Wednesday’s almost over, which leaves only two more days in my trip.  Had the last day in the office today, and it seemed like I was just getting started.  

There have been so many memories from this trip and the final week has not disappointed.  A long weekend getaway at a little beachouse on Long Island for starters.  Monday included work and attending a panel discussion about a new initiative targeted at pastoralist populations in dryland areas in E. Africa.  Speakers included the first lady of Uganda, the special envoy to the UN from Somalia, and the UN ambassador from Djibouti.  Things learned: 20 million people live in extreme poverty in these areas, nomads who follow the sparse rainfall and have been largely neglected in terms of development and aid; surprisingly, Somalia has at least enough political stability to send a dynamic person to the UN; there’s no getting around the hilarity of Djibouti’s name, even when spoken by their ambassador.

Tuesday was a whirlwind of important people and functions.  First up was Millennium Promise’s directors meeting.  It took place in a swanky corner of the 10th floor of the Time Warner building (on Time Warner’s dime no less!).  Safe to say it was the easiest three-hour meeting I’ve ever sat through.  But when the speakers are the likes of the director of the World Food Program, the CEO of Ericsson (who is a revolutionary in mobile phone technology in the developing world), CEO of an Asian chemical company providing tens of millions of mosquito nets to help stifle malaria, Jeff Sachs, and Youssou N’Dour, it’s not too tough.  Out of the hundred people or so there, I’m pretty sure I was the lowest ranked one, but I had an Earth Institute badge so I blended in okay.  From there I walked over to Grand Central Station, where much of the same crowd, plus others, gathered to launch the Connect to Learn Campaign, a women’s education initiative spearheaded by Ericsson, Millennium Promise, the Earth Institute, and Madonna (everyone needs a spokesperson right?).  The whole day was a little surreal.  But it was all about the best and brightest coming together to tackle issues of world poverty, so it was pretty inspiring!

Today was spent both at work and at the incredible Metropolitan Museum of Art.  I spent at least an hour and a half there before the place closed, and I still missed probably 75% of the museum.  Still, some highlights: really liked the Paul Cezanne pieces they had - had no clue who he was coming in but was impressed; Dali’s Crucifixion; the entire exhibit of art from Oceania; the Big Bambu piece on the roof.  There was plenty more, from Van Gogh’s to Warhol’s to Roman-era stuff.  What’s cool about the MET is that you get an eclectic taste of art, a little something from every civilization, and it’s interesting to see how different cultures and societies interpret and create, and how that weaves together into the greater story of humanity.

So, with only two days to go, there’s no time to let up.  Up for tomorrow, a trip to the Bronx to check out Fordham (always thinking ahead!) and sitting in on a talk by the President of Timor-Leste.  Friday I’ll be spending the day helping at an event about climate engineering, and then it’s off to SEA-town Saturday morning!  Apparently we have to start school or something, and I’m already receiving assignments and starting to worry about my ability to handle my intermediate french class…

All in all, life is good!  I’d say this trip has been more than successful on all fronts.  Now it’s time to head back and have an unforgettable last year of college with the greatest people in the world.  Can’t wait!