So, another blog entry, and therefore more WIP moments:
WIP moment #4:
I started my internship on Tuesday in the Embassy of Ireland, and on Wednesday morning, I was introduced to Ambassador Michael Collins. I think the remarkable thing about our introduction was that it was in no way remarkable! The Ambassador’s office, from what I can remember, had a salmonie glow, and soft carpet. It felt very homely, in no way overly-ceremonial or sharp, much like the Ambassador himself, and the Embassy as a whole. Ambassador Collins greeted me warmly, we spoke for a few minutes, and then off I headed. No drama, no accidental insults, no foot-in-mouth syndrome whatsoever. I guess, because the Embassy is quite small, with only a score of employees or so, everyone has learned to get along very well. The atmosphere is always congenial, in no small part thanks to my supervisor, Tim Doyle, who is probably the most affable man I’ve ever met. He keeps the show running, and me on my toes! It’s a great opportunity to see the inner workings of an Embassy and I have no doubt I’ll be quite happy there of the next 5 weeks.
WIP moment #5:
Fiona B celebrated her milestone 21st birthday on Friday of week 2, and so, in true DC style, we organised to do lunch. It was a lunch compiled of a series of highs and lows, laughs and tears, firsts and lasts. For instance, it was the first, and most definitely the last time either of us eats in an American McDonald’s. (Yes, we “did lunch” in McDonald’s… the shame!) It was also the first, and from the expression on Fiona’s face when I asked her was it nice, the last time I’ve ever witnessed someone ordering a Fillet-o-Fish burger. The most memorable moment for me from the whole saga was when I squeezed my chicken burger to reveal an outpouring of what I can only hope was water! For Fiona, I’d guess her hightlight was when she realised that the taste of her lemonade reminded her of her hall back home. I’m not sure why. But, we did come to some good agreements, that if Ronald would just spare some expense on the high-class furnishings (booths, artwork etc) he could afford to spend more on quality ingredients. In the true sense of WIP, we saw a problem, and we tried to fix it. I have a feeling if you asked most people, they’d say lunching in a squalid Mickey D’s on the day of your 21st is not their idea of fun, but those are the moments that transform a fledgling friendship into friends for life!!! And there you were, thinking WIP was all about power lunches, elevator speeches and networking…
P.S., I thought I should update my introduction slightly; I no longer have a pregnant horse! Instead I have a regular horse and an unnamed foal. Suggestions welcome.
