As I wandered throughout Bastions Park in the European city of Geneva, Switzerland, I was struck by the dichotomy of the park itself.  So many of the churches of Geneva represent the austerity of the Calvinist movement and fittingly, here at the edge of Geneva’s Old Town, a wall commemorating four of the Protestant founders of the reformation stretches hundreds of feet.  The Reformation Wall is hard to miss and is a prominent sight while at Bastions Park.  The desert colors of the wall seem to reflect the religious leanings of the men depicted on it.

But the park itself is vivid.  With color. With people.  With activity.

Bastions Park was founded as one of the first botanical gardens in Geneva.  While it is no longer a botanical garden, it is filled with beautiful Swiss flora.

Entering through the park gates, I was met by oversized chess and checkers boards filled with people, young and old, contemplating their positions before bounding over to make their move.

To the left were several ping pong tables being use with varying degrees of success.  Some saw sustained rallies, while others saw games of fetch.

To the right was a May Day celebration with food, music, and the requisite protesters and petitions to be signed.

There was even a live band playing at the far end of the Reformation Wall.

The quite reflectiveness of the wall, mixed with the liveliness of Bastions Park was fascinating and a great way to spend some time exploring Geneva.  We have some Europe travel tips for free things to do in  Geneva on the Europe a la Carte Blog.

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