Opinions can change. Perspectives can change. People can change. I can change. Fortunately.
The reason for addressing change in this blog post is that I am missing Geneva more and more these days. Although when I had just arrived in the Netherlands last February, I repeatedly stated that I was glad to be back here and that I was sure that I would not miss that Swiss city. Well, I was wrong. Quelle surprise!
I am not just missing the nature around Geneva which is truly mind-blowing. Especially in the Autumn when there are many rainy and cloudy days, life can be pretty good when you poke through the clouds during a refreshing mountain hike. In fact, life can even be better when you stroll along the Rhône river towards the small village Avusy where the Lauper family at Domaine de Champlong hosts their annual wine and cheese tasting festival in the middle of October. And let me reassure you, this family speaks English really well, so ordering great food and wine is easy. Still, it would advise you to work on your French skills (and to go there alone), as the Lauper family and its guests are more than willing to talk you and make a memory together.
Anyway, the thing I miss the most about my time in Geneva is my working environment and my colleagues in particular. To illustrate, my department was located in a rather remote building, which contributed to the opportunity we had to continue working on-site during almost the entire COVID-19 pandemic. So for a long time, we lived together in the same bubble, and my colleagues became my friends in consequence. Unfortunately, however, I only started realizing how special this is in the past period, and in hindsight, I regret that I did not enjoy it little more.
At last, you may have read between the lines that I am currently not solely working with friends every day. This does not mean, however, that I do not like my work, which I do a lot (as also applies to how much I like my current colleagues). Still, I hope that I will soon build some new, real friendships in the workplace. While in the meantime, I will cherish my memories of my time in Geneva, and I hope to soon visit the friends I made while living in that beautiful city.
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