The Foreign Service Journal, June 2005

“Sir,” Lloyd went on, his voice trembling. “I’m just hoping that this isn’t going to interfere with our big open- ing of the cup holders exhibit at the Cultural Center.” He held up one of the pink flyers reading “Cool Art: Classic American Cup Holders” and brushed away a tear. Already despondent that he had not been able to find enough people in town to form a challenge square-danc- ing group, the thought of losing his first big exhibition at post was almost unbearable. “It wasn’t easy to get the funding for that and we already owe even more to cover the cup holders that melted while they were sitting on the tarmac clearing customs.” The ambassador shook his head and patted Lloyd’s shoulder. “Rough with the smooth, Lloyd. Even Pictionary night in jeopardy now.” I n the afternoon, the ambassador was summoned to the Presidential Palace. Miles went along to trans- late. At the front gate, young men wearing camouflage and flip-flops carried AK-47s and walked back and forth with a look of studied importance. Several with long sticks were poking at a band of monkeys in a tree. The ambassador and Miles hopped out of the Landcruiser and Miles greeted the soldiers at the gate with a long discourse in the local language, finishing by pumping one hand back and forth. The soldiers chuck- led and waved them on. “Handy lingo there, Miles,” the ambassador observed. “Never underestimate the international appeal of the limerick, sir. Only once had one badly received, in Croatia — reason I only have one functioning kidney now. There once was a girl from Dalmatia...” His voice trailed off wistfully. The palace was a gargantuan cement structure. The air conditioning had failed overnight, and already the overstuffed velvet furniture was starting to smell of rot. A group of young soldiers ushered the ambassador and Miles into the main receiving room, where several other young soldiers in camouflage and flip-flops lounged on the oversize furniture. Even in the dim light, half of them wore sunglasses. Miles and the ambassador shook hands with the soldiers and sat in deep chairs across a F O C U S J U N E 2 0 0 5 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 39 SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE AMERICA S I NCE 1 9 7 1 2005 represents our 35 th year helping to maintain America’s fleet of vehicles throughout the world. All of us at D & M consider it an honor to have worked with all of you through these years. We are aware of the importance of your official and private vehicles, forklifts, generators, tools and equipment. We look forward to continuing this service in a professional manner. We are here to help, just ask! Gary Vlahov www.dmauto.com (516) 822-6662; FAX: (516) 822-5020; E-mail: info@dmauto.com