Geneva, Geneve.. Genf

The German name for Geneva sort of conveys my impression of Geneva... Genf. It's not that there's anything wrong with Geneva in particular; in fact, it looks like a regular modern European city (think Munich). It's just that it doesn't match the expectations I had for it.

Since Geneva is home to the UN as well as dozens upon dozens of international organizations, I was expecting the city center to be abuzz with diplomats and embassies. However, it turns out the United Nations buildings are actually located a good bus ride away from the city center, and as the complex was closed to tourists on a Sunday, all I could see was a row of flags and a nice mural on its external wall.

Downtown Geneva has a few nice attractions, including the Jet d'Eau water fountain, some sort of inflatable Kraken coming out of a nearby fountain, and a flower clock.

And of course, like any good European city, it has a renowned cathedral: in this case, the Sainte Pierre, located in the heart of the Altstadt (Old Town).

The Saint Pierre is a fairly standard European cathedral, the main attraction being its colorful attached Chapel of the Macabees. Despite its somewhat stark appearance, the main hall did have a unique, funky-looking W-shaped set of organ pipes.

And also a pretty great dragon duck statue.