ScotMUN 2020 - the conference that almost was

Although ScotMUN is a weekend conference, the 10 person delegation decided to make a full week vacation out of it to see the Scottish Highlands and enjoy the charm of Edinburgh to its fullest. The first task: get up at 4 in the morning to catch your plane (thank God, no one overslept). After having arrived at EDI airport and getting a quick snack at Wetherspoons (having some good old English breakfast but also the beginning of our tragic search for fish ‘n’ chips), we get our cars: a cute little Mini Cooper, called Sheldon, and the little more spacious red racer Peugeot.

On to our adventures in the Highlands, more specifically Glencoe. The road takes us past Loch Lomond and winds higher into the Highlands. When we are driving the last stretch through Glencoe, we are greeted by some snowfall and moody clouds. We arrive at our lovely cottages. Dinner is prepared by our five-star chefs, Jan and Friedrich, and a warming fire is lit in the fireplace. While the weather outside is, well, Scottish, the group spends the evening playing cards and drinking cider. Although it’s still raining cats and dogs the next morning, the group is not discouraged. We take a walk to the nearest distillery (which was closed, unfortunately) and pub, warming up with a pint or, alternatively, a hot chocolate (potentially both).

In the afternoon, the group takes on the hike to the Lost Valley. And while rain turns to snow, the trail becomes even more muddy, icy, and slippery, and the group realizes how woefully ill-equipped they are to make such a hike (most of them not having brought their waterproof hiking boots).

After this fun but exhausting trip, everyone is looking forward to a nice warm cuppa and a hot shower. Following a delicious Indian dinner (why, yes, we do feel very British), we once again spend the evening with games, drink, and partying into Jakob’s birthday. The next morning, we say goodbye to Glencoe and make our way back to Edinburgh, not without stopping at nearly every photo opportunity to take in the breathtaking views around us. While we enjoy our time far from the troubles of the world for a little longer, the Corona crisis is picking up pace all around Europe. We receive a notification that university lessons will be online from now on. ScotMUN is still on, so the group is getting ready for the first day. Upon arriving in the city, Jakob and Kiril hurry to the chairs meeting, and the rest of the group unpacks and hunts down some food, once again being disappointed by the unavailability of fish and chips. After a first get-to-know-everyone committee session, the group gets ready for the famous black-tie dinner event at the Balmoral Hotel. Although the 3-course menu is delicious as always, our delegation is deeply saddened by the announcement of a cancelled Ceilidh - the highlight of the conference. But do not despair! As the live music wasn’t cancelled, the MUN Mannheim delegation and others joined together for an impromptu Ceilidh, dancing away the night with various Scottish dances.

The same night, back at the hotel, we receive the message that ScotMUN 2020 is cancelled due to Coronavirus. Although saddened by the news, the delegation decides to make the best out of this unfortunate situation, discovering the lovely city of Edinburgh on a beautiful Saturday. A stop at the statue of Adam Smith is, of course, a must for our group, consisting almost exclusively of economists. Getting some afternoon tea and a visit to the art museum both are also on our to-do list that day. In the evening, the group gathers for a nice delegation dinner at the Pibroch, before partying at a pub on the Grassmarket. On Sunday, the group decides to climb Arthur’s Seat to have a stunning view of Edinburgh from above, enjoying the sunny weather. The afternoons are spent individually, discovering the city, enjoying the view of the castle, and sipping hot chocolate. While some of our group have already left for home, the remaining delegates gather for dinner at Brewhemia, finally having some well deserved and delicious fish ‘n chips.

And because a vacation wouldn’t be complete without a day at the beach, the six remaining delegates took a trip to St Andrews on Monday. On the way there and back, the group discovers their love for Doppelkopf (a traditional German card game) while admiring the beautiful landscape flying by. Walking through the town of St Andrews, the delegates enjoy some fudge doughnuts (the best thing you will ever eat) and admire the ruins of St Andrew’s cathedral. We while away our time at the nice cafe at the museum with stunning views over the shore, before once again braving the winds and heading down to the beach. And because a trip to the beach wouldn’t be complete without fish ‘n’ chips, we get some on our way to the train station.

Getting up on Tuesday, knowing our plane will leave in the afternoon, we do all the things one does on a last day: finish up the postcards and do some last-minute shopping. But first, breakfast: some real Scottish breakfast including haggis, and some scones with heavy whipped cream and raspberry jam, who would not want to start a day like this? Later that day, it is time to say goodbye to the wonderful city of Edinburgh and fly back home, arriving at Mannheim train station late in the evening, exhausted but happy after a long week of (not really) Model UN. Thank you, everyone, who came along, you guys are the best!