I recommend staying in the Old Town area if possible. I stayed at The Metropole. It was a nice hotel with a rooftop bar that has an absolutely lovely view. I was staying there during a renovation, so I can’t speak to what it’s like now, but my guess is the rooms have been updated a bit since my visit. Really though, you’re staying there for the location – it was amazing!! However, please keep in mind, it’s not 100% accessible - there is a flight of stairs prior to the elevators (although the staff is very willing to assist with a stroller).
Old Town has some fantastic restaurants. Dinner at Le Relais de l'Entrecote. is a must if you’re visiting the region. For lunch, La Clemence is a must. They make the tastiest sandwiches, and it’s fabulous to sit and people watch. Restaurant Chez ma Cousine has some of the best chicken I’ve ever had in my life. It’s narrow and homey inside, full of couples and families alike. If you’re looking for something sweet, there’s the famous French bakery, Laduree, whose macarons and desserts never disappoint, as well as numerous chocolate shops, such as Auer Chocolatier and Du Rhone Chocolatier.
