Heidiland

Arriving in Geneva on a Sunday was only marred by a brief squall of rain that happened while I was in the shower. It remained threatening enough to have dinner in the washing up area but other than that camping on the shores of lake Geneva looking back at the city was pretty fantastic. After all the wine we had been having with our mothers I attempted to start “alcohol free days” which lasted until a lovely English couple in a van and awning offered us a beer. Had a very pleasant evening with Andy and Sophie from Shropshire.

Sunny start to our day in Geneva and we headed back along the lake to visit the Red Cross museum. Got distracted by the United Nations situated directly opposite and offering guided tours of the Palais de Nations. Asking the security guards about the guided tours I was quickly told that I could not go like that (lycra shorts and bike shirt – not that smelly at all as had only cycled 7km that day). I said I could put on a skirt, they said how about trousers. Never met a man who wanted me in trousers over a skirt before. Apparently it would offend the sensitive diplomats to have a lycra clad cyclist wandering their halls. Security got very friendly after we said we were from NZ and guarded our fully loaded bikes while we went on the tour. Better than our bike lock – UN security guards.

The tour of the United Nations was amazing. The almost unbelievable and unrealistic optimism that led to its establishment after WWII and to its continued existance despite the fact countries are represented there that will not recognise each other. Realised why we get on so well with the Dutch campers (nothing to do with their linguistic skills) – NZ sits right next to the Netherlands. Also enjoyed the fact that despite going on about the United Nations emblem being carefully designed so no country is in the center, NZ is at the top (actually Stewart Island is). Highlight of the tour for me was the room of the Spanish paintings installed after the Spanish civil war. Huge figures in golds, creams and tans over all the walls and ceiling symbolizing humankind's journey to achieving civilisation, the futility of war and hope for peace through continental unity. The Red Cross was a bit more awkward with bike parking – should have left them with the UN. Moving display of shrouded figures in courtyard. I hope this photo was sensitive to the human rights violitions that they represent as opposed to some guy I saw posing with his arms wrapped over the figures grinning. Interesting reading about the limitations the organisation was under trying to access concentration camps in WWII – I had always wondered if they could have done more.