It’s been quite the week, as has become apparent due to my blog neglect. I’ve been busy with class, consuming large quantities of chocolate, and exploring!
Class has been pretty interesting so far. With lectures on Swiss health policy, the International Health Regulations, research methodology, and development, I’ve had a little taste of what the rest of the semester is going to look like and a good idea of the kinds of things we are going to learn about. I’m excited and look forward to learning more in the following lectures.
French class has grown more difficult and is proving to be a challenge. If I practice consistently, I know I’ll see improvement–but it’s very difficult when class moves at a quick pace! I’m treading water, but I’ll definitely put more emphasis on practice, practice, practice to improve.
We went to a chocolaterie aka heaven a few days ago and had the greatest time. We were given a quick tour by the owner and were then given free rein to eat as much chocolate as we wanted.
Some of us took that as a challenge and went a little overboard by filling up disposable cups to the brim with melted chocolate and then going on to drink it straight like water. I love chocolate, but I was not about to get sick! Everyone pretty much hated themselves and couldn’t imagine having any more chocolate ever again by the time we had to leave, but overall it was an incredible experience!
I went exploring with Mary and had loads of fun getting lost and roaming new areas of Geneva. We went to several ritzy shops and clothing stores in a very nice part of the city. Obviously, we weren’t able to afford thousand dollar dresses–but our adventures were fruitful, because we were finally able to purchase some hair products! Man, I needed some conditioner…
On Friday we did not have class, but instead had to conduct a field study in Geneva. I was in a group of 5 people and we decided to focus on smoking in Switzerland. It’s pretty shocking to see the contrast between the US and Switzerland when it comes to smoking regulations and policy towards 2nd-hand smoke prevention! After completing our “research” we went to Carouge, which is an awesomely quaint part of Geneva that looks very European and much less industrial than the rest of the city. It was fun to walk around and take photos–oh and eat delicious pizza and drink red wine. It was definitely a classy day.
On Saturday my family decided to come down for lunch and a trip to the watch museum. It was great to see my uncles after so long! I took several (illegal) photos of some pretty adorable watches, so enjoy!
I’ll be seeing my family again soon when I take a trip up to Basel in a few weeks! That place is gorgeous and I’m so excited. Oh, and I forgot to mention that I’ll be in Brussels this coming weekend! Details will be posted relatively soon.
Last night, a bunch of us decided to go out since there was a cool music festival happening at some pubs in Nyon. It was nice to hang out outside of class time and to hear some local music!
As I do most Sundays, I am lounging in my bed and about to start doing some readings for the week. I think I’ll go on a run first! It’s definitely warming up, so it’ll be nice to finally get some outdoor exercise (besides the hours and hours of walking I do everyday…haha). Until next time! Au revoir!
PS- Oh yeah, I found out I got in the Gillings School of Public Health Health Policy and Management program at UNC! I AM SO EXCITED! And this was my face when I found out: 
I’m also from the US and I’m studying in Seoul. I, too, noticed that there is a huge difference in smoking habits. In Seoul, you are much more likely to inhale secondhand smoke out on the streets than back at home. People are smoking EVERYWHERE. Just curious, what’s it like in Switzerland?
Anyway, love your blog. You have a new reader!
Definitely the same! While it may not be everywhere, people are definitely free to smoke outside of any and all buildings, so the second they step off of a train or tram–they light up! It’s such a different culture here, so it has definitely been interesting!