My Secret Geneva – Swiss Bliss: A Sweet Review

My Secret Geneva – Swiss Bliss: A Sweet Review

Introduction

Nestled within the pages of Diccon Bewes’s Swisswatching lies a captivating chapter that unravels the mysterious origins of Swiss chocolate, inviting readers on an intriguing exploration of this highly wanted delicacy. In the 19th century, the introduction of milk chocolate by Daniel Peter in 1875 and the subsequent collaboration with Henri Nestlé allowed Swiss chocolate to gain widespread popularity, revolutionizing the industry and solidifying Switzerland’s reputation as a chocolate powerhouse. Delving beyond the borders of Switzerland, this chapter embarks on a sensory quest to trace the journey of chocolate from its humble beginnings to the luxurious Swiss confections that grace global palates. At the bottom of this exploration within our group lies a thought-provoking thesis: the price of Swiss chocolate may not always serve as a reliable indicator of its quality. This chapter is a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and the intertwining narratives that have shaped the world of Swiss chocolate. Upon reading this chapter, our team was inspired to conduct an experiment on whether the price of branded Swiss chocolate is worth paying for. The experiment includes visiting four chocolate stores in Geneva, tasting different chocolates, considering the prices, taste and quality to be able to compare which chocolate is really worth its price tag.

The first location we tried was Martel Chocolatier at Rue de Cornavin 16 1201, Geneva. The store was easy to access as it is very close to Manor and visibly sticks out thanks to its clear window displays. Our overall experience was somewhat negative as the employees seemed to be dismissive of customers. They didn’t ask us if we needed any help or recommendations and quickly prioritized the french speaking customers. It appears the employees were rushed and didn’t aim to offer any special experience. The seating area was pretty full and loud making the atmosphere stuffy and a bit chaotic which wasn’t helped by the absence of music playing to drown out any noise. Comfort wise the tables were small and the chairs were of a plastic quality which didn’t make us want to stay very long. In terms of design, the look of the store is minimalistic with a gray and gold tone theme as well as large windows bringing in natural light to the store.

As for the chocolate, the taste is slightly above average. In our subjective opinion the chocolate tasted very artificially sweet with a strong aftertaste. The texture was hard at the first bite but became sandy as we chewed. For 11 francs the quality could have been better. There were no pre packaged bars as they offer asymmetrical cut pieces that are then weighed to determine the price. To put it into perspective, for the same price we could have bought approximately four more Lindt bars (2,50 francs). Packaging wise, no bag was offered aside from a thin plastic bag closed by a sticker.

Overall Ratings

Customer service: 4/10

Atmosphere: 5/10

Comfort: 4/10

Design: 6/10

Taste: 6/10

Texture: 6/10 (sandy)

Quality based on price: 5/10

Packaging: 2/10

The second store that we visited was Guillaume Bichet, located in Rue du Rhone 17, 1204 Geneve. It was not easily located as it is overshadowed by the construction taking place just in front. We were welcomed warmly the second we entered the store by the employees. We started looking at the chocolates that were arranged nicely. After a few moments, the lady kindly offered us to taste one of their most popular products, the “Almond Princesses” which are chocolate covered almonds. After which, we purchased the chocolate. We then asked them if we could take pictures from their store and interview them, which they gladly agreed to, since they were so easy going and polite to the customers. Their nice and warm behavior made us feel free and comfortable to come up with our questions and inquiries about their store and job. The atmosphere of the store was quite pleasing as it was located near the lake and the limited number of seats led to a quiet and intimate atmosphere. Classical music could be heard which added to this ambience of leisure. Comfort wise, the chairs are plush, covered in a velvet material, making the store look luxurious. The view from the window of the lake only enhances this comfort, encouraging customers to stay longer. The design of the store is sleek with brown and white themed displays accompanied by many glass displays of their products.

In terms of taste, the chocolate was not overpoweringly sweet however the flavor was a bit muted. The texture was creamy and easy to chew. In our opinion, the chocolate was appropriately priced at 11 francs seeing as the store seems to be more catered to higher class customers. In terms of packaging, they kept it quite simple with a smooth white paper box with a plastic cutout showing the chocolate.

Overall Ratings

Customer service: 10/10

Atmosphere: 8/10

Comfort: 6/10

Design: 8/10

Taste: 7/10

Texture: 8/10 (creamy)

Quality based on price: 7/10

Packaging: 8/10

Guillaume Bichet: Employee Interview

As the Guillaume Bichet employees were the most welcoming and patient ones, we decided to interview them and inquire about their products. We asked about their most sold chocolate, which was the “Almond Princesses”. We asked one of the staff members to see if they have any personal favorite chocolate and it turned out it was not really a popular chocolate within the store, named “Corsica” which is a praline chocolate. Regarding the origins of the chocolates, we found out their chocolates are produced in a factory in Versoix by specialists and are then delivered to the store. In terms of what differentiates their store from others they emphasized on the elegance they offer in their design with muted color schemes and an elevated customer experience.

The third location, Läderäch was not easy to find because it was hidden among the buildings, at Rue du Mont-blanc 30, 1201 Geneva. When we entered the Läderäch chocolate shop, we were amazed with the design, as it was very captivating, yet reserved, giving it a wealthy atmosphere while keeping it interesting for the customer. There were chocolate sculptures, colorful chunks of chocolate bars and designed stands of a chocolate candy variety. It is a good place if you want to make a gift to someone and choose something sweet yet creative. For example, their petite boxes of chocolate popcorn with different flavors, or their gift boxes of minimalistic chocolate candies. There were no places where we could sit and drink coffee or rest, the shop was crowded, and the employees looked busy. We had to make a choice quickly and leave because the atmosphere wasn’t too comforting. When we tried to interview a staff member that wasn’t occupied with customers, she seemed to be not eager at all to answer any of our questions or interact. We had to stop our attempts because she looked clearly annoyed with our presence and we didn’t feel welcomed. As for the taste of the chocolate, it was moderately sweet with a clear taste of milk. The texture was crunchy at first and then creamy. The price was surprisingly lower than we thought, at 6 francs per bar, half as expensive as similar stores such as Martel, which added to the value.

 

Overall Ratings

Customer service: 3/10

Atmosphere: 5/10

Comfort: 2/10

Design:7/10

Taste: 8/10

Texture: 8/10 (crunchy then creamy)

Quality based on price: 9/10

Packaging: 10/10

The last location we visited was Lindt at Rue de la Tour-de-L’île 1, 1204 Geneva. The store was easy to find, since it had a big colorful label and was not hidden by any shops or buildings. When we entered the shop, it seemed like a little museum because everything was very bright, colorful and designed in a way that attracted the most attention. There were big stands with rainbow coloured candy wrapped chocolates, brand themed toys, easter bunnies covered in gold wrapping, chocolate hearts and huge sculptures made of chocolate which was all very captivating. The store seemed to be great as a tourist attraction. Furthermore, it had a lot of choices: from raspberry flavored chocolates to coconut and dark chocolate flavors, valentine themed chocolates for couples, basic designs for average tourists and even funny little animal figurines for kids visitors. However, there was no place to sit, so we were expected to just buy chocolates and leave, which we were eager to do as there were quite a lot of people. As we were buying the chocolate, the staff members seemed friendly and polite. And as we left the store, buying a milk chocolate bar for a relatively low price, we were given 6 candies to try for free as a gift, which was very nice from the employee’s side.

As for the chocolate itself, it tasted quite good for the price of 2.50 which we paid. It was very sweet and milky, melting in the mouth, with some creamy aftertaste. However, it felt a little sticky and not as smooth when we chewed the chocolate.

Overall Ratings

Customer service: 8/10

Atmosphere: 7/10

Comfort: 2/10

Design: 9/10

Taste: 7/10

Texture: 6/10 (creamy but sticks on teeth)

Quality based on price: 8/10

Packaging: 2/10

Coop

When we tried the coop’s vegan (oatmilk) chocolate bar, we were first excited to find out what this rather exotic chocolate is. But shortly after, we were hit with an atrocious taste that reminded us of grass mixed with sugar that also left a bad aftertaste and it felt ‘sticky’ in the mouth. The packaging was colorful and rather attractive, but the taste was very disappointing. The price was very cheap, similar to Lindt’s price but in terms of quality Lindt is marginally better.

Afterwards, we tried a regular milk chocolate bar from Coop for a relatively low price to cover the traumatic experience from the previous bar but it was almost just as bad, because it tasted too sugary with a hint of spoiled milk. The packaging was generic.

Overall Ratings

Vegan version: Taste: 0/10; Texture: 2/10; Quality based on price: 3/10; Packaging: 3/10

Regular: Taste: 3/10; Texture: 3/10; Quality based on price: 4/10; Packaging: 1/10

Conclusion

To sum up, our favorite store was Guillaume Bichet and our least favorite was Martel. However, in terms of chocolate we had different favorites. We found the Läderch chocolate the best tasting, while Coop had the worst tasting ones. Through this review we proved our thesis that price is not really the best indicator for the quality of products. To further test our thesis, we will conduct a blind taste testing of the chocolates we tried in class for our presentation.

Greece Trip 2023

Greece Trip 2023

We are pleased to showcase three student-produced videos, each offering a unique perspective, from a captivating visual poem to exquisite portraits capturing the essence of Greece. We hope you take delight in these presentations.

Title: “To Be Found In Greece”

By: Angel Gutierrez

Presenting a visual poem with content captured during her study trip with Webster University Geneva in Greece.

Title: “Learning in Greece”

By: Sarah Fresard

Presenting a video based in Greece showcasing different parts of the study trip while exploring a variety of cities.

Title: “Webster University Geneva Greece Trip, 2023″

By: Antonella Borjas

A stunning portrayal of Greece complemented by enchanting bouzouki melodies.

 

 

 

My Secret Geneva

My Secret Geneva

Article written by Gleb Kruchenetskiy and Joe Tuipulotu

My Secret Geneva is a collective endeavor to unveil the concealed treasures and lesser-known wonders of the remarkable city of Geneva. Known for its international prominence, Geneva frequently hides its more mysterious facets which Joe Tuipulotu and I (Gleb Kruchenetskiy) have embarked on a journey to peel back the layers and reveal the city’s secrets and its lesser-explored charms. Through this collaborative effort, we aim to share our discoveries and offer a unique perspective on Geneva, the idea of it being an island within and having an effect on all districts that when shown in photos may make one single district look like 2 completely different places

 

Cornavin might be a place students are attracted to during the day and stray away from at night. Being the train station and having multiple fast food chains and tourist traps near it – Cornavin is a place full of life and uncertainty. One which students might both hate and love. But the most notable part of Cornavin is that within 10 minutes is a big Manor with fnac inside of it and lots of different food stalls along with good quality groceries. The manor and many different food options may be something students love about Cornavin, and the comfort and organisation of Swiss transport is a big plus. It is only recommended to avoid being outside of Cornavin in the evenings to avoid encounters with disgruntled drunks or beggars, but it is mostly common sense as no country exists with a completely safe and perfect district.

Plainpalais is home to Switzerland’s biggest flea market and the Patek Philippe Museum, it has lots of coffee shops around it, a burger joint (The Burger Foundation), and UNIGE within walking distance. Overall, the place would fit those who would like to explore the more cultural and lively part of Geneva. However, during the night it can be an unsafe space and has been ranked as the second district to avoid in the evening. (The first one being Paquis)

Balexert is mainly a shopping center with lots and lots of different stores and an IMAX cinema. The inside of the mall is very modern, clean, and polished, however, the outside of it isn’t maintained well and the overall area around it has the effect of a “landlocked island”. The mall itself isn’t too far away from the Gare, which might make it appealing for students to come visit it either after class or on the weekend for some shopping/grocery runs and cheap but delicious hotdogs.

 

Paquis is a very multicultural area, there are lots of shawarma and kebab spots, the prices are reasonable and the overall feeling is as if it is Geneva’s “Chinatown” except full of Mediterranean culture. On the other hand, this district is the most dangerous in the evenings and is the red-light district which may be off-putting for some students. Despite this fact, it may still be enticing for those who want good quality shawarma and a taste of culture.

Lancy Pont Rouge isn’t a spot one would expect to hear about, it isn’t a spot for shopping or sightseeing but rather parks, offices, and retirement homes. Schools and housing. Its very business and attention to detail on the streets makes me personally think of Zug – a small town right in the heart of Switzerland, being home to EV Aug and fostering lots of business around it such as Johnson & Johnson and Siemens.

How to get to each spot/cost to go there: If you want to travel to Gare Cornavin, Lancy-Pont Rouge, Balexart, Plainpalais, and Paquis the steps to get to each location are super easy. The price to get to one of the previously mentioned destinations depends on your starting point and the form of transportation you will be taking. To access the prices and transportation availability you can check them online using the tpg or SBB mobile app, or by reading the hard copy bus schedule and prices at each station, however, they usually vary from 3-10chf depending on the distance. A super money saver for students is to get a tpg Geneva area card to travel endlessly around Geneva, purchase a halbtax pass which allows you to pay half price for the whole year starting at 150, or buy a GA if you have lots of free time on weekends and have time to take a trip to Bern, Zurich, St Gallen and maybe Ticino & Lugano.

Interview

Our group member Joe Tuipulotu conducted an interview with WHA President Fatma who is a student at Webster University on the Geneva campus.

1. How do you think Switzerland’s landlocked location affects its economic and trade relations with its neighboring countries? The first thing that comes to mind is that Switzerland is a non-EU member. Switzerland’s status as a landlocked country was probably one of the driving factors that caused Switzerland to join the Schengen Agreement. Another reason for Switzerland joining the Schengen Agreement was to boost its economy because of its geographical nature and the surrounding European countries.

2. What has experience been like with Swiss people and do you agree or disagree with the metaphorical idea of Swiss people being coconuts? Since I’m an international student I was aware of this concept before making my decision to move and study here in Geneva. Personally, in my experience, the coconut analogy has not been the case. I am, however, aware that this analogy of the Swiss being coconuts is famous and in some other cases proves to be true.

3. What is your favorite activity to do in Switzerland? This might sound a bit nerdy, but the best part about Geneva is getting to explore International Organizations. International Relations is a field I have an undying passion for. Even from a young age, I would ask questions about national and international activities. When I first learned about International relations I knew at that very moment that it was the right field for me. One of the major reasons why I chose to study at Webster Geneva was the flexibility it provides for students who are interested in international relations to explore the fields they are interested in. Students who study international relations in Switzerland can also gain practical experience in the headquarters of international organizations which is unparalleled to any other country. Don’t get me wrong, I very much enjoy participating and doing other fun things in Switzerland, but the biggest highlight overall has been exploring and engaging in my passion for international relations.

Our interview with Fatma shed light on several intriguing aspects of Switzerland and her personal experiences, Fatma’s perspective on the “Swiss people as coconuts” analogy provided valuable insight into the cultural dynamics in Switzerland. While she, as an international student, did not necessarily feel this to be the case in her own experience, nevertheless acknowledged the existence of this metaphor and its application in certain instances. Fatma’s passion for exploring these institutions and the practical experiences available to international relations students in Switzerland was truly commendable and serves as a testament to the variety of possibilities that studying in Geneva has to offer to individuals with a similar passion.

Ultimately, “My Secret Geneva” provides a thrilling glimpse into the hidden facets of Geneva which reveals both its enchanting charms and safety concerns, this project may have a make or break effect on students – with our group being a prime example, having started initially with 4 members; Joe and I faced great challenges in communication and policing our teammates which in the end had the effect of break on our group having no other choice than be split up, but that’s when the making effect took place and bonded Joe and I together to organize, plan and fulfill our assigned duties in order to work together collaboratively on this project with passion. We strongly recommend this project for future students and implore them to choose smaller groups for optimal coordination.

Greece Media Trip, 2023

Greece Media Trip, 2023

The Media Communications department of Webster University in Geneva has launched courses which include a field trip experience since 2007.
In collaboration with the Webster campus in Athens, the two courses PHOT 3150 Topics in Photography and DESN 1210 Concepts of Design brought students to Athens and the Cycladic island of Paros. The aim of this experience abroad was to expose them to the production of media in the field while living in a different cultural context. Being the cradle of Western culture, Greece was the perfect environment for this purpose. Students were led by the professor through the basic elements of design and composition. They were challenged to understand the connections with contemporary creativity and innovation in the fields of media production.

Webster University in Geneva Media Greece Trip, held in October 2023, was a life-changing experience for the students of PHOT 3150 and DESN 1210. Beginning in the ancient city of Athens, the journey opened doors to a world of history and culture.

Sarah Fresard
Greta Sigona

Their adventure began among the ancient ruins and streets of Athens. All equipped with cameras, they explored the city by foot, discovering iconic sites such as the legendary Acropolis and its museum, and the treasures housed within the National Archaeological Museum. Every step through the little town of Anafiotika provided another view into ancient Greece. One of the highlights of their time in Athens was a day trip to Cape Sounion, where the Temple of Poseidon formerly stood as a symbol of hope as it marked the end of several sea expeditions.

Giulio Giannicchi

Leaving Athens behind, they set sail for Paros, a captivating island in the heart of the Aegean Sea, with the ferry trip which started with a breathtaking sunrise. They stayed in the charming Cycladic village of Parikia.

Tamara Daher
Sarah Fresard

As the students explored three magnificent beaches in Paros, they were captivated by the island’s clear waters and white sand.
Hikes allowed them to discover even more places, the first one was from Lefkes to Prodromos, where they were welcomed in the town’s local restaurant. They went on another hike to get to the lighthouse, where they had a packed lunch while taking in the view of the ocean and the island’s coastline.

Angel Gutierrez
Angel Gutierrez
Giulio Giannicchi

They had the unique opportunity of being invited to the Paros Photo Club’s weekly meeting. Here the students were able to share their photographic work and make connections with local artists.

Antonella Borjas

Students were able to well immerse themselves in the spirit of the historical ruins and small towns in Paros due to the timing in their trip, which allowed them to enjoy the beauty of the different locations visited at a much less busy season.

Tamara Daher
Sarah Fresard

The students left their wonderful journey with lots of memories and some of their best photographs that told the story of their Greek trip.

Greta Sigona
Angel Gutierrez
Antonella Borjas
Art Gallery Review

Art Gallery Review

Art Gallery Review

By …

Introduction:

The contemporary art scene is an exciting and dynamic space that is constantly pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms. To experience some of the most thought-provoking and innovative contemporary art being produced today, we have chosen to visit five different galleries – Artion, Nebulus, MENO, Bailly, and Gowen. Each of these galleries showcases modern and cutting-edge art from emerging and established artists. As a bonus, these galleries offer free admission to students, making it an accessible and enjoyable leisure activity for art enthusiasts and novices alike.

Some of the different criteria that we used to judge each gallery was: We considered the objective of each exhibition (the Theme), number of works, space of the environment, location, and the people we believe it attracts which also related to over personal conclusion of each gallery

Artion Gallery

Objective: “Our passion for the living history of art, as well as our desire to protect the memory and quality of the Old Masters, in alignment with contemporary trends, result in a dynamic synthesis of the artists we represent; the synergies of their work create orientations, shape opinions and one could argue contribute to the general evolution of the art world, transforming the Commercial Spectrum into Art Historical Context.”

People it would attract: Although the gallery is open to everyone, from what is presented, we assumed that people who have at least a basic understanding of art or an affinity for classical art would enjoy the exhibition more as they can draw links to the original artwork being transformed.

Number of works: 30

Space: The area itself was quite dark itself with two distinguishable floors that required some exploring inorder to fully immerse into the exhibition.

Location: 34 Grand-Rue 204, Geneva

Conclusion: This was one of the first galleries we saw, and we were thoroughly impressed. The art itself was quite immersive because it subverted the ‘great’ art we’ve grown up adorning. The birth of Venus was turned into a mosaic and the painting of the last supper was remodeled in a 3D way to depict two different scenes based on where you saw it. It’s a gallery worth seeing with a dark and moody interior.

Nebulous Pace Gallery

Objective of the installation: “Rooted in the art historical language of abstraction, Villareal’s practice uses pixels and binary code to create complex, rhythmic compositions. Investigating the capacity of light and code as both medium and subject, Villareal’s practice is concerned with the immersive, experiential, and sensorial qualities of perception.

Villareal’s latest body of work, titled Nebulae, brings this language of brightly coloured LED lights, electronics, and custom coding into the gallery space. These new wall-based sculptures are composed of hypnotic, diffused light that pulsates in vibrant hues of radiant colors. Drawing simultaneously on organic, celestial imagery and the visual lexicon of custom software, Villareal’s work bridges the divide, inviting viewers to engage with the boundary that separates the physical and digital worlds.”

People it would attract: Due to its subliminal atmosphere and the eye-catching twinkling of the light, we stated that this atmosphere would be perfect for people who want to fully immerse themselves into a body of work for a short time. Whether that be kids, students, or lawyers, there is something here that grips at everyone’s attention.

Number of works: 8

Space: The space of the gallery itself was very spacious, thus it was on theme with the exhibition as well. The open area allows the audience to fully immerse themselves in the work. Very ethereal and light.

Location: Quai des Bergues 15-17, Geneva

Conclusion: This exhibition, (in my opinion), was the second best of the galleries we explored. It was very spacious and light because the space was open for the viewer to explore it in whichever way they pleased. With 8 major works, each with its own theme and color palette, the art gallery really transported the viewer into another world. I personally recommend this to anyone wishing to try something new in Geneva – whilst it’s still here.

Gowen Art Gallery

Objective of the installation: “Gowen presents REVIVAL I – XVIIIe siècle, the first exhibition in a series which unites over twenty international contemporary artists whose visual language engages with, reimagines, and transforms imagery from the art historical canon. Co-curated by Laura Gowen and New York-based advisor Rachel Cole, the show explores various stylistic and methodological interventions in relation to eighteenth-century aesthetic traditions. Elegant portraiture, conversation pieces, landscapes and the defining mores, trends and events of the era are revisited via ever-changing modes of representation. REVIVAL I – XVIIIe siècle aspires to capture the eighteenth-century zeitgeist, connecting the past to contemporary work as a

mechanism for understanding and informing about the complexities of the present, whilst laying the groundwork for the future.”

People it would attract: The installation that was shown during the time that we visited was also playing with our modern understanding of the Renaissance, just like the Artion Gallery. It was very modern and polished. We believe that people who have an interest in modern art, and who can afford to pay big money for it, would be the ideal audience. Students who enjoy small luxuries would also really enjoy this. This exhibition was done with a younger audience in mind, since the artists themselves were using social media to elevate their works of art and build a community.

Number of works: 27
Location: Grand-Rue 23, 1204 Genève

Space: With many twists and turns all about the gallery, I liked the ‘personal’ journey that the viewer got to embark on. The works were perfected spaced out and the interior allocated enough time and space for the viewer to come to their own conclusions before jumping to the next work.

Conclusion: the interior of the gallery was quite minimalistic with a lot of corners and turns. It encouraged the viewer to take matters into their own hands and seek something that stands out to them. All the works were very thought provoking and the art curator was extremely talented and proficient in his work which helped better understand the purpose of the exhibition.

Interview

How often do you change the artworks in the gallery?

It depends on the exhibition, but we usually change them every four to five months. For example, this exhibition is going to last until the end of April, so we are going to change the paintings when the exhibition ends.

What kinds of artists take part in the exhibitions that are held at your gallery?

There are many artists that mainly create contemporary art and most of them are young, about 30-50 years old. WIth this specific collection we integrated the use of social media as most of the artists featured have used their platforms to elevate their status and their works. The reception of the works has been very positive.

How does your gallery have so many clients and visitors that want to see the exhibitions and maybe buy some pieces?
That is also related to the second question because I think one of the main reasons our gallery is so famous is social media. Our artists are mostly young and they share their art with the world through social media which connects them to young clients who come and visit our gallery daily.

Bailly’s Art Gallery

Objective of the installation: “There is an infinite number of subjects, techniques, artistic visions and creative processes that lead to the creation of a work of art. Yet, there are times when compositions that appear to be fundamentally different from one another hold common characteristics: the presence of lines and shades of color. The exhibition Lines and Colors: An artistic path provides a grouping of works that exposes the multitude of unique creative paths resulting from the use of lines and colors”

People it would attract: From all the galleries we visited, this felt the most ‘archaic’ because we didn’t find it soul grabbing or eye catching. From this agreement, we believe that people over the age of 35 may be more prone to enjoy the finer details that we happened to overlook.

M.E.N.O Art Gallery


Objective of the installation: “With a different tangible delineation from the previous galleries, M.E.N.O focuses on creating an atmosphere of fun and spontaneity where the abstract linear works are displayed in an attempt to attract the viewer’s raw reactions.”

People it would attract: This installation showcased a very ‘typical’ abstract gallery atmosphere, where linear lines are composed in a delicate way to elicit a reaction from the viewer. The location of the museum makes it easy for students to hop from one gallery to another. Although we would encourage people who find modern art ‘boring’ to give this one a try, if they’re willing to go with an open mind.

Number of works: 27
Location: Grand-Rue 33, 1204 Genève

Space: the work is comparable to the Gowen with a higher frequency of works per wall/ room. The clean aesthetic of all the white walls carried on in the showroom which helped transmit the true colors and emotions of each artwork.

Conclusion: By the end of the tour I believe that the viewers had formulated their own perspective on what the works were supposed to emoting. I believe the end purpose of the gallery is to trigger a more introspective reflection of what it means to be in such an abstract setting, thus it was quite worth the view.

However, this is an experience that we’d encourage all students and others to try because it offered a lot of different perspectives on a large selection of artworks.

Number of works: 20+

Space: Moderate spacing in the gallery with enough spacing and enough area but they could have done a bit more with the deco and the immersion of the theme with their artwork.

Location: Rue de l’Hôtel-de-Ville 10, 1204 Genève

Conclusion: The artworks displayed follow inline with the contemporary theme we’ve seen thus far with a post- modern twist. What really caught our attention was the fact that there were a lot of sculptures integrated into the exhibition. The works were all quite different from each other but I think it helped break the monotony of the 4 previous galleries. Although there is a lot to explore, the previous galleries piqued our interest, however we’d love for the students to see and decide for themselves!

Great Places to Relax in Geneva

Great Places to Relax in Geneva

By Roberto Zolotoff, Isabella Mujica

1. Introduction

Midterm week is a time of stress and studying for many students at Webster and all around the world. Given the need to relax during these trying times, we decided to find good places to relax that are also nearby campus. This way, students can take a quick break to compose themselves before going back to study for their exams. In order to help our peers with their growing stress, we chose 5 places that we thought could help them relax. After picking the places to visit, we also decided on the criteria that we were going to use in order to judge the places. This way, we could communicate better the pros and cons of these locations. To achieve this, we came up with the following traits to have in mind:

–     Proximity   –    Area
  • Noise
  • Crowdedness
  • Cleanliness
Before talking about the places in question, it is important to explain what we mean with the previous traits. Proximity is pretty straightforward; with this we simply judge how far or close a place is from campus by giving the time it takes to reach the destination. Area refers to how big a place is. Crowdedness, Cleanliness and Noise are the traits we gave a score from 1 to 10 for rating. With Noise and Crowdedness, the lower the score the better. A low score in crowdedness means that the place is pretty empty while a high score means that many people go there. Similar to crowdedness, a high score in noise means that the place is loud while the opposite can be said for a low score. Cleanliness differs from the previous two in that the higher the score the better. A high score in cleanliness means that the place is quite clean and well kept, while a low score is the opposite. With the places chosen and the traits explained, we know begin our report on the places and their effectiveness for relaxation.
2. Bellevue Lake

Being the closest location to campus, the area around lake in Bellevue is a perfect place to relax. This place is found just 5 minutes from campus and provides a wonderful view to the lake. Students often come to this area to relax and take a breather near the waters of the lake. One can walk around the shore or simply sit down in the benches that can be found around the place. Students may find ducks swimming around the shore to keep them company. Despite it being a medium size place, the Bellevue lake is a clean and quiet place where people can enjoy their time. During summer, the place can also be nice for swimming to fight the summer heat. Since the place is often frequented by students, we decided to interview one of them to learn more about the appeal of this location. 

Do you go to Bellevue lake often, and why?

Yes, I tried to come to Bellevue lake pretty often usually when I have breaks in between classes and it’s nice and sunny outside and it’s pretty warm. I try to walk over there either by myself or with a friend and always usually spend around like 30 or 40 minutes there just kind of walking around the area or just sitting down and just being in the sun. It’s really important because after a long day of classes ahead you know you just want to kind of get outside and have some vitamin D and just some fresh air.

Do you enjoy going there and why? How far away is it?

I really enjoy going there because it’s a walkable distance it’s about like 5 minutes away. At most 10 minutes if I’m kind of walking more slowly or I’m just observing the nature around me or I’m with a friend we’re talking and I really like it because it’s very peaceful. There’s like some people there but it’s not super crowded its usually people who are also just relaxing and resting and with their family and friends and it’s nice to just see like the ducks and the water and just people kind of being at peace and having fun.

Where at Bellevue lake is your favorite place to chill, and why?

My favorite place to chill there definitely just has to be the benches by the water it’s really just relaxing especially there I like the inner pool it has I just like to sit there and kind of think about things and just kind of take a breather from all my classes.

3. Jardin Botanique

For our second place to visit, we went to the Jardin Botanique located in Chem. De L’Imperatrice. This place is a massive garden that serves as an ecological sanctuary to appreciate nature and its beauty. People can enter for free and admire the vast variety of plants that are scattered throughout the garden. Not only can one enjoy the sight of such magnificent flowers and trees, but they can also learn more about them by reading the notes found on informative boards next to them. Walking along the main path feels like being inside a mini fairy tale with how magic everything feels like. 

To reach this place, one only need to take the train from campus heading to Genève Secheron and walk up the stairs from the station. The place is immaculately clean due to the caretakers that are often making sure that the flora of the place is being treated with due respect. Since it’s a public garden, it is not unusual to find other people walking or laying around the garden. Despite this, the place is so big that there is plenty of space to accommodate all these individuals without disrupting the calmness and quietness of the place. Overall, the Jardin Botanique is truly a beautiful place that people should visit given the chance. It’s the perfect place to relax or simply walk around with your friends at any point during the year. We recommend visiting the garden during summer since that’s when the place is in its full glory and beauty. 
4. Geneva Lake Deck

The Geneva Lake Deck is perfect for students that, rather than just seating down, want to walk around to clear their minds. One can walk along the whole area around the lake near the Mont Blanc Bridge located in the main city of Geneva. This area is close to many shops where student can grab coffee or food while walking around the lake’s edge. While walking, students can observe many ducks, swans, sea gulls and boats that compliment to the water-like ambient of the lake. Not only that, but one can also sit down or swim in certain areas of the lake deck. The activities mentioned before are common things people do during summer time, when the weather is warmer and the heat is unbearable. 

Given its centralized location, many people can be found walking around this area. People use it to walk across the bridge or get to other places in the city, so it can a bit crowded during the day. The noise is something else to have in mind given its proximity to the road. People and cars are the sounds one can expect to hear apart from the birds and boats. Despite that, the place is rather clean for such a transited place in the city. We recommend this place for walking while using headphones. The area is perfect to simply walk in circles while listening to music to clear one’s mind. Overall, a decent place that many people will eventually walk by if living in the city. 
5. Ile Rousseau

The Rousseau Isle is a small portion of land that can be found in the lake area in the city of Geneva. Named after the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the island is a small place for people to sit down and enjoy the view of the lake and the city. Students can find many aquatic birds around the isle that add a nice touch to the ambiance. There are many benches around the isle where people can sit and even a statue of the philosopher that shares the name with the place. One can learn more about him by reading the notes on the statue and learn something while relaxing in the isle. This place is also used for some events throughout the year such as the light festival during early January.

To reach this place, one only needs to walk from Gare Cornavin heading toward Mont Blanc and use the bridge to access the isle. Given its size, one can hear the voices of people quite clearly, even if there’s not many people around. The small area means that everything is close together so the noise has a shorter distance to travel and spread. Despite that, not many people tend to go there as the place is quite small and, aside from sitting down, there’s not much to do. The isle is quite clean and has many trash cans for people to throw their wastes during their stay. Overall, the Ile Rousseau is a small but perfect place to
6. Jardin Anglais

Our final destination was the Jardin Anglais located in Quai du General-Guisan, just a few minutes away from Gare Cornavin. The English Garden is well known by many as one of the biggest parks in Geneva. Its distinctive flower clock is one of its many beautiful features and charms. Aside from that, the park has many areas perfect for picnics, events, and other outdoor activities. One can find many places to lie down beneath the trees or sit down on benches to enjoy their time here. This is also a great place to bring your friends and have a blast doing anything or nothing together. People can also find mini stores by the park if they wish to buy anything to complement their time at the garden.

The park is often visited by many people that are either walking through it or also enjoying their time relaxing among the trees. Due to the size of the park, you won’t feel like being in a crowded area despite the people around you. The park is also clean from trash, but one might want to look out old rotten pinecones. The many trees are home to squirrels and their food and sometimes that food might be nasty to touch after a while. As long as one checks the ground first, they can lay down on the grass and enjoy a sun bathe while taking a nap. Overall, this place was quite a calm visit and would definitely be one of the main places we would recommend to new students in Geneva.