Well, I got through my first week
and as of 7pm last night, I am chargé d'affaires of the US Mission to Brazil. It is a big operation. We have hundreds of people working just
here in the Embassy compound. Diplomats, secretaries, information
management personnel, admin personnel (including mail room clerks,
repair shop folks, gardeners, budget analysts, drivers, guards,
procurement specialists, etc) Marines, USAID personnel, public
affairs officers, agricultural specialists, anti-drug personnel, FBI
officials etc. A lot, really.
Moved into our house today. Decided to do so
despite plans to redo plumbing. It is just too nice not to use right
away and we'll deal with the plumbing as necessary. It is two levels
with big patios, a pool and lots of space -- including seven
bedrooms. It is light and has a great view of Brasilia and the lake.
I give my first big reception there on Tuesday. But the actual work
will be done by my three domestics, four from the Ambassador's
residence (which is it self empty and will make a good weekend
getaway) and my protocol officer. I just have to show up and be
nice.
The weather is nice. It is hot today, especially
in the sun playing volleyball at the picnic we are having here at
the embassy. I read Clinton's July 4th address in my
shorts and wearing my Budweiser hat. Also reviewed the Marine Honor
Guard and then worked selling sodas and beer for a while. The
Brazilians in the government I have met all speak English better than
I speak Portuguese. But I am using the language to watch the
telenovelas every night. These are daily soaps that usually run for
a year or so and then change. They are really good and I have
already become hooked on "Andando Nas Nuvens," or Walking
in the Clouds. Found two good restaurants so far. In one you can
eat the salad, in the other, as I learned, you can't. This weekend I
will spend a little time in the office catching up and also exploring
the new house.
*An old saying used in the foreign service to indicate getting right to work as soon as you arrive: "Hit the ground running." Always hopefully without a splat.
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