It has been a while....

Well it is almost over... and what a joy and learning experience it has been, however more on that next week, my final week at the United Nations.

The last few weeks have been full of meetings, visits to different embasies, and speaking with various Ambassadors. Was very priviledged to speak to a young man who was for some years a "child soldier" who spoke of his torment and treatment..he was accompanied by two young women who were taken from their village to fight, but were not able to speak about it.

The past week has also been taken up with discussion on the death penalty, the debate was quite fierce between countries both for and against. Whilst names were not mentioned it was noted that some at the table had two sets of standards.

Saw a wonderful Australian rock band all members had a disabilty (5out of the6) "Rudely Interupted" from Melbourne who came especially to New York to play at the United Nations. Well they brought the house down.. it was noted that in all the years of the UN never had there been a rock band play.

The Australian Mission also put on a special screening of the film Australia with Nicole Kidman.. There was a long waiting list to get in. Many different countries were present, and were fascinated with the scenery.

Thanksgiving was celebrated and there is no doubt that the Americans do it well... Nearly always at home with friends and family. My extra treat is seeing the unbelievable display of Christmas lights, and shops decorated for Christmas, almost had the snow , just managed the sleet.

Wish we could do it at home, but then here in New York it is dark at 4.30pm. Whilst here I had to get rid of some blood( Ihave to much iron) and it is a whole different scenario here.. they actually pay you to give blood..No they didn,t me, as I had to have it taken not donated, but the point is that in America they actually use my blood , providing I passed all the tests, whereas in Australia they throw it away, and being just a little political, the Gov. of the day wants to charge Private hospitals for giving it to those who need it....

In closing just thought I would list some of the countries that make up the 295 member countries, will do some more in my next blog.

AFGHANISTAN...ALBANIA..ALGERIA..ANDORRA..ANGOLA.ANTIGUE-BARBUDA..ARGENTINA..ARMENIA...AUST.....AUSTRIA..AZERBAIJAN..BAHAMAS..BAHRAIN

BANGLADESH BARBADOS..BELARUS..BELGIUM..BELIZE..BENIN..BHUTAN..BOLIVIA..BOSNIA/HERZEG...BOTSWANA..