Ludotheque (Toy Library)
So much to blog about, but this one has been an answer to prayers!!!
My new all-time favorite thing in Geneva is the Ludotheque, Toy Library. Why can’t the States have these? The kids and I hit one today, it’s right by a tram stop so very easy to get to. Basically it’s an indoor play area with a ton of games, puzzles, bikes, cars, trucks, baby toys, scooters, etc that you can check out for free! And considering that I’m alone w/these kids for 10 hours a day w/barely anyone speaking English to me, this will save my life these next 6 weeks.
Today we went and on our way in met Stormy, a Dallas, TX girl who married a Suisse and has been here for 10 years. She has twin boys, Roman and Phoenix. So I knew we would get along great considering my kids’ names. She helped me by translating all the information – it was so nice cuz not very many people even WANT to speak English if they know it. We checked out a huge train track for Rocky, Blokus for Leo, and a crane set for Fischer. Fischer wanted to bring home a bike, and Leo skates but all I had was the stroller so couldn’t haul all that back on the tram. I told them we could come back with the car next time and get whatever they wanted.
After the Lidotheque, we hit the playground right outside. There are tons of playgrounds here and they have the most amazing toys I’ve ever seen. We went to another one yesterday that had a HUGE basket-pendulum type swing that Rocky and I fit into so I made the kids push me for a while. It was very relaxing, until I thought I was going to puke. Anyways, then we found another playground near by with even better toys! There was a preschool out playing and one of the teachers spoke English. She told me how kids start school here at age 4, in France it’s age 3. That’s too early. She was really nice though but told me if I moved here, I needed to take French lessons. She also taught me that bathroom is “le toilette” – very important when I have 4 kids and have to ask all over Geneva for bathrooms.
I’m lovin’ it here.
suzie romans said,
June 22, 2010 @ 2:50 pm
Very very cool. Glad you have found things to do and having having fun. We miss you here. xoxo
Your MOM said,
June 22, 2010 @ 4:46 pm
That’s awesome, Gina! I want to come visit just for all of those perks. Yes please! Those places sound so rad. We need pics of this goodness!!
Gina, I cannot even tell you how excited I am about moving…it’s like everyday I get another confirmation that Utah is H on earth…just kidding! Sort of.:) No, really, though, I am getting excited & I might even move in with you before you know it! yeah!:) Keep having a blast!!
Maria said,
June 24, 2010 @ 9:26 am
We miss you and the children! Sounds like you are having a wonderful adventure. I can’t wait to hear all the stories. Richmond update: HOT!!!! Hopefully it will be cooler when you return. Walk by your house everyday to check things out. Looks great, but also is missing you.
Take care – See you in 6 weeks
Your MOM said,
June 24, 2010 @ 3:24 pm
and don’t even worry that i just about busted a gut laughing at your posts on mine 4 minutes ago! and i added another favorite: you + 4 kids livin’ it up in switzerland! yes pleasth! gina, i’d love some of that chocolate & cheese but if you eat it all, i’d be okay with it. wouldn’t it be awesome to special order it straight to your house? yum. it makes me want to go to that bakery by the cleveland zoo & eat some almondines….yummm….cant you tell aunt flow is in town? gina, if she’s in your town, too, i might die b/c we are twins AGAIN! no freaking way!
i visit teach a girl who went on her mission to switzerland & she said she ate a whole chocolate bar every day for her entire mission. i love it!
okay, we’re going camping up the canyon now…i better go b/c i hear chumby yelling, “top!” for stop b/c bee is bugging him. awesome. love you furna!
danae said,
June 26, 2010 @ 2:16 am
so fun for you!! what an experience for you and your family! just curious about a few things..don’t have to answer me if you don’t have time..but do jobs, in general, pay more? everyone always says how pricey it is here in hawaii, but i feel like jobs pay more?!?!?..also, i heard that gas is so pricey there ’cause they don’t have a transportation/road tax?? don’t know if that makes sense: basically the people who pay for the roads use them..meaning if your buying gas, obviously you use a car and that money helps pay for the roads…don’t know if this makes sense..just curious!! have a blast and take lots of photos..your kids will love you for this some day:)