A passion project months in the making, our trip to the UN Headquarters in New York was an incredible experience for everyone involved. The morning of our departure was filled with suspense and anticipation. Once we landed and cleared border control, it finally hit us—we had made it to New York City. Bustling with life and buildings lit up in lights, we were immediately captured by the energy of Times Square as we arrived at our hotel. That first evening, we queued patiently for the famous Joe’s Pizza, which absolutely lived up to the hype and matched the high expectations I had for New York-style pizza.
On our second day, we met our charming tour guide who took us around the city, unveiling its rich history. We learned about eras such as New Amsterdam, which many of us had never heard of. We also discussed the city’s darker chapters, including how the creation of Central Park involved displacing Black communities and demolishing their homes. Our tour ended in Chelsea, where we explored the vibrant NYU neighbourhood, enjoyed a delicious panini lunch, and strolled through Washington Square Park while listening to jazz musicians who added a lively soundtrack to our day. Later, we walked the High Line with stunning views of Manhattan, and in the evening, our group relaxed in Central Park, watching the sunset behind the iconic skyline.
On day three, we finally visited the United Nations Headquarters. Although the building’s exterior appeared plain, its interior was filled with beautiful art gifted by member states. Our guided tour took us through the three main chambers. The Security Council room was surprisingly beautiful, with distinctive wall art contributed by member countries. We were shown the earpieces used for live translations during sessions, helping us understand the logistical complexity of the proceedings. Next, we visited the Economic and Social Council chamber, where a live conference involving #Rights4Palestine was underway—while we couldn’t take photos, what we heard was powerful and thought-provoking. Finally, we entered the General Assembly Hall, a grand and impressive space with seating for all 193 UN member states. The iconic gold-leaf backdrop and UN emblem above the podium were stunning. Although its extravagance may seem excessive, it underscores the importance of global diplomacy and showmanship. We ended the day with a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge into Brooklyn.
Our fourth and final full day began with a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art—home of the Met Gala and countless breathtaking artifacts. Two friends and I spent nearly our entire day exploring the museum. I ran out of storage on my camera multiple times, but I was determined to capture as much as possible. Even after several hours, I still felt there was more to see. That evening, we had a farewell dinner at a lovely Italian restaurant, where we presented Farhang with a card and a gift to thank him for helping make the trip a reality.
We left for London the next evening. It was sad to say goodbye to this vibrant city I had come to love. I hope to return soon, but more importantly, this experience has reignited my passion for travel. I look forward to seeing more of the world—with DEN, with the University, with friends, and even on my own. This trip was unforgettable, and I’ll always treasure the memories we made.
Edward Dean