The Foreign Service Journal, January 2006

Running a B&B is in no way retirement, but we enjoy the Grand Traverse Region thoroughly. A num- ber of my colleagues in the Foreign Service have visit- ed us, including former Ambassadors Jack Matlock and Galen Stone. Our Between the Lakes Bed & Breakfast rooms reflect our FS experience, featuring such themes as Valhalla (Norway), Treetops (India and Pakistan) and African Adventure (West Africa). Though most of our guests are from the heartland, we’ve had clients from all over the world. They all seem to like our global per- spective. We’ve had over 9,000 guest nights, and are still open. As for innkeepers, a solid marriage with both committed to the adventure is the only way to make it fun. Meanwhile, my dealings with the Retirement Division have been nothing but positive. The Foreign Service Journal is an informative delight to read. Participating with the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training in both capacities was valuable, and now I moderate two of the Great Decisions classes at Northwestern Michigan College each fall. I am convinced that Foreign Service officers should be at the helm of most international houses around the world, and would be delighted to assist in any way I could in advocating for this, though we are now located in the remote north woods of Michigan. Retirement from the Service should be relished, not feared. Gordon Evans Interlochen, Mich. utu Building the Beach House of Our Dreams My retirement after 24 years in the Foreign Service, effective Sept. 30, 2004, has been a joy. I had joined USIA in 1980. Following its consolidation with the F O C U S J A N U A R Y 2 0 0 6 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 63