MEET MY VOISINS: NIGEL

NAME: NIGEL

Age: 41

Occupation: Personal Trainer, Urban Terrain Fitness

Place of Origin: Born in Brooklyn and raised in Newark, NJ

Length of time in Geneva: 2 years, 3 months

Neighborhood: Servette

Languages Spoken: English, French (un peu)

Connect with Nigel (and LOTS of other cool cats): Geneva’s Social Butterflies

Why did you move to Geneva?

I met & fell in love with a beautiful Swiss woman while in NYC. We married in New York and soon after, I found myself on a plane to Switzerland.

What is your favorite area in Geneva to have fun and why?

I don’t really have a favorite area. Depending on my mood & the season, I can find myself in various areas around the city. During the summer months there’s more to do and see near the lake and in the parks. For drinks and socializing, I find myself in Les Grottes or near Plainpalais.

What are your favorite things to do and places to go?

I enjoy having a coffee at my favorite cafe, Boréal at Rue du Stand. I also enjoy having drinks at Barbershop 14 on Boulevard Georges-Favon. In the summer, nothing beats being around the lake. Bains des Paquis is probably my go-to place.

What is the hardest part about living in Geneva?

I find there’s no room for spontaneity. I’ve essentially become a creature of habit. Also the fucking trams ending service early!!!

What advice would you give to a new arrival who is #CopingWithGeneva?

Breathe deeply every chance you get. It gets better. Enjoy the summer. And during the winter, either retreat to the mountains or add a dose of Vitamin D to your daily routine. But more importantly, the sooner you accept Geneva for what it is, the sooner you begin to feel at home.

What is one thing you want people to know about Geneva?

Lausanne is not too far away…

What is one thing about yourself which makes you unique?

I have this innate ability to bring people together.

Want to share about Geneva from your perspective? Check out the MEET MY VOISINS page for more information!