James is the Cultural Affairs Officer over here in the G.A. (Georgia), which means he is supposed to end a cultural event almost every night. Georgia is a huge cultural hub in this part of the world - who knew? The U.S. has given them oodles of money, so you can imagine the love is strong for us Americans. Maybe the last place in the world that feels this way. So, you know, that's nice.
On Friday night my mom said she would babysit so that I could go with James to see a new exhibit for his job, and so that we could have a real date night.
These clothes are completely, 100%, spit up free.
When we got to the museum, we were late. Taxi drivers in Georgia are notorious for not knowing where anything is. I kind of assume that to be one of, if not their only duty, but I guess it's optional.
Upon arriving we saw the last remnants of people in a courtyard with a couple of tables of wine and appetizers. Someone asked who James was, and when they heard he was the cultural attache from the U.S. Embassy, they immediately grabbed the curator/ head honcho, who was super excited to meet us. He insisted on re-opening the museum essentially and taking us on a tour.
Every description was punctuated with comments illustrating his great love for America and American money. People looked at us like we were VIPs and treated us with respect (what??) and I think mistakenly thought that WE actually donated the money. They were all deferential to James and laughed heartily at his jokes. I did too, even though they were in Georgian and I had no idea what he was saying. Why not? He's important, you should laugh.
After the event, we grabbed a taxi to go get dinner. Once again, as soon as the taxi driver learned what James did he became very animated. And here is something I have NEVER seen, and believe only happens to, like, Michael Jordan.
The taxi driver didn't want James to pay.
What???? Apparently it was just a pleasure to get to drive James. We insisted, but come on. I dare you to tell me that James is NOT the Michael Jordan of Georgia. This could be fun.
On Friday night my mom said she would babysit so that I could go with James to see a new exhibit for his job, and so that we could have a real date night.
When we got to the museum, we were late. Taxi drivers in Georgia are notorious for not knowing where anything is. I kind of assume that to be one of, if not their only duty, but I guess it's optional.
Upon arriving we saw the last remnants of people in a courtyard with a couple of tables of wine and appetizers. Someone asked who James was, and when they heard he was the cultural attache from the U.S. Embassy, they immediately grabbed the curator/ head honcho, who was super excited to meet us. He insisted on re-opening the museum essentially and taking us on a tour.
Every description was punctuated with comments illustrating his great love for America and American money. People looked at us like we were VIPs and treated us with respect (what??) and I think mistakenly thought that WE actually donated the money. They were all deferential to James and laughed heartily at his jokes. I did too, even though they were in Georgian and I had no idea what he was saying. Why not? He's important, you should laugh.
After the event, we grabbed a taxi to go get dinner. Once again, as soon as the taxi driver learned what James did he became very animated. And here is something I have NEVER seen, and believe only happens to, like, Michael Jordan.
The taxi driver didn't want James to pay.
What???? Apparently it was just a pleasure to get to drive James. We insisted, but come on. I dare you to tell me that James is NOT the Michael Jordan of Georgia. This could be fun.
You guys are so cute. This makes me happy.
ReplyDeleteWoW!! What a change from Baghdad in so many ways!!! Keep smiling and writing your blog. LOVE IT!!
ReplyDeleteHa!! That's great!!! VIP by association is always fine by me... ;)
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ReplyDeleteYour blog is a highlight of my day ! Thanks!
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