Rendez-vous with the ambassador

Yesterday I travelled through The Worst Weather Ever Known to the North of France, in order to go to Lille to meet the new American ambassador to France. Other attendees were impressed that I came from Boulogne Sur Mer in the weather, but I've realized that if you let cold, heavy rain, and strong winds keep you at home, you will very rarely ever leave home in Boulogne Sur Mer. I was not disappointed with the afternoon with the Ambassador either.



Ambassador Rivken was newly appointed and wanted to meet Americans in the area, so I had the unique opportunity to sit with him and other Americans and interested French people, about 50 in all. He has a career mainly in entertainment but he seems to play the diplomat's role really well. He wasn't a 'yes-man,' and attempted not to be partisan, and overall a very interesting speaker... He didn't prepare any words but I was still so impressed with his direction and clarity and ease. After his introduction, I was delighted with his deep responses to what I thought were stupid questions from the audience members! One girl was upset with France, the country or the government not sure, because English movies are dubbed more often than not. Of all the issues in the world, and this is what she brings up. But he responded that cultural imperialism is an interesting topic, but in fact its most likely not the French government but the movie companies that choose to have them dubbed as opposed to subtitles because they desire countries to feel that the movie is their own, made in their own country.

Another highlight came when a French woman, with a slight British accent asked to read a statement, and continued with a most eloquent little speech about what she has learned from America and why she loves this country and the pioneer spirit... I wish I had a copy but the Ambassador did get one and said he'll quote her in the future. One boy complained that American language assistants could only work 12 hours a week and not have a 2nd job, a restriction not imposed on EU language assistants. The same French lady said that as French assistants in England they were forced to work 12 hours a week and could not work less.



It was really an enlightening afternoon about international politics, diplomacy, and a nice interaction between French and Americans. But a trip to Lille has to involve some kind of sweet treat to be truly worthwhile, so on this rainy, cold afternoon I enjoyed a steaming hot gaufre au nutella, and returned home happily, though drenched, to Boulogne.
I can't tell you good these are, so I'll leave it at that.