Saturday, August 7 2010
Aside from the joy of unpacking and setting up shop, we did have some fun breaks to enjoy Geneva over the last couple of weeks. The first day in August was Swiss National Day (Geneva’s Independence Day). We aren’t quite sure yet who they became independent from, but it was a great excuse to set off fireworks! On Saturday night (the 31st) there was a “big” (at least we thought it was big at the time) firework show over the lake, which we caught a glimpse of from the park outside our home. The next night (the actual holiday) we got a taste of the celebration up close. In one of the parks near our place, we stumbled upon a designated firework area and people were going crazy lighting off all the fireworks they had. Apparently it was legal, albeit not safe (so says motherly Ang). After enjoying the show put on by the pyro-Swiss citizens, we continued on and witnessed a bizarre (but not really surprising anymore) interpretive dance with people in large, illuminated blow-up suits. We can’t really explain it, but you can see it below. The people around us seemed to love it so I guess that’s all that matters.
Aside from the joy of unpacking and setting up shop, we did have some fun breaks to enjoy Geneva over the last couple of weeks. The first day in August was Swiss National Day (Geneva’s Independence Day). We aren’t quite sure yet who they became independent from, but it was a great excuse to set off fireworks! On Saturday night (the 31st) there was a “big” (at least we thought it was big at the time) firework show over the lake, which we caught a glimpse of from the park outside our home. The next night (the actual holiday) we got a taste of the celebration up close. In one of the parks near our place, we stumbled upon a designated firework area and people were going crazy lighting off all the fireworks they had. Apparently it was legal, albeit not safe (so says motherly Ang). After enjoying the show put on by the pyro-Swiss citizens, we continued on and witnessed a bizarre (but not really surprising anymore) interpretive dance with people in large, illuminated blow-up suits. We can’t really explain it, but you can see it below. The people around us seemed to love it so I guess that’s all that matters.
Yeah, we don’t get it either.
Above we mentioned that there was a “big” firework show the weekend of Swiss National Day. Well that was nothing compared to a week later. Dave’s boss was lucky enough to score an amazing apartment with a roof-top terrace. His view is incredible any day of the week, but it was prime real estate for the show on Saturday. Unfortunately the video below doesn’t do it justice, but this was every firework show we’ve ever seen in the states on steroids…x10. We literally found ourselves speechless, staring in awe throughout the 45 minute firework show (yes, 45 minutes—we don’t even want to know the price tag). When they opened the first 5 minutes with what would have been an encore in any respectable show, we knew we were in for something special. It even had an intermission! We were told it continues to be one of the biggest firework shows in the world and that different countries sponsor it every year. One of our friends asked a local what they thought of the show this year, and the guy said it was just “ok” because a few years ago the Russians were in charge and they sent skydivers jumping out of planes with fireworks attached to them. Seriously. Maybe Moscow for New Year’s Eve this year?
Above we mentioned that there was a “big” firework show the weekend of Swiss National Day. Well that was nothing compared to a week later. Dave’s boss was lucky enough to score an amazing apartment with a roof-top terrace. His view is incredible any day of the week, but it was prime real estate for the show on Saturday. Unfortunately the video below doesn’t do it justice, but this was every firework show we’ve ever seen in the states on steroids…x10. We literally found ourselves speechless, staring in awe throughout the 45 minute firework show (yes, 45 minutes—we don’t even want to know the price tag). When they opened the first 5 minutes with what would have been an encore in any respectable show, we knew we were in for something special. It even had an intermission! We were told it continues to be one of the biggest firework shows in the world and that different countries sponsor it every year. One of our friends asked a local what they thought of the show this year, and the guy said it was just “ok” because a few years ago the Russians were in charge and they sent skydivers jumping out of planes with fireworks attached to them. Seriously. Maybe Moscow for New Year’s Eve this year?
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