| Sunday, August 13, 2006 |
| Broadsheet goes to Washington |
OK, so Friday was pretty much one of the coolest, and most memorable experiences I've ever had. Fifteen family members, neighbors, and friends, were invited to Washington to see my good friend, Bob Ford, invested as the next Ambassador to Algeria. His mother in law arranged the whole thing, and told us to be at the house bright and early to board a bus she had rented for the day, so we could all arrive together, and celebrate on the way home.
Walking up the street to their house, I came upon the bus, and thought to myself, what a great symbol for today's event!
Then I got a view of the interior, and knew we were in for a great day! The only thing missing was a stripper pole. It was VERY posh. Full bar, 3 flat screen TVs, the works. I apologize for the picture quality, but I took this on my cell phone and it was dark.
And I'm afraid those are the only photos I can share, because once we arrived at the White House, our cameras, cell phones, etc., were absolutely verbotten. Security was VERY tight. Even after the Secret Service background check that each of us went through, we went through metal detectors, had our photos taken, our purses opened and thoroughly searched (not just glanced through), and were asked to present our ID upon entering every hallway, elevator and room.
But it was SO cool to be there in person! It really does give you the chills to be where so many important and historical events take place. The weather certainly brightened the mood too - it was just lovely for an August day in Washington, DC! There was a festive, but very reverent mood, very much like a wedding in certain respects. Everyone dressed in their summer formal finery, standing around chatting in hushed tones, waiting for the ceremony to begin. Condoleeza Rice was slated to do the honors up until that very morning, but had to go to the UN at literally the last minute to work on the Middle East peace deal. Undersecretary of State, Nicholas Burns stood in for her, and I think it was even more fitting since he knows Bob personally and was able to offer some very personal comments to the ceremony. Secretary of State Rice had left some personal comments to be read in her absence which were very nice and reflected just how highly Bob is regarded in the US Foreign Service. I was very touched by the enormous outpouring of affection for Robert by his colleagues at the State Dept. They turned out in droves, and represented all the areas he's worked in for so many years, from his days in the Peace Corps in Morocco, to Algeria, Cameroon, Cairo, Bahrain and Baghdad. We were also introduced to the Algerian Ambassador to the US Amine Kherbi. When Robert gave his remarks, he made a point of thanking his wife Alison, who is a remarkably accomplished diplomat in her own right, and choked up a bit. When he took the oath of office, I will admit to reaching for a tissue myself.
The official signing of the mission papers took place at the State Department in the Treaty Room located on the top floor of the State Dept. Building. These rooms are stunningly appointed, with ionic columns topped with gold State Dept. seals, marquet floors, and contain period furnishings and antiques highlighted by the oil portraits of previous Secretaries of State: Jim Baker, Henry Kissinger, Howard Schultz, Warren Christopher, etc., all viewing the proceeds from their gilded frames. It's an awe inspiring place. With a few strokes of a pen, seated at one of the tables used to sign the Treaty of Paris, and Bob officially became Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria. A State Dept. Photographer captured the event, so perhaps there will be photos at a later date.
After a brief reception, we were herded back out onto our happy little bus, and with the arrival of the Ambassador, we opened the champagne, made many toasts, and celebrated with fresh strawberries and biscuits all the way back to Bolton Hill, where we continued the celebration with a luncheon. For good measure, we celebrated yet again yesterday with a larger party for the friends and neighbors who weren't able to attend the ceremony. Robert leaves for Algeria on Thursday. The photos of the residency look spectacular: 6 Bedrooms, a household staff of eight, pool, gardens....Very posh.
I was extremely honored and touched to have been part of such a special occasion, and am already making plans to head to North Africa for a visit. |
posted by Broadsheet @ 11:34 AM   |
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| 4 Editorial Opinions: |
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Hey! Am I the first comment? Awesome.
I am very jealous of you, Broad, because you went to the building I grew up dreaming I'd work in.
I think I may be more jealous of that bus you got to ride in.
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BJB -BJB! I thought you were gone. I didn't realize you put your site back up - I'll relink it and clear off all the other dead bloggers who have passed away lately. Sorry to hear about your roomate troubles. The houses in either side of me are for sale!
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Ha! Give me some money and I'll buy one of those houses! Either that or give me the next winning lottery numbers.
This too shall pass...know what I'm saying?
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Hey! Am I the first comment? Awesome.
I am very jealous of you, Broad, because you went to the building I grew up dreaming I'd work in.
I think I may be more jealous of that bus you got to ride in.