UN-dercover

I paid a visit to the United Nations today. I deployed my usual cover: I was a "doctoral student" attending a seminar on Southern Engines of Growth: China, India, Brazil, South Africa. As usual, it worked like a charm. It meant waiting in line with 200 teenagers on a school trip to go through security, but it's important to establish one's character early.

The "brainstorming seminar" took place in a classic underground U.N. chamber. A large 70's era conference room, filled by a ring-shaped table with microphones and name-card slots for attendees. The wood-panelled walls were bookended with soundbooths for the translators, and each room had its appointed language printed on a fading plastic sign just inside the sound-proof glass. I noticed there was no booth for Portuguese.

After putting in the requisite face-time to maintain the facade, I slipped out to complete my actual mission: a routine sweep for any signs of nondescript nefarious international skullduggery. I can safely report that as far as the cafeteria and bookshops are concerned, all appeared well. More sensitive details must remain classified, obviously.

As I left the building at 46th Street I looked for the famous row of flags to brighten up what was a particularly colourless day, replete with sleet, freezing rain and strong winds. The flags were not raised. Curious...