The Foreign Service Journal, November 2003

ative writing. She lives in Gainesville, Fla. Order the book directly from the author at 4442 SW 85th Way, Gainesville FL 32608. Serving America Abroad: Real-Life Adventures of American Diplomatic Families Overseas Edited by Irwin Rubenstein, Xlibris Books, 2003, $20.00, paperback, 335 pages. This is a collection of more than 100 stories written by members of the Foreign Service Retirees Association of Florida. They worked as secretaries, attachés, tech- nicians, consuls, ministers, ambassadors and more, with their spouses and families in embassies and consulates in more than 150 countries. These are true stories of their varied and always interesting lives. From disparate groups of retirees and their spouses who gathered informally for food and camaraderie in various parts of Florida in the 1960s, the FSRA was established as an organization in 1982. Now it is a cohesive, 800-member institution that works to edu- cate Americans on foreign policy matters. Living Abroad with Uncle Sam Helen Weinland, 1st Books, 2003, $13.95, paperback, 288 pages. This is a memoir of Helen Weinland’s 20 years’ ser- vice as a “grunt” in the foreign policy trenches. As a mid-level officer alternating between European and African posts, Weinland was fortunate to be on the scene at interesting times. She was in Prague, for instance, at the time Czech authorities relaxed slightly on contacts between dissidents and foreign diplomats, allowing her to host Charter 77 leaders like Vaclav Havel at her video evenings. But this is not merely a book about public figures and events. It is about the texture of life for a par- ticular American Foreign Service officer who was female and single. She talks about constant household moves, medical care and security, and has definite opinions about visitors to post and the way the State Department treats its employees. A graduate of Mount Holyoke College, Weinland was a history professor before joining the Foreign F O C U S N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 3 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 25 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 arlington@dcexeclub.com alexandria@dcexeclub.com Two Convenient Locations: Our “Rosslyn” Guests are moving to our Arlington or Alexandria locations.... Executive Club Suites still offers dedicated units for our Foreign Service guests! 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 www.execlubdc.com or reservations@dcexeclub.com