Franc-ly We Like Switzerland
and we know why Swiss Banks are so successful...
04.12.2009 - 07.12.2009
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No Spain No Gain
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Chocolate. The UN. Swiss Alps. Lake Geneva. Christmas Markets. Reformation History Museums. Chocolate. Last week, over a five day weekend the Spanish government granted us, Matt and I decided to take our first international adventure to Switzerland. Even though we were greeted with temperatures dipping as low as 3 or 4 degrees Celsius (I still don't really know what that means either), the gorgeous scenery and charming Christmas markets soon welcomed us to the beautiful country of Switzerland.
We first traveled to Geneva, Switzerland, home to hundreds of International Organizations, the cathedral where John Calvin preached during the Reformation, and the world's tallest fountain (OK so it wasn't turned on because it's winter, but it's still cool that it's there). 
From Geneva we traveled north to Basel, Switzerland, a town bordering both France and Germany. We found Basel's German influence clearly displayed within it's huge Christmas Market which filled blocks and blocks of the city's center. 
Overall we had a wonderful time in Switzerland, but the number of Swiss Francs we spent certainly revealed why Switzerland is known for its banking industry. Check out some of our photographs below as well as those recently added to our photo gallery.
As the Swiss regionally say, Auf Wiedersehen/ Bonjour!
First stop: The United Nations.
View of Lake Geneva from the bell tower of the Cathedrale Saint-Pierre
Matt picks an unfortunate place to stand.
We happened upon this Christmas Market while exploring Basel.
The longest illuminated street in Europe, who knew?
Posted by staley 12.12.2009 14:55 Archived in Switzerland Tagged round_the_world
Swiss chocolate, eh? Looks like you're both getting into it. Switzerland looks positively gorgeous -- what a treat to be there around Christmas time and be able to see and enjoy the market. Cold or not, I'd love to be there! Enjoy! I understand it's Italy for Christmas. Merry, merry.
12.12.2009 by barb5188