Patrons of Diplomacy

I got to do the most amazing thing!

I got to be a member of the audience for the first in a series of interviews between current Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and former Secretaries of State.  This first one was between Secretary Clinton and Dr. Kissinger! It was hosted by Charlie Rose - here's the link.  This series is in honor of the lovely rooms that the State Department maintains for diplomatic purposes.  The event was held in support of the Patrons of Diplomacy.

Needless to say it was incredible!  To be there in the presence of such intelligence and talent was unbelievable!  The last few days in class we've covered public speaking and composure under fire - this was seeing it all put in action.  Truly a remarkable experience.  My colleague has described it very well here.

Of course, I can't let the description go without commenting on the food (foodie alert!).  The cocktail reception following the event was quite lovely.  The champagne was quite smooth, the company interesting (to say the least!).  The hors d'oeuvres were tasty - a nice cheese platter, tasty grilled veggies and sweets (petit fours, truffles, cookies and traditional macaroons).  I think there was even some muhammara!  The passed tidbits were tasty as well - perfectly cooked chicken satay, lobster / caviar cones, and assorted canapes.

Not only was this a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it took place in the fabulous Benjamin Franklin Room.  Here's some information about it that one of my colleagues found in Ambassador Mary Mel French's new book  United States Protocol:  The Guide to Official Diplomatic Etiquette:

The Benjamin Franklin State Dining Room

            The largest of the Diplomatic Reception Rooms was named after Benjamin Franklin, who is known as the “Father of the American Foreign Service.”  This room was completed in 1985 after an architectural redesign by John Blatteau. 

            A portrait of Benjamin Franklin, painted by David Martin in London in 1767, hangs at the far end of the room.  The room’s long walls are lined with full-standing scagliola (colored and polished plaster) Corinthian columns; engaged columns (columns embedded in a wall and projecting from its surface) adorn the short walls.  The decorative plaster ornament of the entablature and the coffered (decorative sunken panels) cove above the entablature are gilded to enhance the appearance of the room.  The Great Seal of the United States, formed in plaster and coated in gilt, decorates the center of the ceiling.  Eight Adams-style cut-glass chandeliers shine brilliantly to illuminate the room’s features. 

            The floor is covered with Savonnerie-style carpet designed especially for the room.  The carpet’s design elements include the Great Seal of the United States, symbols of the four important crops of the early republic, the four seasons, and in the field, fifty stars representing the states of the Union.  Both foreign and American guests are entertained in the impressive State Dining Room.

I have the best job ever!