Navigation
 | Introduction | |
 |  | Spain |
 | | Madrid (Days 1-3) |
| | Toledo (Day 2) |
| | Sevilla (4-5) |
|  | Barcelona (6-7) |
| | France |
| | Annecy (9-11) |
| | Paris (17-19) |
| | Switzerland |
| | Geneva (11) |
| | Germany |
 | | Homestay (12-15) |
| | Freiburg (15-16) |
| Introduction | |
| | Spain |
| | Madrid (Days 1-3) |
| | Toledo (Day 2) |
| | Sevilla (4-5) |
| | Barcelona (6-7) |
| | France |
| | Annecy (9-11) |
| | Paris (17-19) |
| | Switzerland |
| | Geneva (11) |
| | Germany |
| | Homestay (12-15) |
| | Freiburg (15-16) |
|
Geneva
We were only able to stay in Geneva for one short half-day, unfortunately, but we did have a good time while we were there. Geneva is located in Switzerland, obviously, but did you know that it's a university city, has many students there, including a somewhat large portion of English speakers? Furthermore, did you know that Switzerland's money system is backed up by gold? Well, I didn't until we visited the United Nations Center and International Red Cross/Red Crescent Center in Geneva, the world's peacekeeper.
The first place we visited in Geneva was the United Nations Center in Switzerland. The history behind this building is fascinating. Although the primary United Nations Forum is located in New York City, the Secondary Forum is here in Geneva, as well as several other pieces of History. Among these is the building which once held the League of Nations created by Woodrow Wilson after World War I. The room is now used as an alternative forum for country-to-country disputes. Lining the room is a beautiful painting of a peaceful future by a Spanish artist after World War I.
However, more fascinating than even the League of Nations was, I found, the Internation Red Cross/Red Crescent Organization. The learning experience in the RC/RC organization was incredible, and I have an entirely new respect for the Red Cross now. The Red Cross is the second most recognized symbol in the world (behind Coca-Cola) and the Red Cross Organization uses this symbol, and nothing else, as their shield whenever possible. They have strict neutrality policies and avoid armed gaurds whenever possible. Despite, or perhaps because of, these self-imposed limitations, the Red Cross/Red Crescent Organization has done incredible things worldwide, including helping those fleeing Serbia, sending aid to all countries facing military conflict, as well as numerous relief projects in all kinds famine-stricken places. The extend and amount of their involvement was overwhelming - and made only more amazing by the fact that this is all done by volunteers! The Red Cross/Red Crescent visit was truly something I will never forget.
