I got to diplomat in Chinese
The U.S. Consulate recently held a small reception for the diplomats who work in the Chinese consulate. Several officers at post speak Chinese, and we were recruited to be part of the reception team. The evening was definitely work, not play. It was what we call a “representational event,” meaning that it was a party, but our job was to be the host, not a guest.
Still, it was a fun evening. I like to schmooze. Plus, my Chinese is much better than my Vietnamese, and diplomatting in a language that I’m comfortable in felt great. Plus we had a nice meal, al fresco, overlooking the beautiful Ho Chi Minh City skyline.
My job usually isn’t elegant and glamorous,. but sometimes I get a small perk.