Lake Geneva's Little Mermaid

The story of The Little Mermaid offers a mirror into human psychology, especially our pride - after all, why would a mermaid be happy living as a fish when she could walk among humankind? In all of the stories, from Hans Christian Anderson's original tale to Disney's happy-ending version, the little mermaid has friends who consistently appeal to her to enjoy what she has - to stop, and smell the coral, so to speak, and not set her sights on the unobtainable. The original is the quintessential Christian parable - the mermaid covets her neighbor's possessions - two feet, and in the end, it is her undoing. She epitomizes envy and greed. Disney's tale, of course, spins that true love can conquer all, and in the true spirit of Disney, seems to say "if you wish it, it will come true". Disney's little mermaid gains her true love and happiness at the end.

Surrounded by the Alps, the skyrocketing Jet D'eau (the tallest gush of water in the world), and residences that have boasted US presidents, French royalty, and famous writers, Lake Geneva offers a quiet splendor to admire a gem of a statue, hidden away in the corner of the lake. This mermaid more of a siren, beckoning the boats closer, to capsize them upon her rock; to be caught in her beauty, instead of witnessing the beauty around her. She unabashedly looks over her shoulder, fascinated by humankind, and yet frozen in time, and unable to join them. Just don't fall for her song or you will join her forever on the bottom of Lake Geneva.