criplomats

We actually had three social events this week now that 95% of the embassy has been vaccinated. It was fun to get out and see folks, but the introvert in me got a little exhausted, LOL.

We started on Thursday evening with a farewell party for one of the Marines. It was the first time I’d even been in the Marine House even though it’s right by the embassy. The Marines are so young! It was fun listening to them give tribute to the one who was leaving. They served up Mexican food and margaritas – lots of fun.

Friday night we went to Justin and Stephanie’s for pizza and Catan, along with two other folks, and last night we went to Matthew and Ana’s for an eid celebration. Ana outdid herself on food – just an amazing assortment of Indonesian food and enough dessert for the whole town. She is really amazing. I had a good time catching up with Steve and Audrey.

The work week was crazy – a lot of putting out fires and other shenanigans. I worked Friday in the office – nice and quiet since it was a local holiday.

We’re enjoying “Mare of Easttown” and “Tin Star” on television, and last night we started “Hacks” with Jean Smart – she is amazing!

I was talking with my cousin David yesterday about how we really don’t feel any different than when we were in our 20s, but yet, here we are!

I had a lovely day. John decorated the house with goodies David and Alison sent, and crowned me with a birthday tiara when I woke up. At an outdoor embassy party at the Ambassador’s house tonight, I was very surprised when we arrived and everyone sang – and then the incredible Ana unveiled this amazing cake and cat-cakes! So very kind and thoughtful. John and I finished up with sushi at Mamba Point. I got lots of good wishes from folks around the world – I’m truly lucky.

The amazing Ana

Catcakes

Thanks to vaccinations, I felt comfortable going out to dinner at Mamba Point with John and our fabulous friend and neighbor Ian, who we first met in Pakistan. Ian will be leaving soon, and we lamented not being able to spend more time together – thanks, COVID.

We enjoyed a small gathering downstairs with our friend Michael, with guests of honor who are here to make a plan for a historical Liberian site. I met new, interesting, and fun neighbors and learned more about Liberian history. We also caught up with Michael on Monday night when he came up for a glass of wine after work – good times.

I worked all weekend, in the office on Saturday and at home on Sunday. There’s never enough time to get everything done! John and I did enjoy some down time this week, watching “Mare of Easttown” with Kate Winslet, the lovely “My Octopus Teacher,” and “Mank.” I also had a great video chat with Pam, Ann, and Jackie last Sunday.

With fabulous DOD colleagues, Matt and Jordan, at a DOD promotion ceremony this week.

John watching a storm roll in last week

After a COVID test first thing Monday morning, we were cleared to return to the office. It seemed strange to be up and dressed after five weeks! The week flew by as we got back into the groove.

Matthew and Ana brought their kids over yesterday to watch “Godzilla vs Kong.” Ana brought a platter of amazing Indonesian food – not only was it delicious but she had decorated it with banana leaves, so it was lovely to look at, too.

John and I had a nice dinner on the balcony at Alyson and Rick’s last night – it was fun to catch up with them. They were on R&R right before us, so we hadn’t socialized since February. We’ll hate to see them go this summer.

We had at least one big storm this week – I’m glad to see rainy season again.

Cousin David keeping an eye on our condo! We miss it!

The return of rainy season

John and I teleworked from home this week as we abided by Post’s quarantine rules. It gave me time to go through the almost 2,000 emails and cables that were in my mailbox, plus do some work on our annual evaluations.

We watched a great limited series called “The Serpent” – highly recommend it (featuring a Dutch consular officer). We watched “Godzilla vs. Kong,” which was more fun that I thought it would be. We also started a new limited series based on a Stephen King story called “The Outsider.”

We had a big storm with rain on Thursday – looks like it’s about time for rainy season to start again!