A shortcut to Europe

Taking advantage of events like an Embassy Open House is one of the reasons I love where I live. I only wish so many other people hadn't shown up on such a beautiful Spring day:) Lines into the Embassies were long and so I could only visit a few of the many on my list. At the EU delegation building I received a delegation cook book and I can't wait to try some of these recipes.

Note to self -- I really need to brush up on my 'study of flags'

As I went into some of the embassies my mind wandered back to my travels in that specific country. As I walked thru the doors to the off-the-beaten track embassy of Austria, I was reminded of my first solo European trip to Salzburg and my many photos (oh the many photos) of the Fort on the hill and all things Mozart and Sound of Music!

As I walked thru the Belgium Embassy door I was transported back to a summer afternoon sitting in the sunny Grand Place, searching out the Manneken-Pis, marveling at the Royal Palace and oh.the.mussels. But my first thought is always the terror I had when I discovered I got on the wrong train and instead of catching the quick train back to the airport to catch my flight to Dublin, I had jumped on an overnight train to Cologne:)

Saturday, I think the Belgium Embassy was my favorite -- a peek into the Ambassador's expansive office, lots of picture, a beautiful tapestry hanging in the foyer and the treats...oh.the.treats! Guests were able to sample chocolate, sugary waffles, bread with some amazing caramel spread called Speculoos, and beer! For a second, I thought about getting in line again:)



The Austrian and Slovakian Embassies had beautiful folk music and the British Embassy had whisky tasting! I now have packets of Austrian wild flower seeds that I am dying to try to grow.



While on my 5 mile trek around the the streets of Washington, DC, I decided to get acquainted with some of the non-EU embassies/consulate and chanceries, too -- many of which had their Open House last weekend -- and some of them are quite spectacular from the outside. I think three of the most striking are the UAE, Indonesian and the expansive Chinese one. (I'd really love to visit those).





I also discovered 2 new statues -- one of Gandhi and one of fomer Czechoslovakian leade, President Mazaryk.  The Cosmos Club only allowed women into its environs in the late '80s...1980s! And, there is something called the Society of the Cincinnati that keeps alive the ideals and fellowship of the Revolutionary War.  Who needs a classroom when you have the streets of DC:)

It wasn't just all about treats and art -- I actually learned that beginning on June 1, certified organic products in the US or EU can be sold in either region, cutting down on dual fees and certifications. I also got to meet some brave members of the British Royal Navy and get some information on the Olympics.

I love Europe so visiting the embassies was a way to dream about future trips. It was also a reminder of how inter-related we all are and how much we can learn and grow from one another. On Saturday, it was all about people enjoying learning about other cultures and embracing the differences!

Til next year!