this was quite a special trip for me. I always knew in my heart, by working in a humanitarian organisation i will one day get a chance to be in Geneva. Why is it so special? because all these years I have been working according to Geneval plans, Geneva directions, Geneva time zones, Geneva rules. Geneva is where everything started, where all the declarations being signed, the place where all the HQs are, the place for the big bosses and secretary generals.
and furthermore, i was not travelling alone this time around. I carry a little person in me. Now that she kicks, i sometimes talk and communicate with her. It is surreal and wonderful at the same time. plus i have to take extra care of myself so sikecik wont suffer inside. i need to eat properly, take vitamins, wear proper clothings, regular exercise. basically i live for another person now, not just for myself.
and furthermore, i was not travelling alone this time around. I carry a little person in me. Now that she kicks, i sometimes talk and communicate with her. It is surreal and wonderful at the same time. plus i have to take extra care of myself so sikecik wont suffer inside. i need to eat properly, take vitamins, wear proper clothings, regular exercise. basically i live for another person now, not just for myself.
i got to meet with my other colleagues from other regions (South america, africa). there are only 8 of us around the world, so it is quite a small team to begin with. all of them are lawyers who decided to chose a different path by doing humanitarian work. it was a really cool eye opener to listen to different countries experience as much as sharing my own from Asia. i met my bigger boss in Geneva too. when i was introduced to her, she was beaming with smile. i still remember her words
" oh you are THE aisha, i have heard a lot about you!"
..............*whatt? i stunned
"..of course all the good things!"
"oh..thank you "*blush*
cool to know that my work has been appreciated, though i always feel underqualified (i.must.get.my.masters.soon).
" oh you are THE aisha, i have heard a lot about you!"
..............*whatt? i stunned
"..of course all the good things!"
"oh..thank you "*blush*
cool to know that my work has been appreciated, though i always feel underqualified (i.must.get.my.masters.soon).
food was not a big problem for me. as precaution i have a pack of bread and serunding in my suitcase. but fortunately i could find alot of fish and salads. if i go to town, i will find alot of halal doner kebabs with fabulous choice of fillings - lamb, falafel, chicken. they eat big dont they? i wanted to try the swiss cheese fondue which looked simply irresistable - until i discovered two things : 1. pregnant women are not allowed to eat soft cheese 2. they melt the cheese with wine , OK lets make a pass on this. But swiss chocolate is a must.eat.must.buy. enough said.
the highlight of my trip was surprisingly A VISIT TO THE MUSEUM. can you believe this? a bimbo trip to the museum? hahaha. anyways..
the museum has the historical background on how my organisation started, how people has sacrificed their lives in the name of humanity, and how different races and religions got together to form this big organisation, made me feel proud to be where i am. i spent close to two hours walking alone in the museum. inspired. POYO tak??!! * i am imagining myself looking at a flying flag with tears at the corner of my eyes....argh
and hope the baby understnds too because the visit includes watching some horror war videos, and disaster stories. she was kicking away, saying 'mommy,,,get out of hereeee, i'm scared'
i think i was in the best stage of pregnancy to travel. the only thing is i need to select seats in the plane where i could stretch my legs. the thing is some flights charge you for extra leg room. and they wont allow pregnant women sit at the emergency exit. bummer. but actually nobody noticed i was pregnant. so much for my preparation with doctor's letter and all. so i got an emergency exit seat, near toilet, and pantry which i liked very much, at first. until the space in front of me were crowded with old chinese men trying to also stretch their legs (like me) by doing tai chi, going to toilet every 15 minutes, peeking at the air hostess..goshhh. it became so noisy and irritating. this time is when the eyecover and ear plugs are god sent. it really were!
and i got cramps after 2 days in Geneva from too much walking. so i just take it easy and ride the bus. after getting to know Geneva's bus and tram system, it is very easy to get around.plus i got a free travel card complementary from my hotel. i just visited Manor (a nice mall) and Balexert (mall opposite the hotel) planning to buy some baby stuff. nothing is cheap here, but just to get some memories of Geneva i bought 2 cute rompers from Orchestra.
and you need to speak french to be able to survive here in Geneva. even though many people speak English, but i would sign up in a french class in a whim if ever i have to live here. so i learn to greet people with bonjour, s'il vous plaît and practice 'merci beaucoup' for thank you..that would be enough for a short trip!
the museum has the historical background on how my organisation started, how people has sacrificed their lives in the name of humanity, and how different races and religions got together to form this big organisation, made me feel proud to be where i am. i spent close to two hours walking alone in the museum. inspired. POYO tak??!! * i am imagining myself looking at a flying flag with tears at the corner of my eyes....argh
and hope the baby understnds too because the visit includes watching some horror war videos, and disaster stories. she was kicking away, saying 'mommy,,,get out of hereeee, i'm scared'
i think i was in the best stage of pregnancy to travel. the only thing is i need to select seats in the plane where i could stretch my legs. the thing is some flights charge you for extra leg room. and they wont allow pregnant women sit at the emergency exit. bummer. but actually nobody noticed i was pregnant. so much for my preparation with doctor's letter and all. so i got an emergency exit seat, near toilet, and pantry which i liked very much, at first. until the space in front of me were crowded with old chinese men trying to also stretch their legs (like me) by doing tai chi, going to toilet every 15 minutes, peeking at the air hostess..goshhh. it became so noisy and irritating. this time is when the eyecover and ear plugs are god sent. it really were!
and i got cramps after 2 days in Geneva from too much walking. so i just take it easy and ride the bus. after getting to know Geneva's bus and tram system, it is very easy to get around.plus i got a free travel card complementary from my hotel. i just visited Manor (a nice mall) and Balexert (mall opposite the hotel) planning to buy some baby stuff. nothing is cheap here, but just to get some memories of Geneva i bought 2 cute rompers from Orchestra.
and you need to speak french to be able to survive here in Geneva. even though many people speak English, but i would sign up in a french class in a whim if ever i have to live here. so i learn to greet people with bonjour, s'il vous plaît and practice 'merci beaucoup' for thank you..that would be enough for a short trip!
2 comments:
kau sangat mendengkikan!
enough said.
how nice....
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