THE JOURNEY BEGINS
Symone Spaulding arrives in Geneva
I really can’t believe I’m in Switzerland and Italy for 10 days.
I’ve never been so far out the country and definitely haven’t been on a huge trip without my parents. I’m walking into this journey with people I don’t know, in a country I don’t know and I’m nervous.
Symone Spaulding’s ticket to Zurich (Contributed photos)
The entire trip to the Chicago airport, I couldn’t eat anything. I had no appetite but plenty of nerves.
Still, I knew that this would be the experience of a lifetime, and I need to move forward with this trip confidently, taking advantage of every moment despite my anxiety about traveling so far.
My excitement took over the second I landed in Poland for a layover. It might be summer at home, but it was 42 degrees in Poland.
Nearly a full day later, I’ve finally made it to Geneva, and wow.
This huge, beautiful city is so eye-opening, and I met some really great people my first night. It’s safe to say this is going to be a great trip.
Symone’s study abroad group poses for a photo.
Symone in Switzerland
The Switzerland flag
The second course of the first night’s meal.
Nutrition in Geneva
The first night, we had dinner as a group. The dinner was a very memorable three-course meal. I was taken aback by what was served.
The first course was a salad, consisting of vegetables but no lettuce, something that is popular in Geneva. Salads usually contain lots of carrots.
The second course was a bit heavier – some type of pork with heavy cream, potatoes and veggies.
The last course, dessert, was a light ice cream topped with fruit.
-Symone Spaulding, journalism major and English minor
June 9-10, 2018