We've made it as far as spring. This winter has seen the arrival of Roma (not the football club, the travellers) in our fair city, their subsequent extradition when it became plain the only available occupation was providing gossip for the papers and accordian golden oldies; the completion of the Gare Cornavin-CERN streetcar line, with its fashionable green pavement but ugly yellow signs telling unscholarly people "You read it, you recycle it." There is a subtle "Swissifying" of the main districts in preparation for Euro 2008, with more and classier souvenir shops and Burger King has been replaced by "Swiss Meal". That would be a burger and fries, but also such "hangover solutions" as cheese & pepper poppers as well as a "breakfast" of omelettes and the like. Its a dizzying time as my old favourite squares and streets are completely transformed, but I get a rush by giving directions like I'm a true Genevois. Pretty soon I can start taking tourists for a ride...
Genevans are naturally becoming a bit stir crazy after a winter of airport delays and rail strikes, ... how about new flight deals? The first Airbus A380 took flight one month ago, and there are deals for everyone from direct flights to Bangkok on Thai to Easyjet hops to such sunspots as Ajaccio, Corsica and Faro, Portugal. One piece of good news for visitors to Geneva: you can pick up your FREE all-Geneva bus pass next to the customs declarations. If you look carefully, there's a regular ticket machine, but with only one button to press, perfect if you're only taking carry-on.
Two days after the first day of spring, we had our first snowfall of the year, then our second, third and fourth. While it was a bit of a downer at the end of a mild winter, it was beautiful as only Switzerland can be, lightly clothing the parks in a platinum coloured pashmina. Fashion may be fickle but isn't change the real joy of life?