St. FX Model United Nations Society's Adventure in Halifax
/The snowstorm that hit the East Coast this weekend has made national headlines as Antigonish, and surrounding counties were pummeled by nearly 100 cm of snow. Locals and St. FX students alike hunkered down for the weekend, with a few brave individuals braving the weather to stock up on essentials. The town spent their weekend building snowmen, sledding and enjoying their time indoors with friends and family. However, one school group had a rather different experience during this record-breaking storm.
Members of St. FX’s Model United Nations Society left Antigonish early Friday afternoon heading to Halifax for the East Coast Model United Nations (ECMUN) conference that is hosted annually by Saint Mary’s University. The weather was beginning to show signs of concern, visibility was low, and the roads were icy. Upon arrival in Halifax the team was informed that as a result of inclement weather, the conference had been cancelled and that SMU’s campus would be closed the following day. Tired from their journey, the team was frustrated and concerned that their preparation for the conference would go to waste. Despite this, the society decided to make the most of their unexpected weekend in Halifax.
Sheltered by the Four Seasons in the heart of downtown, the team had an excellent home base from which they could explore the city. A group dinner at Jack Astor’s on the first night followed by dancing at the Basement of the Shoe certainly set the tone for what would be an incredible weekend. During the day, team members explored the shopping districts, cafes and the farmers market in downtown Halifax (at least those that remained open in spite of the snow). The Bicycle Thief, The Stubborn Goat, and Latitude 44 were chosen as dinner spots for the team on the second night. After satisfying their appetites, the group did a bar crawl, starting at Durty Nelly’s then onto the iconic Dome Nightclub and lastly Pacifico, a bar housed in a converted bank building. On Sunday after a weekend filled with activity, the society decided to unwind, watching the new Mean Girls remake in theatres together.
Ultimately, the unexpected weekend in Halifax became a pivotal moment for the St. FX Model UN Society. Despite the initial disappointment of the conference cancellation, they seized the opportunity to explore, connect, and make memories together. Whether it was posing for group photos, watching the Grammy’s in bed, or enjoying a swim at the hotel pool, the team embraced every moment. While important lessons would have been learned at the conference, the bonding experience in Halifax is just as crucial for success at the upcoming NMUN conference in New York in March. Friendships were strengthened, new bonds were formed, and the spirit of resilience prevailed, proving that even in the face of adversity, there is always room for adventure.
