NZ Delegation to THIMUN 2010

The flight into Rome was our first taste of the flamboyantly lively people that are the Italians, and we have since experienced - in stark contrast to northern Europe - a very different ambience wandering the streets of this impressive city.

Despite a mere two days here - they say you can spend a lifetime in Rome and never see all its sights - we have managed to achieve a respectable insight into her history, and her role in the development of the Western world.

A morning spent in the Vatican Museums exposed us to one of the world's largest collection of precious art, and lead us to the Sistine Chapel, a masterpiece appreciated by all. The weather was absolutely stunning as we wandered into St Peter's Square, and on into the Basilica where the sheer scale of the building, and the intricacy of its detailing, had many of the delegates in awe.

In order to satisfy the wide range of interests within the delegation, we split into two groups for an afternoon, one of which enjoyed a fascinating visit to Ara Pacis, the ancient altar now enclosed in a beautifully understated construction of glass and stone. This group also made it to the Campuchean Crypts, a macabre display made with the ancient bones of over 4000 monks. Needless to say it was truly a unique experience!

The rest of us enjoyed a whirlwind view of Rome from the Ciao Roma Bus, hopping on and off at the Spanish Steps, Castel Sant' Angelo and the Tiber River, and Piazza del Popolo for an aerial view over the city.

Today was a big day, beginning with a guided tour of the Colloseum and the Roman Forum - our guide, Franchesca, provided a fascinating walk through the ruins, of which would have been otherwise overwhelming without her expertise in explanations! Our kiwi ingenuity saw the improvisation of a skipping rope out of disposable headphones from our walking tour, and some time spent jumping about Palatine Hill..

During our two days here we have been fortunate enough to stay in a truly Italian residence, reached by a winding stone staircase, and staffed by friendly locals who have directed us to local eateries, and assisted with travel about the city.

The delegates have managed to experience many distinctly Italian quirks, from gelato and pizza, to avoiding street hawkers selling junk at exorbitant prices, and witnessing people walking their cats on a lead..

We have just arrived home from the Trevi Fountain, at which many coins were thrown over shoulders, so expect to see your delegates return to Rome (perhaps next time on their own wallets!) We also had our final delegation dinner this evening, prior to the Conference, and we are enjoying an early night before traveling to Den Haag via Amsterdam tomorrow.

We will be in touch..!

(p.s have managed to post more photos on Paris and Berlin blogs so check them out too!)

Skipping with rope made out of disposable headphones on Palatine Hill!

Sitting on the Spanish Steps

Listening to our guide Franchesca during our tour of ancient Rome

Looking over Piazza del Popolo

Gelato at the Trevi Fountain

Piazza del Popolo

St Peters Square, Rome

On the walking tour

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin

Inside the Nuclear Bunker from the Cold War

Disclaimer : the staff did not support this photo!!

Snowball fight in the street

THIMUN in the snow outside the Reichstag

The compact nature of Berlin allowed us to visit a huge range of significant sights - many during our private walking tour we braved in the below freezing temperatures, with our Australian (!) tour-guide, Katie. Highlights were the Brandenbrug Gate, Pariser Platz, (what is left of) Hitler's bunker, traces of the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Holocaust Memorial - particularly poignant in the snow.

A workshop and guided tour in the Judisches Museum gave us an insight into centuries of Jewish history, and first-hand experience of Daniel Libeskind's powerful architectural skill. Particularly moving for the group were the installations recognising the victims of the WWII Holocaust.

En-route back to the hostel that morning, a stray snowball alerted us to the presence of a crew of young school-kids intent on waging war on our group. A fierce battle ensued in a small park, with delegates forced to seek shelter behind park benches and trees, beneath the unrelenting onslaught of enemy missiles. We certainly provided some entertainment for passersby on the street..

We managed to spend time at varying altitudes - in the multiple floors of the shopping centres Berlin is famous for (including the soaring Sony Centre), and beneath ground level in the bunker created in case of nuclear attack during the Cold War. The delegates tried out some of the 3500 bunk beds provided in the underground cavern, and entertained our guide with questions only kiwis could invent.

On our last morning in the German capital, an elevator allowed us to wander over the top of the Reichstag, and - via Norman Foster's creation at the top - peer into the German Parliament in session. From this vantage point we enjoyed 360 degree views of Berlin, just as it began to snow.

We are now enjoying much more pleasant temperatures in another capital - this time Rome, Italy - and look forward to updating you very soon on our adventures amongst the cobblestones and catacombs..

Steph

Moulin Rouge on the first day

Escargots!

Place Vendome, Paris

Delegation dinner, Paris

Eiffel Tower

Place Vendome, Paris

First team photo, Montmartre, Paris

Our trip started with a couple of long flights, with Tiho asking after an hour whether we had already been going for six or seven hours... However, everyone seemed to enjoy getting to know each other better, and occupied themselves with Pokemon marathons.

Once in Paris, we launched into our busy schedule. On the first day we visited Sacre Couer and Montmartre where the delegates bargained with artists and purchased their first (of many!) souvenirs.

After visiting the Moulin Rouge, the delegation made our way to the New Zealand Embassy where we had our first formal reception with diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade working in Paris. Despite having had little sleep, the delegates managed to answer some challenging questions about their tactics and strategies for representing Malawi at THIMUN.

Despite light rain, the following day the delegation sampled Gelato on the Seine, and spent several hours taking in the art at the Louvre. On our third day in Paris, we woke to beautiful warm(ish) weather which was perfect for our visit to the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Champs Elysees. On our final day, we visited Paris’ exclusive department store Galeries Lafayette, which was more of a look but don’t purchase experience, for most at least!

Highlights of Paris included navigating the metro system, our wonderful French host Gisele at the Hotel Parisiana, croissants and baguettes, and the crisp but beautiful winter days.

Last night we arrived in Berlin to a city covered in snow! Next update in two days…

Hannah

Hi all,

Just a reminder that this blog will be updated throughout our travels with photographs and info about all the exciting things the delegation are getting up to.

Not long to go now. Next update from Paris!

Hannah

Welcome THIMUN delegates, parents and friends to our travel blog! This blog is a means by which we can keep you updated as our travel plans progress throughout this year and during out trip in January/February 2010.

Our 14 delegates were selected at this year's Model United Nations, and will form the NZ Delegation to The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN).

For the next few months, our role as THIMUN staff is to plan and organise an interesting and varied itinerary. We are working with our travel agent to finalise flights and accommodation and will keep you updated.

We are also in the process of planning meetings with delegates and their parents so as to give parents an opportunity to meet us and some members of the United Nations Youth Association of NZ (UNYANZ).

Please check back during the year for updates on the progress of the NZ delegation to THIMUN!

Hannah