Saturday, April 11, 2009
The Model UN Heads back to the Real UN
We're heading back to the United Nations building for the closing ceremony and the awards. Will GMC take one home? It would be our first time. Competition is tight--there are teams that have been doing this for 40 years. There are schools that have tens of thousands of students with dedicated International Relations Faculty. Whatever happens, I know in my heart that GMC has done a great job. I'll let you hear what happened after the ceremony.
The Pictures Are In!
After a successful session at the UN, we're regrouping before this afternoon's closing ceremonies. Here are a few of the images from the morning. Click to see them full size.
Student Reflections: Aaron Ashton
New York, the UN, and Great People!
We began our trip on Tuesday morning; at 4:30 a.m., hardly anyone was awake. After struggling with placing our luggage in the van and Laura’s small sedan, we headed out. Sleep filled my body and I woke up to a Greyhound bus stop in White River Junction, Vermont. Our group had a long trip ahead of them. We would have to travel from Vermont to Massachusetts, to New Hampshire, through Connecticut, and finally to New York City, New York. Most of us slept in the semi-comfortable seats while I laughed at our stern bus driver. He would honk and holler at cars that wouldn’t move and after the bellow of the horn was through, a few people would open their irritated eyes.
We arrived in New York around 4:00 p.m. and rushed to get ready to go to the welcoming ceremony at 6:00 p.m. Although we had some miscommunication on when to meet for our departure, we made it in time for the ceremony. Our group was happy to be at the UN and for many of us it was the first time at the headquarters.
Over the next few days I worked in the third committee. There were over 150 delegations present in my committee and it was somewhat difficult to have my voice heard but I soon sponsored a paper dealing with improving emergency response through humanitarian reform.
I made many friends and I now can count to over one hundred in German! This was a great opportunity and I hope to be back next year! I am thankful towards Green Mountain College for funding my trip and towards Paul for dealing with my crazy antics.
Aaron Ashton
“Double AA”
We began our trip on Tuesday morning; at 4:30 a.m., hardly anyone was awake. After struggling with placing our luggage in the van and Laura’s small sedan, we headed out. Sleep filled my body and I woke up to a Greyhound bus stop in White River Junction, Vermont. Our group had a long trip ahead of them. We would have to travel from Vermont to Massachusetts, to New Hampshire, through Connecticut, and finally to New York City, New York. Most of us slept in the semi-comfortable seats while I laughed at our stern bus driver. He would honk and holler at cars that wouldn’t move and after the bellow of the horn was through, a few people would open their irritated eyes.
We arrived in New York around 4:00 p.m. and rushed to get ready to go to the welcoming ceremony at 6:00 p.m. Although we had some miscommunication on when to meet for our departure, we made it in time for the ceremony. Our group was happy to be at the UN and for many of us it was the first time at the headquarters.
Over the next few days I worked in the third committee. There were over 150 delegations present in my committee and it was somewhat difficult to have my voice heard but I soon sponsored a paper dealing with improving emergency response through humanitarian reform.
I made many friends and I now can count to over one hundred in German! This was a great opportunity and I hope to be back next year! I am thankful towards Green Mountain College for funding my trip and towards Paul for dealing with my crazy antics.
Aaron Ashton
“Double AA”
Student Reflections: Mark Thiong'o
MY GREAT TRIP OUT
The trip down to New York City was one that involved a lot of napping. There was nothing really spectacular about the trip - nothing about a bus ride really is. All that changed when we drove up to the Port Authority and made our way to the Marriot Marquis at Times Square on foot – luggage and all. Then the fairy tale began. Never in my life have all my senses been so stimulated. The waft of warm pretzels was quickly and unfortunately replaced by that of horse dung as I wheeled my suitcase past a horse carriage. My eyes seemed to oscillate in their sockets jumping from one giant digitized billboard to the next. Different accents filled the air. A bit of Italian here and a tinge of West African dialect there all filled the humdrum in the atmosphere. This was definitely not Poultney. The sea of people was incredible and very annoying - at times kicking my luggage if I was suddenly distracted by my new surroundings. “Welcome to the centre of the world” Paul said. I chuckled.
The Acronym TGIF meant nothing to me on Friday April 10th. I was desperately ill. My throat felt like it had been rubbed down with sand paper and a fever shook my large frame. So on a trip back from the doctor’s office, Paul took me on a tour of ‘uptown’ NYC. I am not great with addresses but the general region was on the Southside of Central Park. My jaw dropped as I saw an Aston Martin DB5 casually parked outside an apartment block. Seconds after I had caught my breath, a Roll Royce Phantom pulled out of a street, its black paint glittering under the bright lights. This was a little bit of paradise come alive for me. And as we walked past another set of buildings, out of the corner of my eye I caught an all too familiar face. I have seen him at many soccer events including the World Cup. In fact, he’s the man that runs the World Cup. It’s Sepp Blatter! I glanced once, then twice and the stalker in me looked a third time only for Sepp to smile back. My dream of cars and soccer was morphed into one. New York – where dreams come true.
The trip down to New York City was one that involved a lot of napping. There was nothing really spectacular about the trip - nothing about a bus ride really is. All that changed when we drove up to the Port Authority and made our way to the Marriot Marquis at Times Square on foot – luggage and all. Then the fairy tale began. Never in my life have all my senses been so stimulated. The waft of warm pretzels was quickly and unfortunately replaced by that of horse dung as I wheeled my suitcase past a horse carriage. My eyes seemed to oscillate in their sockets jumping from one giant digitized billboard to the next. Different accents filled the air. A bit of Italian here and a tinge of West African dialect there all filled the humdrum in the atmosphere. This was definitely not Poultney. The sea of people was incredible and very annoying - at times kicking my luggage if I was suddenly distracted by my new surroundings. “Welcome to the centre of the world” Paul said. I chuckled.
The Acronym TGIF meant nothing to me on Friday April 10th. I was desperately ill. My throat felt like it had been rubbed down with sand paper and a fever shook my large frame. So on a trip back from the doctor’s office, Paul took me on a tour of ‘uptown’ NYC. I am not great with addresses but the general region was on the Southside of Central Park. My jaw dropped as I saw an Aston Martin DB5 casually parked outside an apartment block. Seconds after I had caught my breath, a Roll Royce Phantom pulled out of a street, its black paint glittering under the bright lights. This was a little bit of paradise come alive for me. And as we walked past another set of buildings, out of the corner of my eye I caught an all too familiar face. I have seen him at many soccer events including the World Cup. In fact, he’s the man that runs the World Cup. It’s Sepp Blatter! I glanced once, then twice and the stalker in me looked a third time only for Sepp to smile back. My dream of cars and soccer was morphed into one. New York – where dreams come true.
Student updates
The session has been going on for some time and the end of the New York journey is within sight. During the procedural downtime a couple of GMC students have been tapping out their recollections. Stay tuned for their posts...
Present!
After much confusion the proceedings have begun. At the moment they are going through the roll call. Here is the GMC team standing up for Mali:
The view from above
The majority of the team had to move out of our prime real estate. They are limiting the seats to two per delegation, and GMC's Jose Galvez Contreraz and Brenda Nsambu are in the crowd below representing Mali. We are up in the nosebleed seats looking down on the action.
First pics coming in
I didn't bring the cable for my camera, so the laptop camera will have to do for now. Here is the first image...
The UN has WIFI!
Not only does the UN appear to have really fast high speed wireless internet, but it didn't ask for a password. So we're here, live, in the UN getting ready to vote. I'll see if I can find a way to post some pics soon.
Back to the UN Building!
The team is up bright and early and on our way over to the United Nations Building for a full day of committee sessions and the closing ceremonies. I don't know if we'll have wireless access to update you. If not, I'll catch you up tonight. Wish us luck!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Man Down!
Sorry it's been a while since I posted, but we had a minor crisis. Ordinarily stalwart GMC sophomore Mark Thiong'o was laid low by illness. Medical attention was given, and it seems that he was suffering from a nasty laryngitis/pharyngitis combo. Antibiotics were obtained and he was already feeling better on the walk home. It is a long way from Nairobi to Central Park South, and Mark got a taste of the Manhattan spectacle in all its glory. Between the doctor's and our hotel we saw the 5th Avenue shops, a Rolls Royce Phantom, Rockefeller Center (the ice rink was still up), Trump Tower, an Astin Martin, a famous European soccer coach (you'll have to ask Mark which one), Radio City Music Hall and myriad other midtown highlights.
Work hard/Play hard
This Model UN conference isn't all fun and games, but it isn't all work either. Though the sessions run from about 9 am until 10:45 pm, the team's been finding some time to explore Manhattan between and after sessions. Rumor has it that GMC was well represented on the dancefloor at Webster Hall last night. Meanwhile, your humble narrator conducted a little participatory field research in Williamsburg.
Chagall Window
On our way into the United Nations, we passed a beautiful stained glass window by Mark Chagall. But it was very difficult to photograph. I found this better image of it on the web. Click below to learn more about the history of the Chagall window.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Our Own Mini United Nations
Did you know that the 11 GMC reps are themselves from all over the world? We have 8 nations represented. Test your vexillographic acumen by guessing where these flags are from. To get the answers, click on each of the images. I'll give you a hint: the one with the stars and stripes is from a country that begins with the letter "U".
Real World MTV
Our hotel looks onto the MTV offices. For those of you who think a career in the media is exciting, think again. I've been watching them for two days. All they do is sit in front of their screens. It looks less like this:
And more like this:
Student Update: Sarah Dashevsky
Sarah Writes:
Currently, the delegation of Mali are supporters of two working papers, and signatories on another two. Laura is working primarily on a working paper concerning foreign investment, while I am working on one regarding currency. We are also supporting two working papers dealing with infrastructure and agriculture. In addition, we are attempting to draft a working paper surrounding the issue of strengthening economic education. Thus far, Model U.N. is proving to be both a fun and informative experience.
This is an amazing experience that I am grateful to be a part of.
-Sarah
Midtown Scene
I ran across this group of young urban professionals earlier on 8th Avenue. They were discussing matters related to trade policy and the African Union. They were:
A. Junior Managers at a nearby Hedge Fund
B. International Development Consultants
C. MBA students doing an internship at Smith Barney
D. Green Mountain College students talking about the Model UN
Student Update: Laura Huley
Laura writes:
Greetings from the delegation of Mali working in the African Development Bank
So far, the delegation of Mali is working with the delegation of India, China, Italy, and Sierra Leone to suggest policy on foreign investment. India, China, and Italy are prominent trading partners and therefore our work with them is fitting and exciting so far. Since the agenda was set at 2, 1, 3 the delegations are expressing their relative views on intra-regional trade and many blocks are forming during caucuses.
India is trying to persuade Sierra Leone to shape the paper we will be working on to focus on agricultural development, but Sarah and I will be pushing for it to focus on industrial development and Agriculture. Cotton is our main agricultural export and we are already one of the leading exports of cotton in Africa. It is necessary to get foreign investment for our projects, such as the airport ‘Bamako-Senou’ that is what we will be working on.
This is all new, so it is very exciting (nervewracking)
-Laura
Fast Food, GMC Style
Who says eating in New York City has to be expensive? I found a great little vegetarian juice bar and vitamin shop with some excellent takeaway on 9th Avenue between 46th and 47th. Vegan Dumplings, Seaweed Salad, and Curry Tofu with a freshly made carrot/cucumber juice side for under ten bucks! Everything a blogger needs to live. Please Note: that cup is made from paper, not styrofoam.
The events begin!
The GMC Model United Nations team hit the ground running and are furiously negotiating, meeting, mixing and writing. I'll keep you updated on their status as the events unfold.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Made it! Opening Ceremonies Commence.
GMC was in the house, proudly representing the nation of Mali in the UN building. Here, Green Mountain students listen to the opening speeches.
Take a look at those earphones. Those are the actual ones used by translators and delegates at the United Nations. They were a little stained by eargrease, but it was impossible not to give them a try.
A Small World for One Kenyan
Kenyan GMC student Mark Thiong'o looks at the iconic Non-Violence sculpture while waiting to pass through security at the UN. Inside, he discovered that he wasn't the only Kenyan in the room. Two of the security officers were Kenyan and greeted him in Swahili. Once inside the UN, he met a young woman that he went to grade school with in Kenya. She was a delegate too! We'll keep you posted if serendipity strikes again.
A rush and a push and the land that we stand on is ours.
We were running, literally, late for the Opening Ceremonies of the Model UN. But though they are more familiar with the quiet streets of rural Vermont, the team quickly adapted to the midtown hustle.
Half Dressed Coeds Invade Times Square!
We arrived late and had only a few minutes to drop off our bags, get dressed and hustle to the United Nations Building for the opening ceremony. Here Simon is learning to tie a tie in Times Square:
What do you think?
I have an excellent photograph of GMC students sleeping in the van, but I'm afraid it might embarrass them. I really like it, though. What do you think? Vote on the side panel.
Tracks Found!
I saw this odd storefront somewhere along the way. I'm sure it means something, but what?
Sidenote: I find it so sad that the dinosaur feels the need to identify himself. Did he really think we didn't know what he was? And why must he totalize his identity? Sure he's a dinosaur, but isn't he more than that: a lover, a good cook, a father of three, an avid collector of Icthyosaurus eggs...I'm not sure what precisely he does, but I'm sure it extends beyond such base paleontologic identity politics.
5 States and 11 Hours to go
Poultney to New York City is a 4 and a half hour straight shot by Subaru, but I'm not driving a clown car and we couldn't fit all 11 people in. So after a brief layover in White River Junction, it was on to New York City via the dreaded Greyhound. Little did we know that it would be a Homerian Journey through the dark heart of New England that took 11 hours and brought us through 5 states.
Some slept...
Some worked...
And I'm here wishing I photographed that man in a barbershop holding a jack russell terrier and staring forlornly out the window...
Some slept...
Some worked...
And I'm here wishing I photographed that man in a barbershop holding a jack russell terrier and staring forlornly out the window...An Early Start to a Long Day
GMC Model UN students accomplished the unlikely and were up, packed and ready to go by 5 am.
In fact it was your present narrator who almost failed to make the connection. But tragedy was averted and it was off to our next destination.
In fact it was your present narrator who almost failed to make the connection. But tragedy was averted and it was off to our next destination.
Here we go...
Hi, I'm GMC Communications Professor Paul Falzone! I'll be blogging the 2009 Model United Nations Conference in New York City, where 11 Green Mountain College students will be representing the African nation of Mali. Stay tuned for images, updates, short films, and other fun stuff as the week progresses!
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