First day

The first day went well! After getting through the initial HR process, including getting security clearance and a pretty snazzy U.N. badge I have to wear at all times, I was walked into the court building for the first time. The lobby is pretty awe-inspiring - it's cream-colored marble from floor to ceiling, and one of the main courtrooms opens immediately in front of you. 

The big news, though, is that I was assigned to my trial team, and let me just say that I am thrilled, if that's an appropriate word for this context. The defendant is currently on trial, and all I will say is that he was very high-ranking...  

In other good news, the office that I am in is all windows on one side, so it has a fantastic view of the city and of the Peace Palace tower jutting up above the trees. 

One of the interns that has been with this team for half a year had her last day today. During her going away coffee on the rooftop terrace of the court, I looked around at the surreal scene of attorneys in black robes and judges in red robes mingling with armed guards and interns alike. At any one time about ten languages can be heard in the hallways. It's just an amazing atmosphere. 

I'll add more as the week progresses!