Arrived at Burger King for 1pm and met up with the other huggers and got a few in for practice, then upto Janets office for the making of our "Free Hugs" signs then into the breach dear friends and what a few hours it was, Geneva didnt know where to put itself or in which direction to run. It was great to watch peoples reactions, the total idea of hugging strangers in the street was far beyond some peoples comprehension whilst other got really into the hug of things, especially the guys from the Penis Monologues! Young and old embraced the day whilst others just ran away the look of fear written across their faces. As it got colder the hugs were more important for the huggers but still with smiles on our faces we finished with a group hug at 4pm. It was a great opportunity to meet with fellow GOL huggers and also to put a smile on complete strangers faces. All in all a great event which in my opinion, should happen more often. Happy Hugging
MissBehave, Nov 18, 2006 @ 19:51

I read about this on the activities board earlier and wasn't too sure about the idea of hugging total strangers.... But I happened to be passing by and curiousity got the better of me.
Don't know who it was that I hugged, but the cheerful smile and warm hug left me feeling quite good... next time I'm in too!
theogaraj, Nov 18, 2006 @ 20:02

As one of the 'hugged' today, can I just say thank you?!
I've had a really rubbish week and you put a smile on my face again :)
sarahminchin, Nov 18, 2006 @ 20:03

Just saw the Free Hugs on TV! Great stuff on TSI.....
Iolly, Nov 18, 2006 @ 21:33

imissed my flight so got stuck in the US, but saw the video and spoke with the huggers (and hugees), and it seems the Free Hugs were GREAT!

Thanks to everyone who made it happen (especially Iolly, who volunteered to lead it), to all the great natural huggers who hugged and hugged and made many people feel just a little better, and to Laurent and Massimo who got us on TV.

Sending you all big hugs!


Nir Ofek, Nov 18, 2006 @ 23:22

For a person who left Geneva...never felt more alone in my life!! I just need to say a huge THANKYOU... to Gol, to smiley, freindly people like Sherri and all the brave huggers!! Thanks to Gol I have some great freinds and now... happy memories of Geneva.
I was shy to be a hugger today but thrilled just to be a part of the energy!!
Cat
kitcat, Nov 19, 2006 @ 00:57

i came to show support, but ended up borrowing a sign myself and hugging everybody and anybody...more than a few times, often! it was really great! and some people showed amazing hugging power!! ;)

Minda, Nov 19, 2006 @ 13:15

I have to admit, it was great fun. Wasn't a volunteer, but showed up with my camera to record the moemt for posterity. And I enjoyed myself immensely. Have to say there are some really talented huggers there, and the people who were too shy really missed out.

Anyway, here's a link to some of the pictures, if anyone wants to get a bigger version, drop me a line, and we'll negotiate something ;-) LOL

Cheerio,
S.
shadow69, Nov 19, 2006 @ 16:26

Forgot the link:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/shaqqani/album?.dir=/14acscd

Or

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/shaqqani/album?.dir=14acscd&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/shaqqani/my_photos
shadow69, Nov 19, 2006 @ 16:28

but I gave some hugs as well and brought my camera to take some photos.

Another great GOL event!
CeeBee, Nov 19, 2006 @ 22:40

I had signed up for another event and couldn't join in, but we finished early and I stopped by to give (& get) a few hugs and ended up staying for an hour and a half! It was an amazing event! So much positive energy and lots of smiles. I'm so glad I was able to make it!
Debbie, Nov 20, 2006 @ 05:10

Article is on page two with a picture of Iolly.
SWISS, Nov 20, 2006 @ 10:15

what is the goal to make so much advertizing (newspaper, TV...) about this free hugs event?
versace, Nov 20, 2006 @ 19:14

Almost a full page in tribune de geneve on the last page!

Laurent_68, Nov 20, 2006 @ 19:33

http://www.20min.ch/ro/news/geneve/story/22448721
keleko, Nov 20, 2006 @ 19:41

I think it was okay to reach a larger public via the media for once, because:

- it was a very nice event with a positive spirit.
- it showed the creativity and activity of our cool community.
- the “offline” is as important as the online.
- we made clear that we are open to anyone.

so, perfect to show these pictures to geneva and to the rest of switzerland.

summermind, Nov 20, 2006 @ 23:53

it's all of the above, namely:
- spreading postive vibes
- promoting GoL and what it does

Nir



Nir Ofek, Nov 21, 2006 @ 15:24