In August I wrote an essay on the topic: 'Some people criticise the European Union; why is it so vital'?

I was lucky enough to win the Southland-Otago wide essay competition run by the Polish Heritage of Otago & Southland Charitable Trust which meant I had the opportunity to shadow the EU Ambassador and her team for a day in Wellington!

1 Cappuccino, 16 handshakes, 1 golden plate of Forrero Rochers, affection from one incredibly well-travelled dog, garbled translations of over 8 languages and foreign accents later, I had spent Wednesday the 27th learning the ins and outs of the delegation of the European Union to New Zealand.

The 5am-start day was packed full of diplomatic discussion, international relations, updates on the latest news from Brussels, Brexit negotiations and courtesy calls. A few of my favourite parts included: meeting His Excellency Mr Fabrizio Marcelli, Ambassador of Italy to New Zealand, accompanying the new ambassador EU Ambassador-designate to New Zealand to meetings while she was introduced to the delegation, marvelling at just how many languages the diplomats spoke (up to seven fluently!), visiting parliament House and wracking the brains of the German, Australian, Irish and American interns at the EU delegation on how they got there!

The trip was a fast-paced day full of action and debate - for that I am so grateful to Krzysztof Dzikiewicz (Chris, of Poles Down South), Mrs Riepl for her advice and expertise, First Secretary Per and his team, EU-delegate to NZ Nina Obermaither for her willingness to give me such an insight into the life of an ambassador and diplomat as well as everyone else who made this fantastic opportunity possible!