At the United Nations

My fourth visit to the United Nations Headquarters was a pleasant one, but every time I am there I can't help but laugh at how incredibly outdated everything is. Walking into the the General Assembly Hall is like stepping back into a bygone decade with its interiors of gold, green, baby blue, and orange. The decor throughout the hall is unabashedly and unapologetically retro.

In order to preserve the goal of international and equal representation, there are no gifts in the room from any individual Member State. The only gifts in the hall are two abstract murals that were commissioned by an anonymous donor and designed by French artist Fernand Léger in 1952.  I find it ironic that a building with so much international and historic significance is lacking in modern features, and yet it so fitting and appropriate for the UN. Rumor has it that the GA Hall will undergo renovation soon, but I've been hearing that for the last three years, so I won't be crossing my fingers. After all, it is the United Nations, and even decisions such as an extreme makeover must be made diplomatically.

Too see a 360 panoramic of the General Assembly Hall, click here.

The UN Coffee Shop is still cash only.

The UN Gift Shop is filled with gifts that come from each of the UN Member States. This set of dishes is supposed to be representative of the United States. I'm pretty sure it looks a lot like my grandmother's wedding dishes.

At least the UN treaties have gone digital. The old paper versions are now
on sale in the UN Bookstore for a whopping buck.

I love this colorful tapestry in the lobby area.

With my fellow Head Delegate and best friend, Kaitlyn.

The emblem of the UN is the world as seen from the North Pole,
framed in an olive wreath to symbolize peace.