Opening Night of Model EU in Limerick

Students at the door of King John's castle in Limerick.


Last night the 2010 Model EU started as planned, despite the apocalyptic weather here in Ireland. For the past couple weeks the British Isles have been stricken with ice and a few inches of snow. An average Iowan would probably be thankful for such conditions this year, but for the Irish it is creating complete chaos. I arrived early, on the 2nd, fortunately avoiding any travel delays. Some of my fellow Drake students and other simulation participants were not so lucky. Tales of four hour waits on the tarmac or layovers in London are often heard.

The ice presents a bigger problem than the snow. One Irishman told me that usually if they get much snow in Ireland, they have to have plows sent over from England because Ireland has no plows of its own. They also have only so much grit for the roads. When I arrived they were already running low and most of the sidewalks were quite treacherous--"slick as a bottle" as they say here. Several days ago the newspapers announced that most counties have entirely run out of grit and that more is not expected until later this week. Today's papers elaborated on the situation, filling the first five pages with weather-related news.

But, as I said, the opening night went as planned. There are students here from all over Europe and the US, including delegations from Germany, Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Belgium, Ireland and the UK. The different delegations represent different countries (not necessarily their country of origin) who are members of the European Union. There are four members per delegation who each have an "alter ego" as an actual person from that country (for example, a head of state or finance minister). There is also a small press corps (six students, one faculty) for which I am the sole videographer.

There is not much to report on the opening reception itself. Like at most opening receptions, people mingled and consumed overpriced alcoholic beverages (a Guiness there went for 8 euros... no thank you). The food was delicious and buffet-style, with no surprises. Yesterday at breakfast I helped myself to some small circular discs that looked like they could be bulgar wheat or some other granular product. After a brief inspection which included a few sniffs I decided it could be consumed, which I did and enjoyed it. Today the same items were an option at breakfast so I asked a server what they were. "Pig's blood," she said. "Yes, that one is pig's blood mixed with...." and at that point my mouth was agape and I didn't really hear what the other ingredients were.

After the dinner buffet the keynote speaker began his address. Mr. Francis Jacobs is the head of the European Parliament Office in Dublin and has written numerous editions of THE definitive book on the European Union. He speech revolved around the implications of the recently-passed Lisbon Treaty. I was unable to hear the details though because I was scurrying around with a small video camera, trying to get some usable shots in that large, poorly-lit hall.

Today the actual simulation begins. Delegation members are attending their meetings, print journalists are taking notes and I am waiting impatiently for the video camera and laptop to show up so I can begin stalking the Prime Minister of Spain for a "day-in-the-life-of _____" story.