The ride up was. . . interesting, to say the least. Arguments following everything from Taylor Swift vs. Beyonce to tropical fruits were had as music quickly changed between The Avett Brothers, Taylor Swift, Avenged Sevenfold and Usher. There were some close calls driving (thanks for switching lanes on a dime, Rachel!) but we all arrived safe and sound. Oh! One thing to say, I don't understand the people who complain about TSA. It wasn't that bad. In fact, I was out in five minutes with no trouble, not even a pat-down; although I'm not going to lie, I was a little worried considering this was the first time that I had ever flown.
After arrival at LaGuardia airport, we took a cab and headed for the heart of the city and the site of our delegations and hotel, Times Square. If you think you can drive well, think again. New York taxi drivers can drive circles around you. I believe they could personally be used as laser targeting systems. Anyway. . .
As we got checked into the hotel and came down for the Opening Ceremony, we quickly realized that the overwhelming majority of people here were foreign. The diversity was amazing. Languages such as German, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, and Arabic (Egyptian dialect) were all heard within a 10-minute window. I met people who claim to have taken part in the Egyptian Revolution as well as those affected by the Japanese tsunami/earthquake. It's been a real treat.
As far as our council, the Security Council, goes. . . well. . . Let's just say that we have to stay on our toes. And it's as much about how you can use words and convince individuals as how much you have researched (although research helps SO much in this regard). We have many "strong" personalities in out committee, and after taking two full hours to set the agenda, I am anxious to see what deliberations will look like for the rest of the week.
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