The Foreign Service Journal, July-August 2003

The reporter put down her pen. “Thank you so much for liking my crazy, mixed-up country.” “Just doing what comes naturally,” smiled Ellen. “Have another cup of coffee. Tell me more about your life. Tell me about your mother and grandmother.” “Photos first,” said the reporter. Ellen arranged herself on the sofa beneath the Calibari. She felt perfectly calm. T he interviewwas to run in the Sunday edition. For the rest of the week Jim labored under a cloud of fore- boding that seemed ludicrous to Ellen, who insisted that the reporter could be trusted. Jim retorted that Ellen’s personal charm had not been lavished on the editor. Sometimes the Sunday paper arrived before dawn; sometimes it was delayed. As luck would have it, there was no paper on the doorstep when Ellen went to retrieve it. There was still no paper when the maid called them to breakfast. Jim was on edge. He was dri- ving Ellen crazy. The usual racket of the crows was get- ting on her nerves, too. Finally the maid approached with the paper, which she laid on the table. She had hardly turned her back when both Ellen and Jim lunged for the Style section. Ellen restrained herself. As Jim’s eyes devoured words, Ellen studied the page upside down. She loved the headline: “New Boutique to Be a Revelation.” And the color photo capping four columns was all she could have hoped for. The Calibari made a dramatic backdrop; Patti’s dress was definitely chic; she herself looked better than not bad. But Jim’s reading was taking so long Ellen could hard- ly stand it. She poured coffee, checked her fingernails, noted that the mango tree had been clipped back, tapped a bare foot soundlessly on flagstone. Eventually Jim looked up, perplexed. “There’s nothing here,” he said. “Nothing?” “Nothing bad. Nothing about the mission.” “Well,” said Ellen, as mildly as she could, “that’s all that matters, isn’t it?” ■ F O C U S 20 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / J U LY- A U G U S T 2 0 0 3 We offer spacious beautifully appointed suites which are ideal for business or pleasure. Our One Bedroom Suites: full kitchens, stovetops, refrigerators, dishwashers and dinette area, living rooms with sleep sofas, master bedroom and full bath. There’s more . . . those on full per diem at $150.00 + tax daily rate receive: • 2 times/week receive a $22 coupon for dinner at a local participating restaurant • Continental breakfast • Weekly buffet dinner • Daily maid service • Free local calls • Health club • Internet access in lobby • Weekend transport to local hot spots For example: Potomac Mills Mall or Mt. Vernon! Experience the Appealing Charm … 108 South Courthouse Road 610 Bashford Lane Arlington, VA 22204 Alexandria, VA 22314 703-522-2582 (club) 703-739-2582 e clubsales@dcexeclub.com alexandriasales@ a rlingtonsales@dcexeclub.com dcexeclub.com Two Convenient Locations: Our “Rosslyn” Guests are moving to our Arlington location.... Executive Club Suites of Arlington now offers dedicated units for our Foreign Service guests: “E-Club’ In addition to all the service, amenities and courteous staff you have been used to, we offer more . . . • Electronic locks on guest rooms • 3 miles to NFATC RT shuttle • RT Grocery pickup weekly • Outdoor pool & Jacuzzi in fabulous setting • Grilling area We accept the first sliding per diem (your 100% for 60 days, then the 50% reduction w/weekly maid & w/o meal coupons.) Central Reservations: 703-739-2582 extension 1405 w ww.execlubdc.com or je rome@dcexeclub.com