OSCE

This morning my Integration, Conflict and Security class went to the headquarters of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe in a part of the old Hapsburg palace in Wien. Because there weren't any delegates present, we were allowed in without any security checks--despite having to bring our passports for ID purposes. The OSCE works to prevent conflicts from occurring, promotes democracy and seeks to protect the environment. Its member states include pretty much the entire Global North from "Vancouver to Vladivostok". I'm not sure how effective it really is since all its decisions are made by unanimous decision of its 56 member states. When we went to the main meeting chamber, I got to sit at the Chairperson, Secretariat, US and Armenian delegations' seats. (I'm starting to collect a number of "important seats" I've sat in... haha.)

In the afternoon, it rained. First time during the whole excursion that the weather wasn't warm and beautiful. It'd been such a nice break from the grey Berlin. While it was still raining, I went to the Military Museum in the old city Arsenal with a few other people. I spent several hours there and thought it was great. The museum covered the military history of Austria since the Middle Ages through the modern era. Once again, no English signage but a good audio guide and low-priced student admission (only 3€).

Rain cleared up by the time I finished the museum and I went back to the hotel. Once there, I did a little laundry, since I was running out of clean clothing, and then went to an all-you-can-eat Sushi bar (with revolving bar of Sushi). It was 15€ but really good. Stanislava, Paulo, Kim and I made sure to get our money's worth!