I was happy to accept an invitation to their next event: a private visit to the City Hall of Geneva followed by an official reception. Mr. Chopard, chef du Protocole, explained the Swiss and Geneva Cantonal political system to us, we visited the famous Alabama Hall where an international arbitrage between England and the USA was signed in 1872. It was very interesting and afterwards, during an informal lunchin a “bistrot” in the old town, I met many newcomers who like me, came to work in Geneva from all over the world.

Their Programme allows one to discover many aspects of Geneva. There were cultural events, sport activities, visits to scientific institutions, historical places, and enterprises that produce the very high quality products which Switzerland is famous for. With every event I learned a lot of interesting facts about Geneva and Switzerland and met with so many wonderful people.

I would like to mention one of the most beautiful events which I witnessed in Geneva – the Bol d’Or on Lac Leman. Due to the hospitality of one of the Geneva Foundation’s friends we had a spectacular view ofthe lake from a private house, with hundreds of sails moving simultaneously on the blue surface under the sunny sky and surroundedby the lush green lakeside. 

Another unforgettable event was the International Rose Contest in the Park La Grange where the President, Madame Françoise Demole took time to welcome us and explain everything.                     

Also, discovering the old town on the weekend of the celebration of the Escalade when we were immersed into another historical epoch with all the heroes and events which are so carefully kept by the citizens of Geneva. It was a lot of fun when one Saturday we went to St-Cergue forcross-country skiing, we enjoyed fresh mountain air, fantastic nature, followed by a wonderful traditional meal in one of the Chalet-style restaurants.

The Foundation’ Welcome Network organizes exclusive visits to places I would not have been able to visit on my own. For instance we had a private visit of CERN, we also have visited watch making companies like Roger Dubuis and Piaget; they are quite different from each other but at the same time they share common basic values and objectives –perfection and preciseness in everything they do. I would say that those concepts are the characteristics of everything Swiss. I appreciate it very much that it is easy to work in Switzerland not only for diplomats but for business people and entrepreneurs as well. Everyone underlines crystal honesty, responsibility, reliability and avery high level of business etiquette of Swiss people and those foreigners who work here and adopt local values. 

Another important activity the Geneva Welcome Newcomer Network organizes: the “Lunchtime conferences”. I find them very practical and useful indeed. You can get information on cultural life, some essential tips on living in Geneva, information on the education system, or what to do in summer in Geneva.

I would like to mention one more program which is very essential in my opinion: the Conversation Exchange Programme in which I am taking part. It is very useful for practicing foreign languages. J’adore la langue Française and wanted to benefit from living in Geneva so as to improve my French conversation abilities. Thanks to this program I met Francine who is a professional French teacher and a wonderful person I am happy to say that we have met regularly during the last two years and Francine has helped me a lot with French and more importantly – has become a good friend. 

I could recount more about other events and programs organized by the Foundation pour Genève in which I was fortunate enough to participate, and would say to today’s newcomers: don’t miss the opportunities whichare prepared for you by the Foundation pour Genève, they are really priceless.

I would like to thank this magazine (newsletter) for the honor and for the chance to share my impressions and views about some of the activities of the Fondation pour Genève and would also like to express my deep gratitude to the fantastic people working in the Geneva Welcome Center for the excellent organization of the events, for their precious time and attention, for their big hearts and generosity, for their love to the city of Geneva and to wish them a good health, happiness and success in everything they do. I would like to wish a piece and prosperity to our favorite city of Geneva. I wish such organization as Foundation pour Genève or Geneva Welcome Centre would exist in the capital of my country as well.