Hong Kong how cool???

woohoo the journey begins

We couldn't believe it, after months of planning and preparation the 2011 SEASAC MUN Afghanistan delegation gathered at the  Cathay Pacific check in desk in KLIA to begin our journey to Hong Kong.

Our small party of 7 was swelled with the supportive parents and siblings waiting to wish the delegates a fond farewell.  The only thing greater than the emotions displayed was the huge amount of baggage - why did Hong Kong have to have such varied weather?  All tears were held in check, as we began the not so speedy checking in process but thankfully everyone remembered their passports!   Lots of hugs kisses and last minute words of advice followed us through the international departures gate, and of course straight into.... the nearest coffee shop! 

What function this early in the morning without a coffee?

Well done Cathay Pacific, the flight to Hong Kong was excellent.  A smooth take off followed by some good movies and lunch.  What more could we ask for?   It was quite a moment watching Putrajaya shrinking in the distance and knowing we were the pioneers for Nexus International School's first international trip and international Model United Nations! 

After 3.5 hours we began our descent over the South China Sea and caught glimpses of the dramatic Hong Kong skyline.  Towering skyscrapers set against a backdrop of green mountains and sloping hillsides.  Waiting for the bus we weren't sure what to expect but we knew it was going to be exciting :)

The journey to our hotel The Empire Causeway from the airport was like a mini tour of the Hong Kong outskirts.  Ariana exclaimed the scale of the buildings, bridges, boats and landscape was starting to make her feel like an ant!  A sentiment definitely mirrored by our "wow's" and "look at that".  One of the most humorous discoveries was Seri's fascination with double decker buses "I've never seen anything like it!".   

The hotel is great, the rooms are very modern and we have a whole corner of the 19th floor to ourselves.  This must be to the great relief of the other guests as we rush from room to room discussing the finer points of Afghanistan's views on everything from nuclear disarmament to child literacy!  We have spent the evening preparing and perfecting our arguments and resolutions in anticipation of  the conference tomorrow.  

After some last minute changes Alex has taken the mantle for the delegation and will be opening the conference with a poignant,  enigmatic speech, written by all the delegates, setting our standards and ideals for each learner to lobby and debate in their individual assemblies.  It's been an exciting day but we're all shattered and after some final cramming and re-checking of outfits we're ready for the challenges of the first day of the conference!!!  

Keep posted for the next installment....