170 blue balloons and 750 brotchen later...

Today is the big 4th of July reception for the Mission. Everyone's been talking about it for a month. The Ambassador has turned his roof into a biergarten. There are huge white tents with chandeliers set up in the lawn. And I'm pretty sure the concentration of American flags is approximately 1.3 per square foot. A record high outside of US flag factories.

Today we lowly interns were tasked with helping the party prep crew. This turned out to be the best assignment ever. We got to wear shorts to work and sleep an hour late because the residence lies within walking distance. Then, we inflated 340 red and blue balloons with helium... we tied about half to strings. Part were turned into a giant balloon archway. We hung approximately 2 bajillion flag banners. I also cut 750 bread rolls in half (and the end of my finger).

But it was so great because we were able to spend time with the Ambassador and his wife. It turns out that although they live in what is practically a museum gallery, they are normal people. He walked around all day in a hawaiian shirt and khakis. He eats peanut M&Ms. Yesterday, we had a 30 minute 1:1 meeting, and I was blown away. Today, even more so.

Now the house looks like this

And we look like this

Now it's time for a shower and a garden party dress :)