Europe Day 36: Back Stage Tour

Most of the very old buildings still stand and in tact are that way because a group of people decided it was important enough to keep.  Those people then form a committee, raise money, and petition the necessary people until their beloved Cathedral or house is guarenteed to remain standing.  On this day we had the privelege of being taken into a Cathedral in Geneva by the head of one of those committees.  Not only did we have the privelege to climb the tower for the spectacular veiw, but we were taken to see the bells and even the organ! From the organist's seat we could look down on the sanctuary and gain an entirely different perspective on cathedrals.  We took back stairways, encouraged to watch our step because these were not places tourists were allowed to go.  It was quite the honor!

Our guide took us around the old town, then to his relative's apartment where we had tea.  We had been instructed to dress up for the occassion.  A sweet Swiss man and his wife served us brownies, pretzels, chips, iced tea and juice.  All the while, five young children were running around that managed to completely absorb my attention through the tour and tea alike.  The one year old little girl dressed in pink polk-a-dots, and the sweet 4 year old with bright pink costume jewlery distracted me entirely from all of the historical information our illustrious guide gave. 

I must say I quite liked our guide.  He, with his three children and his Mother, raced to greet us in front of the church, laughing and swinging their hands as they came.  No matter where we went the children seemed completely comfortable. Their Grandmother was spry and bubbly, happily chatting with her grandchildren and directing my classmates and I with equal ease.  Despite continually insisting she had could hardly speak English, she led most of the tour herself.  Our guide was also very enjoyable.  He made many jokes and spoke English very well and never said much more than we wanted to hear about any particular thing. But it was his three adorable children my mind remained fixed on.  I hardly heard any of their information, and happily played horse and carried around a giggling, curly haired child instead. 

With the end of the tea was the end of our time with the friendly Geneva family.  Josh, Kayla, Casey and I walked across the water to find some inexpensive dinner, before walking back to the bus.  I was not feeling too well and terribly exhausted by the time we finally reached the hotel. I spent the rest of the evening in bed, watching Lost and lamenting the lack of internet.  What a day

How poorly I described this day-if only I wasn't several days behind in blogs I assure you it would have been much longer, more logical, and more beautifully descripted.  But, as it is passed my bed time I shall let it be.  Any further descriptions will have to be verbal after I return to the states.  I am missing familiar again, and look forward to sleeping in my own bed, with a closet that has more than five shirts, once more.