Back
in Brasilia [after leave at home]. Had quite a homecoming. Got back to
not only an overflowing desk but also a slightly fraying, yet still
impending cabinet visit. Arrived Wednesday in time for a somewhat
frantic tussle with State Department lawyers over the wording of an
agreement for signature during Secretary Cohen’s visit. Lost the tussle
but learned an important lesson and some useful info for the future. (We
will eventually do the agreement anyway.) On Thursday, I used the
holiday to catch up on work and -- after watching two episodes of the
final five of my favorite Brazilian telenovela taped for me while I was
gone -- went off to meet the Secretary at 12 midnight.
On
Friday, still not caught up on my trip induced sleep shortage, went into
the office early to do some work and then to the hotel for a 9:45
briefing. Spent the rest of the day with the Secretary: meetings with
the Senate President, the President, the new Defense Minister, lunch
with the Defense Minister and the senior military commanders, a photo
event at the Embassy, a press conference and a late afternoon meeting
with the Foreign Minister. In between, rode with the Secretary. Had a
chance to chat with him (and in between events, with his attractive
wife). A decent man and a Republican. We talked about business but also
ourselves. I told him about A... attending St. Albans. He told me he is
leaving politics after the Administration leaves office. He later told
the Embassy staff that he appreciated the sacrifices we folks abroad
make in the public service, like the Charge living without his family.
This
weekend is another three-day one thanks to another Brazilian holiday.
(I like getting two sets of holidays.) I will be guest of honor at the
Marine Ball tomorrow and have my rented tux hanging in the closet. I
also hope to sleep.
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