Sorry for not posting in so long!

Sorry sorry sorry! We have been so busy and literally have had no free time to do ANYTHING!

We went hiking last weekend in France. We are so close to the border though that we jsut took a bus and walked across the border. Some people did the first part of the hike that was SUPER intense I guess. The guy who was leading the trip was Kerry Brinkhart. He is a very important person if you know anything about landmines and he is besties with the Prince of Jordan. So jealous of his life. But anyways, he took like 8 people up this super steep hike that took like an hour or so, and the rest of us took the tram to the top of the mountain. It wasn't really a mountain, it just kinda looked like the flat tops but I guess that counts. When we got to the top, we met up with the other people in our group and it looked like they had poured water on themselves. I have never seen people that sweaty in my life. This old guy was totally kicking their butts. Like when I go hiking with my mom who hikes 4 days a week. After they took a bit of a break, we walked like 3 miles to this field place and ate lunch and could see the alps on one side and Geneva on the other. And there were herd of cows walking around, it was great. I felt so European.

That night, there was supposed to be this awesome party around the lake, that Genovians (This is what I have named everyone living in Geneva. And yes, it is like the Princess Diaries. Get over it) so cleverly called The Lake Party. We were all a bit tired, but decided to go anyways. It was on the other side of the lake, so we had to walk like 30 minutes to get there. Initially, this doesn't seem hard, but them imagine that you are in a group of 30, and things become a little more difficult. We somehow made it all the way to the party with the group intact, but as soon as we started getting into the crowd, the whole group immediately broke up. I ended up staying with my friend Laura, and we just meandered around for a bit and then decided that the party was lame, so we went home. It was SOOO crowded and we were basically just getting groped, so it only took a hot sec for us to make the decision. The rest of the weekend was very relaxed and we just all tried to catch up on things that we had been putting off.

But oh my goodness, this last weekend was even busier than last week! Monday, we had lectures starting at 8 in the morning, which was rough. They were not that exiting either. It was only a half day of lectures, but then we had a bunch of reading to do on Security Sector Reform (SSR) of Guinea Bissau. And lets be honest, who really cares about Guinea Bissau? It was a lot of reading and not that exciting but whatever. I went and did all my reading in the shade next to the lake. It was so pretty. I took a nap too and it made the boring lectures worth it. On Tuesday, we had lectures starting at 8:30 and they were a little better. In the afternoon, we met with a woman who is on the Board of Directors for the Conference on Disarmament, which is a BIG DEAL. Like BIG DEAL. There are roughly 11 members, 5 representatives from the permanent 5 (p5) of the UN security council (US, UK, France, China, and Russia) and then the rest of from other countries representing all the other regions of the world like South America, the Middle East, and Africa. We spoke with her under "Chatham House Rules" so we can't really say what she told us because it was very off the record but that was a super cool talk. If you are interested in the UN at all, there is lots of controversy going on right now with the Conference on Disarmament because they don't do anything and they are up for review in the fall. I am done nerding out now.

Wednesday, we had a group presentation about Guinea Bissau. It was kinda stupid, so I am not even going to talk about it. One thing that is interesting about this trip is that everyone is super type-a and overachievers so group projects are basically a nightmare because most people just fight the whole time since everyone has really strong opinions and is used to being the leader of their group. It isn't a terrible thing to actually have everyone want to participate is a group project, but it is just different because that never happens in normal classes. You always have those few people that have no opinions and don't even come to the meetings. We still have the people that don't always show up, but everyone is so strong and righteous in their opinions the group work becomes very challenging. Anyways, we got that done and nothing else happened that day until we had a speaker that talked about UN sanctions. It was so interesting! I though it was going to be really boring, but I ended up liking it the most out of all of our presentations so far. He basically explained the difference between certain type of sanctions and how they work in certain cases. He also talking a lot about how they are used right now against countries like Libya and members of Al-Qaeda. I was lovin it. I also got shwarma that night, and it was fantastic. I love shwarma with all my heart.

We had two research days in the library at the UN, and I basically got nothing done. I got a lot done the first day, but then changed my research paper topic, so that was all pointless. On Friday, we had a meeting with the Secretary General of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) so that was interesting. We talked a lot about stuff that we dealt with on my co-op at WAND (Women's Action for New Directions for those of you that didn't know where I was working in the Spring) so I felt smart haha. After that we went to the library and I was distracted the whole time and didn't get anything done. Oh well.

THEN I WENT TO SEE HARRY POTTER! I love Harry Potter. Everyone went out and me and 3 other girls went to go see HP instead. It was totally worth it. Voldemort gives the most awkward hugs ever. The whole movie was a bit ridiculous but I loved it anyways, obviously.

Today, we were supposed to go to a chocolate factory, but the train tickets didn't work out, so we rented a car and are going to go tomorrow. We somehow found a car that fits 9 people, so we will see how that goes. It is in Gruyere (WAND, it is the place that gives you tours of the cheese factory with the talking cow) and I am super excited to go see them make cheese, make chocolate, and walk around a castle! I will let you know how that goes.

 I promise I will update my blog more regularly from now on.
XOX
Katie

It is all just a balancing act

We have been crazy busy with hardly any free time! We have had meetings from 9-5 or 6 basically every day this week. On Monday, we went to the UN!!! Our first speaker was this really cool woman who was the main delegate on disarmament from Mexico, permanently station in Geneva. She was so hilarious, which is always great because the topic can get really really boring. She basically summed up the entire history of disarmament, of nuclear weapons and conventional weapons. I felt super smart because I already knew all the stuff about the nuclear disarmament because of my co-op with WAND (Shout out to Elizabeth, Elaina, and Maureen!). Afterwards, we had lunch with her and we talked about the arms trade and its affect on the drug wars in Mexico. I knew about that too because of my other co-op! Shout out to ONDCP! Our speakers that afternoon were not that interesting. They talked about things that I just did not care about. The great thing about all these speakers is that I don't really have to listen super intently unless I think it will help me write my final research paper. I get to pick my own topic too, so I can just ignore whatever I want if the meeting is really boring. Not that I would ever do that, I am a very responsible student who always pays attention.

 Tuesday, we had our first simulation. We were on teams and each had to present an argument about whether or not the use of explosive weapons should be outlawed in populated areas. Our group was REALLY unprepared, but we somehow won. I have no idea how we did that. Must have been all my mock trial skills haha. The simulation was run by this guy from England that is an International Human Rights lawyer. He taught us all about a bunch of stuff that I didn't know anything about. And he did not have a monotone voice which was FANTASTIC! I swear, it is like an prereq to have a monotone voice if you want to be a diplomat or work at the UN. What the heck?!

Wednesday, we spent half a day doing a simulation which was even cooler. We got to debate and try to make a draft of a mine ban treaty, pretending like there was no laws about it already. I got to Israel and it was wicked fun. My partner and I did a ton of research and kicked butt, even though our ideas were really mean and didn't really care about people. I like being Israel. We got a bunch of compliments on our arguments too. Woo hoo! That afternoon, we took the train to Leysin and hiked in the alps! We actually took the tram up the mountain and then hiked down, but it was still cool. The pictures are so amazing. I will hopefully post them soon, but really the internet is bad. You would think a developed country that charges 9 francs (like 12 dollars) for a glass of orange juice (Yes Aunt Julie, its true!) would have faster wi-fi. Anyways, after that they made us tour a swiss boarding school that cost 84,000 a year!!!!! Dad, think about that whenever you think Northeastern is too expensive. A ski pass and ski lessons are included in their tuition! What the heck. I am so jealous. We had this thing called raclette at the cafeteria. So weird. They basically cut a wheel of cheese in half, melt the cut part that is exposed, and then scrape it off over weird looking potatoes. I guess it some swiss delicacy or something. I was not impressed. I feel like I would make it. All I need to do is stick some cheese in the microwave or in the oven over a baked potato. I mean, it was good and all. But just not really that exciting and inventive like I was expecting. I made myself a turkey sandwich from their salad bar. =) They had free wine though, so I guess that made up for it. We had a fun train ride back and didn't get back till like 12:30 and we had to wake up relaly early.

Today, we finished the simulation where I was Private Katherine E. Waller of the Israeli Defense Force (I know, I'm cool) and we did  really well again. I would be a good diplomat, although I don't think I would enjoy it. They spend like 4 days debating the placements of commas or the use of articles and I just don't have the patience for that. And when they screw up their use of articles, they cause international breakdowns; just look at the Arab-Israeli Conflict! They misused the word "the" and now all this crap is going on in the middle east. Anyways, after we finished that simulation we were lecture for like 3 hours about the Anti-Personnel Landmine Ban Treaty which we had to read a book about and have already been lectured about, so it was really boring and repetitive. The presenter was really cool, but the actual lecture was kinda pointless. Then we broke into another group for simulations that we have tomorrow! So many simulations! But this time we are trying to find ways for countries to progress towards signing the existing treaty on land mines. I got Sri Lanka and am not happy about that. All I know about them is that they have elephants. And now overnight I ahve to become and expert in their international policy!

I am having a great time here, but I feel like we were kinda mislead about the amount of work that we would have to do as well as how much free time we would have. We have no free time. And then they ive us so much work (like learning about sri lanka in an instant) and expect us to do it even though we don't have any time. After our meeting ended at 5, we had to go back to the hostel, and be ready for a dressy dinner by 6:10. Then we went to this small village where our presenter for the past 2 days lives and had dinner and we didn't get back till 10:45. Now I am downstairs trying to get wi-fi but it has apparently died. So, I can't research Sri Lanka or even be on facebook! What is a college girl to do?! I guess I will just go sleep.

Hopefully I will be less cranky when I am able to sleep more and my blog will be less cynical.
XOX
Katie

The definition of class

We are here! The trip over here was very uneventful, which I always appreciate during international travel. We stayed up for almost 24 hours straight. I haven't had to pull an all-nighter in so long, so I was definitely ready to go to bed once we got there. We are staying in the youth hostel, and it is surprisingly nice! Well, for a hostel. I thought it would be gross and filled with wierdos (like the one creepy guy from Chasing Liberty) or would be like the coolest place ever (like the really hot guy from What a Girl Wants). I know, my life perceptions are very realistic. There are 6 girls in my room with three bunk beds. There is not a lot of room, but whatever. The beds are comfy so I can't complain. 

Everyday I fall more in love with Geneva. The city is indescribably beautiful. That is mainly because of the architecture. It is really hard to describe, but Geneva somehow manages to look thoroughly modern and old at the same time. All the apartments have these gorgeous wrought iron fences around their decks and balconies. Most of the buildings are white, but there is always a little pop of color, like the shutters or the window frame. There is an old part of the city too, and I love it! It is very similar to Italy, cobblestone streets, small apartments, all that stuff. But the architecture is a little different. It is still very imposing and impressive, but without as many frills. So cool.

Today we went on a bike ride through the countryside, which reminded me of the fact that I am terrible at riding bikes. It was still really fun, but I am covered in bruises. I hope that is appropriate that the UN... Despite all the accidents (it is surprising how many college kids are not able to ride bikes proficiently haha) it was so beautiful! We were riding through some villages that looked like they were straight out of a picture or a movie. It was unreal and made me forget the pain. 

Another thing that is AMAZING about Europe in general and Switzerland specifically is that they have clean water everywhere that you can drink. Imagine drinking out of a brass lion's mouth all the time. It is pretty awesome. And the water tastes so fresh, like it is coming straight down from Grizzly Creek! When my internet is quicker, I will post a picture. 

We went to the UN last Friday, which was pretty cool! We got  tour of their library and got to see the room of the committee that works on international disarmament. The building is HUUUUUUUUGE and was donated by the League of Nations. I think it is funny the League of Nations made such an investment in this amazing building and then failed. Oh well. I doubt the UN will ever fail that much so I don't think they have anything to worry about. Another cool fact, the UN compound has peacocks walking around the entire property. Peacocks. Who does that?! You can almost touch them too, because they are so used to people. 

Geneva is just so classy, it almost makes me feel bad about myself. It is like everything here is perfect. I just don't even understand how it is that possible. The entire city is super clean. The people are so nice. They actually let you cross the street when you are by a crosswalk. That NEVER happens in Boston. Ever. And the cherry on top, they have PEACOCKS. The only downside is that I can't afford one thing in this country. It is soooooooo expensive. Good thing I am such a bargain hunter! All those years of sale shopping are finally paying off! 

Oh my goodness oh my goodness! (Like the little girl from Annie)

Here we go again! Today is Monday, and on Wednesday at 2 I will be at the airport turning in my pre-departure exam and checking in to my AirFrance flight for Geneva, Switzerland!! Right now, I really should be working on my essays for my exam, but 30 minutes won't kill my score (hopefully).

Currently, I am at my Aunt Margaret's house in Hingham looking out at the AMAZING weather! There is not one cloud in the sky! I am going into Boston for like an hour today to fill out some paperwork so hopefully I can appreciate the weather since it has been soooooo crappy the entire time that I have been here.

I am so excited to go the Geneva! I'm not gunna lie though, I am pretty intimidated. I feel like everyone on the trip knows way more than I do. I am sure that not EVERYONE knows more than I do, but it feels that way, since it is mainly juniors and seniors. For all of you that don't go to Northeastern and just thought to yourself, "I thought Katie is a junior", that is not true. I am a "middler". Since we have five years, they added a year in the middle to make kids feel better about themselves. No one wants to be a senior for two years (aka supersenior). It is much better to be seemingly repeating a grade somewhere in the middle where hopefully your employers are bad at math and can't figure out you graduated in five years instead of four.

The only class that I have taken that is really applicable to this trip is International Relations. I learned a lot about IR, but I think I learned more about how to screen nannies, what to do if your recently hired nanny is a drug addict, and all about the gossip surrounding the supreme court justices. Gotta love Prof. Urman and his personal stories all class period. With that being said, I REALLY did learn, I swear. But I have never taken a class with Professor Garcia, who is the teacher that is leading our trip to the Geneva, and I think almost everyone else has. I hope that I don't die or desert the trip and just go off wondering through the Swiss countryside. Actually, that would be sweet. I would probably prefer to do that.

I am mainly excited to go because I love/am creepily obsessed with Switzerland.

Frequently Asked Questions
"Katie, have you ever been to Switzerland?"
 - Not physically, but mentally, Switzerland and I are best buddies.

"Katie, Why do you like Switzerland so much if you have never been there (dreams don't count!)"
 - Cause it is the coolest country on Earth (Other than Amercuh!) and they are neutral, happy people that make cheese, herd cows, and protect criminals and their money. What else do you want in a friend?!

"Katie, I think there is more to the Swiss than making cheese and herding cows. Don't you think that is naive and outdated?"
 - Yes. BUT SWITZERLAND IS MAGICAL! OK?!?!?! And for some reason I associate them with lawn gnomes. And I just love lawn gnomes.

"Katie, in which activities will you partake when you are in Switzerland?"
 - Hiking, eating cheese, drinking wine, and studying my ass off. Also, I will be searching for a lawn gnome statue and some sort of watch/time keeper.

Thanks you all for submitting your questions.

On a more serious note:
I have been killing myself this summer getting ready for this damn trip. I hope it is worth it. I had to write 3 papers by June 1st for a scholarship that I got for the trip. It was the hardest I have ever had to work for 1000 dollars in my entire life. Then after that, I really started kicking it into gear regarding my reading. I had to read around 900 pages I think. Or something close to that. A LOT of reading. And a lot of it is very convoluted and theoretical, which I do not like. I don't understand why you wouldn't just write things in a way that people understand. If you are publishing a book/ insanely long article through the UN or on the UN, we already know you are smart. No reason to showing off now by string together 8 words in a row that I have never even heard of. Context clues don't work if you are that confused either. Middle School English failed me. But the predeparture exam we got on the 20th = YIKES! I am have been killing myself writing SUPER detailed outlines. I think I am over-prepared. But I would rather be cutting things out than scrambling to add things at the end, when in college life (compared to real life) that means you just put all the periods and other punctuation in 16 pt. font. Oh the life of a procrastinating college student.

Well, thats all. I REALLY need to start writing these damn essays. But I will of course be making time to go into Boston today to fill out some paperwork with the student employement office. What the heck Student Employment Office?! Who doesn't let you fax in paperwork?! So now I have to travel an hour on the T to go in a fill out my stupid I-9 so that I can claim my scholarship thing. Whatevs, I am already over it.

You got a gold star if you made it all the way through the end of this one!
XOX

DON'T FORGET TO TICKLE MY PENGUIN, PETE ON THE SIDE OF MY PAGE. YOU CAN ALSO FEED HIM FISH.