A couple of months ago I received an invitation to Ingrid's retirement party. I was thrilled to recieve the invitation and immediately replied that I would attend. I wanted to be present to thank this wonderful woman for her role in my life. Ingrid is a landmark in my memory. I see her as a combination of influential mentor-fairy godmother. Twelve years ago when I worked as her intern at the Candian Embassy I knew very little about the task I had signed up for. Oklahoma and DC are, suffice it to say, very different worlds. She took me under her wing and taught me how to survive-- and she did it with warmth, candor and humor! The trip was somewhat emotional for me because for the longest time I have wanted to return to DC and work. I have always wondered why I had this experience. Not much, besides my first job out of college working for the Senator, has related to political/diplomatic work. It is like there is a disconnect between the life I lead and the life I almost lead and the gap between the two has always bothered me. It was good to go, revisit, thank Ingrid for her kindness, and close the door on a chapter of my life that I have, until recently, not been able to close.
Ingrid and former interns.
Me and Rodolfo with the bouquet that we created as a special gift for Ingrid.
Here is my friend Jonathan whom I met all those years ago during my internship. Luckily he still has the same phone number and we reconnected on this trip! He took me and Rodolfo on a relaxing stroll around the capital (See the capitol building in the background). Unlike myself, he never left DC! Lucky fellow.
We also saw some Tibetian monks while on our trip. I felt like this was a unique occurance. How often does one see Tibetans of any kind hanging around on an American street corner?
Now this is a bike I could ride! :)
And last but not least, some amazingly large hydrangeas that we came across while strolling through Georgetown. Aren't they beautiful?!
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