Ian's reflections: UN tour and Paradise Lost

UN Flag: the world viewed from the North Pole, surrounded by olive branches of Peace and Hope.

Today Simon and Cecilia booked us into a tour of the Africa UN headquarters in Nairobi.

This is an amazing facility, in a massive ground, donated by the Kenyan government.
We went round with a group of Masters students from the university. The guy who took us around was great fun and very informative.
The UN vaccinates 58% of the world's children Assists 34 million refugees. Is doing a lot of work with climate change. Fights poverty, protects human rights. As well as it's key role in peacekeeping and preventative diplomacy.
The tour included a visit to the massive conference rooms where various assemblies sit. I was asked to do a 30 second presentation to the group on behalf of the UK from the same podium where Barack Obama spoke. Mary also addresses the group on "the seeds of hope"

Our guide addressing us in the Japaneses Peace Garden.

Headquarters of UNEP the UN environmental agency

This is a modern concept building that is environmentally neutral.

It has solar panels and this large atrium which provides cooling

The plants are watered by the water from the roof has all LED lighting

and toilets which use minimal water.

We had an African tea and pastry in the very good buffet there, then set off for Paradise gardens which is well named. It is in the middle of a coffee plantation, It consists of a lake with waterfall and " Prehistoric caves", which were quite fun to go round; then we sat and watched a vast variety of birds in the canopies of the trees, with even one or two even sitting still long enough to be photographed..

Supper consisted of a delicious mango and avocado and banana smoothie and butternut squash and bean feast.