Hey,

Thanx for the advice guys. Seems really exciting. I just have one query. My session starts on June 21 and ends on July 2. Does this mean that I have to book my flight ticket to land in Washington D.C. on 21 or on 20th? Same doubt for departure from NYC. Please asnwer. Thanx a lot!

Peace.

Thanks so mch for all the great advice! But I'm still not clear on the whole speech thing. I know there's the cultural item you have to bring, and the leader you have to choose, but other than that are there any other mandatory public speaking instances? Any debates in front of large crowds?

hey...sorry, I'm late...
so:
@PeaceLov-->Flights: I'm not so good in USA geography, so I dunno where chennai is...I think you can book your flight thinking about your time zone...If it's necessary for you to leave home the night of the 20th june to be in time at DC, or if you can leave on the 21st...
sae thing for the departure in NYC-->please choose JFK airport NOT newark!!!

hii guys.. your words make me nervous and excited in the same time.. im really looking forward to this experience and im sure it will be one of a kind.. any more advices anyone ??
and for whoever is attending the june 28-9 july ,looking forward to meet u there !

Also, (for China) does anyone recommend bringing a laptop? Is it something I'll want to bring? Or will I regret taking it along...

Heyyyyyy...ummm....how many formal suits should I walk with?

Words of advice: well first of all have loads of fun. Its a good idea to keep track of who you meet during the conference as you both will have amazing memories. Lastly, this is a simulation. Being realistic is important but dont let it stop you in terms of ideas- this way you are only replicating a current day politician.Dont hesitate to express any ideas that initially dont sound practical. As leaders of the future we are allowed to be creative!

Vikkigurl3: a laptop is not an absolute essential and its a worry because of all the transitions between cities. If you are positive that you can keep it safe then it wont disadvantage you in the conference.

Rexybear: dont go overboard. I'd suggest 4 suits maximum but with plenty of shirts so that you can vary it a little.

do you go to the White House?

Hello future GYLC-ers!

Some things I wish someone had told me before I left:

1. Look up the forecast of the location you're travelling to beforehand, and if you can get hold of a newspaper - they're available on the street in DC and NYC - so you know the forecast. Nothing worse than sweating through your shirt cause you weren't aware how hot it was going to be.

2. Relating to the above, take less clothes than you think you'll need. Plenty of opportunities for shopping, and for most of the professional dress you can wear a few different shirt/skirt/pants/dress combinations. Plus, it'll save you from stressing that you'll go over the weight limit at the airport.

3. If you can, schedule your departure flight as early in the morning as you can - don't do what I did and get stuck in JFK Airport for 13 hours before I could get on my plane.

4. ALWAYS have a spare pair of camera batteries in your bag. Otherwise the batteries WILL die halfway through the tour of the UN...which happened to me.

5. If you're going to NYC, take MONEY into the UN. There are some AMAZING gift shops and you will regret it if you don't get to buy anything.

6. When you take photos, take a combination of pictures of people, places, and if you can always try and get yourself in the photo. Remember that people will want to see them when you get home, and after twenty photos of 'this is so and so from this country' it gets boring.

7. Buy a map of the city you're in before you go - the maps you will be provided with are often sketchy and hard to read.

8. Take a small notebook to jot down funny things that happened each day - doesn't have to be a big journal entry, but if you've time just write down some key events. It'll be helpful upon return.

9. Take proper shoes! One girl in my room didn't bring formal shoes, only strappy sandals, and was told she wasn't allowed to go to the UN unless she could find replacement shoes. Proper shoes do NOT INCLUDE: anything you can see your toes in, anything with a massive heel (not recommended because your feet will ache). Your best bet is a black leather Mary-Jane style.

10. Get everyone in your group's mobile number - handy if someone is running late and you need to call them.

11. Get Skype before you leave! Facebook is wonderful, but there's nothing compared to being able to talk to someone in another country...for FREE.

12. Wear a watch. You will need to be at LEAST five minutes early for EVERYTHING and there's nothing worse than having your whole group mad at you because you delayed them.

13. Don't stress yourself out with research about your LGM Country, not before and not during. Anything you need with be given to you, and you'll have much more fun if you're not stressing.

14. Be patient, tolerant, and accept that people make mistakes.

15. Have boatloads and boatloads of fun.

GYLC 09 was quite literally, the time of my life. I'd give anything to be back there, and I've made so many friends that are just incredible. Have fun, learn loads, and take tissues for when you go to the Holocaust Memorial!

xxLaura