Day 3 in New York

For a person who hates early morning, this junket is a pain. Up at 7 am again and in a cab by shortly after 8 to head to East 7th street for the UN NGO Consultation Day. It is an introduction to our 2 weeks here with speakers, panels, and music. about 900 people were registered. The morning began with Umuada Igbo Massachusettes which are traditional African dancers who got our blood flowing and energized us.

We were welcomed by Soon-Young Yoon , Chair of the NGO Committee on the Status of Women/New York. Then the new Executive Director of UN WOmen and Under-Secretary-General Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka   gave a wonderful address.

The panel was on Cities for Sustainable Development and Women's Human Rights - How can cities ensure women's human rights in sustainable development?  The speakers were excellent ( but I have a bad habit of dozing in large rooms full of people when I am not the teacher....so I missed a little bit.) As I had another activity for the afternoon I left the hall at noon. I missed a panel on "Legacy of the 1990's UN conferences" and "What do we want from Beijing Plus 20"

I returned to my hotel to attend a training for Soroptimist International on Advocacy. It was fun and educational and it was impossible to fall asleep in as they kept us very engaged. I must lend SI our Advocacy Handbook because they could use one too. We all cleared out of the suite at 6:30 and returned at 7:30 for a reception. Lasagna, sweet and sour Chicken, salads and breads followed by fruit and cookies and accompanied by wine or water (I took the water).

The other significant event today was that I got the hotel to stand by their original quote for my room. When I arrived they were charging much more than the quote. Irealized that the room had been upgraded and wireless was now free and there is a complimentary breakfast but I could not see over $400 for some of the nights when my quote ranged from $150 to $271. Thank you "Michael" the manager today.

Finally I want to congratulate my youngest daughter Jennifer who has been curling in the Provincial Intermediates since Wed. She and her seam skipped by Sue came second overall with a record of 5 wins and 2 losses. Job well done ladies and CONGRATULATIONS.

I'll be back tomorrow

Blessings Judy