Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Geneva- A tour to the peace capital

Recently I got a chance to visit Geneva as a part of delegation to participate in a seminar on human rights. Though a part of Switzerland, Geneva is considered as an international city and the base for many international organizations. It has a history dated back to the period of Julius Caesar. Since then it has witnessed many wars and revolts. After Caesar conquered this city and made it a part of the Roman Empire, it has seen many bloodshed and revolts during different periods. After the arrival of French refugees, the fight between Protestants and Catholics started. Then it saw the revolts by many fascist organizations and later by several leftist organizations. These experiences molded the history of Geneva and now it has become the capital of international peace.

We have purchased inexpensive flight tickets as we were travelling to this magnificent city on a tight budget. As we have gone on behalf of a social service organization, we owe to spend less money. Secondly, we had gone for a social cause and not for enjoying a holiday trip. So we decided to go for cheap flights to Geneva. Once we reached the airport, the representatives of the organizers were there to receive us. We were taken directly to the guest house arranged by the organizers.

After the Second World War, Geneva became the head quarters for United Nations Organization. The rise of this city begins from here. Then a number of international organizations selected this city as their head quarters. Red Cross is one such organization having its head quarters in Geneva. Many companies are also having their head quarters in this city. This attracts many regular visitors to this city. Many airline s are operating flights to Geneva. This city is considered one of the largest financial centers in the world with thriving private banking sector. It is also a center for international commodity trade.

The next day our conference began. In the evenings we used to visit many historically important places. We had visited former arsenal and archives of the City of Geneva, Library De Geneva etc. The sight of the famous Cathedral St. Pierre Chapel mesmerized us. These days, the availability of cheap tickets to Geneva has increased the number of visitors. Earlier only certain diplomats and some business people used to visit this city. Heads of many nations were also regular visitors here. However, now more and more common people are visiting this city. It has many things to attract the tourists with different tastes. Apart from the structures where the history of the world sleeps, it has many big shopping malls and good restaurants. It has several theaters and venues for performing arts too.

It was a heart breaking moment when we had to say goodbye to Geneva. We all will remember this city.