Letters from Spain

Letter 29

The Solomonts with Tom Cruise (photo: US Embassy)

On January 9, Alan and I celebrated our third anniversary in Spain. It’s hard to believe that 3 years have gone by so quickly, and even harder to believe that Alan is now the longest serving American diplomat at post. We have witnessed a full circle of Foreign Service officers who have come and gone. No matter how many times we do this, I still find it hard to say good-bye to folks as they leave. I do enjoy meeting the new team, as they arrive, and I find it very hard to think about the eventual time when we will depart.

Hola #28 appeared at the beginning of January, and shortly after I sent it, I realized a few really fun things were left out. Since a picture tells 1000 words, this one of Alan and me with Tom Cruise, speaks for itself. He is quite guapo (handsome) and we met him when he came for the Spain premiere of Jack Reacher.

The Embassy does a lot to promote the business activities of US companies in Spain. In December we partnered with Tiffany’s’ to celebrate the holiday season. We also were proud to host two other iconic American brands, Harley Davidson, which is celebrating its 110th Anniversary, and Facebook, which celebrated its 1 billionth (yes that’s a B) user. That’s Ambo and me on a beautiful Harley Davidson. They are works of art, and the jackets are pretty cool too!

We did celebrate the New Year by incorporating our newly learned Spanish traditions. These included eating 12 grapes at midnight, starting the year with our first step on our right foot and of course, wearing red underwear (see Hola #28 for background). While these traditions seem like fun, we took them quite seriously. I also took some time to reflect back on the past three years, how much we love Spain, what a big part of our life this is, and how much work we still have to and want to do as the US representatives to Spain.

January was filled with activity. We were honored to join in a very special celebration, helping the Jewish congregation of which we are a part, move into a new home. The Torahs were moved from the old location the new one and I was honored when asked to carry a Torah around the room. It was a very special event to witness. To think about the expulsion of Jew’s in 1492, and to participate, 521 years later, in a ceremony blessing a sacred Temple was inspiring. Alan and I were so moved to experience this amazing celebration.

For the third year Alan put on his tails and morning suit and I put on my long gown, to greet the King and Queen, Prince and Princess at the King's annual reception for diplomats. The diplomatic envoys are lined up according to their length of their tours in Spain and we have now arrived to the middle of the second row. That is considerable progress from the last row.

I have vivid memories of enjoying President Obama’s first inauguration on that bitterly cold but hope filled day. We had no idea, at that moment, what an adventure awaited us. This year we watched the second Inauguration in the warmth of our residence with some Embassy colleagues and members of the diplomatic corps. We were incredibly proud of our President and our country, and there was a touch of envy among our colleagues for the pride American’s have in our institutions and our democracy. And, the music was spectacular too.

The past weeks since have been super busy. Alan is giving many speeches around the country about President Obama’s second term. This past week he addressed a breakfast Forum hosted by the Spanish news service, Europa Press. It is similar to an appearance at the National Press Club in Washington.   This was his third time addressing this Forum.   Over 300 leaders form various sectors, were in the room, totally tuned into his words. His speech outlined the foreign policy goals and priorities of the President’s second term and the importance of our relationship with Spain and Europe. Alan is a very good speaker, and he is even better with questions and answers after his speech. Many people thought the questions were tough, but he answered every one thoughtfully, diplomatically and with lots of humor. I thought he was terrific.

I hosted another event in my Women’s Leadership series, this one focusing on Women Leading the Way in Information Technology. bIt featured three Spanish women who lead significant American companies in Spain; Facebook, Kindle/Amazon and Google.   They are all strong and smart, talented women who truly lead the way. I played Oprah and interviewed them. “Susan loves playing Oprah”. Oprah fans know that Oprah likes to say: “Oprah loves …!” Well Susan loves playing Oprah!

While I am bragging on my husband and myself, let me add, our daughter Stephanie graduates from Lafayette College in the spring and has accepted a teaching position with Teach for America. You go girl! We’re so proud of you.

I have mentioned before how I love walking the streets of Madrid (or any city we are in). It is my Zen time, giving me the chance to gather my thoughts and reflect on life.   I’d like to share a few of these thoughts. Some are serious; some are playful; and some are just my observations.

Life: Spanish people appreciate the joys of life. They savor family and friends. They value the arts, music, dance, and drama. They love food and wine. They revel in all facets of culture.

The Dinner Party: The dinner party is alive and well in Spain. The New York Times recently recounted its demise in the US, but not in Spain. A formal invitation arrives. The guest list is shared and the dress code is “dark suit” for men and “cocktail dress” for women. They are usually held during the week. The dinner parties begin at 9:00 or 9:30 PM; the meal is served at 10:30 PM; and it ends around 12:30-1 AM. It is common to end with coffee in the living room, and gin and tonics to help with digestion! And yes, you still get up for work in the morning.

The Hairdresser: Women go to the hairdresser often. It’s not unusual for women to show up at business meetings freshly coiffed. Before a dinner party, many women get their hair done. And if you’re just feeling just a bit blue, you go to the hairdresser. I have taken to this habit, and I like it.

Fans: Women carry fans or in Spanish, abanicos. Abanicos can be works of art. Made of many materials, including silk, bamboo, plastic and leather, they can be embroidered or painted. Abanicos are commonly matched to what one is wearing. You just take out your abanico when you feel warm, or you can open and shut it, just for effect. It’s fun.

High Heels and Fashion: Women wear high heels everywhere. I’m surprised they don’t wear them to the gym! I’ve mentioned how fashionable everyone looks, even when walking the dog. Men are seen in beautiful cashmere jackets, women in shawls. Even the dogs wear nice sweaters (or jersey’s as they are called). At a “futbol” match, it is appropriate to wear team colors, and if the Spanish National Team is playing, everyone is in red and yellow.

Smoking: It still is my least favorite thing in Spain. People in Spain smoke way too much. To all the Spaniards reading this; please make your new years “promiso” to quit.

Lastly, let me highlight one characteristic of the Spanish people I adore-- their warmth, kindness and generosity.    Despite tough times, the people are amazingly giving and loving. Families are strong and their sense of loyalty and togetherness is unbreakable. And Alan and I have been warmly embraced, and we are grateful.

Until the next Hola- Hasta luego

Susan