A trip with the Ambassador

Whenever the Ambassador goes someplace, an FSO is assigned to be Control Officer.  That person organizes and coordinates the trip - checking in with the Ambassador's Staff Aide, as well as all the agencies.  Eventually (after lots of meetings, emails, discussions, changes, etc.), a schedule is created and the trip begins.


On this particular trip - we got to take the special plane - very cool!

We went to Legaspi in Albay Province for the first ever Special Olympics - put on by the local Peace Corps volunteers.

There was lots of press taking pictures.  And local dancers as part of the welcome / opening festivities.













They gave us local outfits to wear.








And we danced on the stage.

The Ambassador was interviewed by local journalism students.

We visited Cagsawa Ruins.  Very peaceful and lovely.

The town is lovely.

And at the base of Mount Mayon - an active volcano.

We were entertained by local singers with a rendition of Lady Gaga's Bad Romance!

The Ambassador gave an interview at the local radio station.

I loved flying in this plane!

Mount Mayon is just beautiful!