I had the most wonderful birthday in Geneva. It was perfect. Before leaving, my grandparents gave me a card which I opened in the morning. Claudine, my host mom also greeted me with a birthday hug. It was all very nice. At work, Christina, a fellow Minnesotan (she was born in Edina) took me out for a danish and coffee. My fellow intern/Duke participant, Dan, also stopped by to offer to take me to lunch. So many wonderful warm wishes.
I also had birthday greetings from home. Mike, my boss and Miriam, my in-direct supervisor took me to lunch at the park. We ate outside by a carousel overlooking Lake Geneva. They also gave me a wonderful card.
After work, my family- Claudine, Pierre-Alain, and Virginie - took me to have birthday supper at the local castle. Who knew I would celebrate my birthday like this? It was so fantastic. I ate two new dishes--a salad with liver and berries, and pork with potatoes, pear and sauce. Both were simply delicious, very unlike any American dish I have had. When we finished eating, we climbed up the castle and overlooked the Lake at night. It was breathtaking with the mountains and France in the backdrop. I am beginning to love Europe and the people here. I ended the night opening a card from my parents back home and a gift from my family here. All so nice.
On the work/school front, I met fellow interns at our weekly Thursday night event. After talking with them, I really know that my placement is so ideal for me. I really believe in what we are doing at GCSP. The organization is sponsored by the Swiss government and has 35 participant countries. Each government sends a participant to various courses held throughout the year. Then, GCSP invites experts in to teach on their various topics. The intent is that when people learn together and look at issues through other country's lenses, they better understand viewpoints and have a stronger basis for foreign policy decisions. In that context, I attended a lecture this week on the future challenges of Africa. It was simply fascinating. I also thoroughly enjoy researching a topic during the day and apply my research in conversations with participants. It just goes to show that when things are meant to be, they work out perfectly. :)
And, thanks Dad for my birthday "supper" with my photo. Hope you enjoyed it. Ha ha. Sorry I didn't eat too much. More cake for you, right?
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I just saw in my birthday book that it was your birthday yesterday, Candi! (a little late..!) I'm glad you had such a nice day and that your time has been so worthwhile so far. It's great to read about your adventures!
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