Hello friends.
It is Saturday morning, and I woke up early to finish a paper that is due on Sunday morning, since we are going to visit Chateau Chillon for most of today with our Smith group. I find myself, however, updating my blog.
Two days ago, we went as a big group to get our residency permits, and we went at rush hour in the morning on the bus so it was very crowded. My wallet went missing later that day, so I assume it was stolen on the crowded bus (and very craftily, because my wallet was in a zip pocket closer to my side!). My wallet also had my keys inside. Thus, it has been an emotionally and physically exhausting couple of days, and I have to go back to the police in about 4 days because they won't let me file a report this early. When I found out it happened, I was really upset at first, and then I calmed down and realized there was nothing I could do about it and that I was fine. I woke up the next morning really upset about it, though...there's no way to really describe it other than saying it feels emotionally violating and makes me feel like I was being irresponsible when in fact there was little I could have done to prevent it, other than maybe having a different purse and looking less American. There were only about 70 francs in my wallet, with my debit and atm card, license, my bus pass and rail pass, a fortune that I like to carry around with me, and other things I'm sure I will remember as time passes...I still have my passport, though, and camera, and ipod, most of my money, and my good nature! Despite knowing this, I did start to tear up this morning when I went to the lost and found and the police station with Jonathan, our director, and he felt badly and bought me a little tiny potted plant which was very nice.
When something like this happens I always feel myself starting to get very homesick and wanting the comfort of the things and the people I know, but I have to remind myself that it is not Geneva that I don't like, it's just some circumstances like this one that are making it harder for me to adjust. Orientation has been very busy, I've had lots of assignments for my classes and meetings so there is little time to go explore and settle myself in.
I met some people from West Africa that live on my floor the night of the stolen wallet, and they invited me and Rachel over to share their food. They have only been here for a week, and were sharing a big meal, and were really interested in hearing about America (especially Obama) and were very friendly. They all were listening to the radio which was broadcasting updates about the happenings in Egypt, and it was very interesting to see how people from most other parts of the world are so much more politically aware and interested than Americans.
Okay well I should finish my papeeeer ahhhh and then I'm sure a much cheerier update will follow soon about Chateau de Chillon!
Also, here is my mailing address, in case anyone wants to cheer me up with some mail, I would appreciate it and return the favor!
c/o Smith College
16, Boulevard Georges-Favon
1204 Geneva, Switzerland
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