The marines that work at the embassies are chosen from the top 1% of their class, and the training program to work at an embassy has a 70% attrition rate. The guys who let us through the door into the embassy are literally the few and we are so proud of them, especially since most of them are young enough to be our children. I hate that.
Last night was the Marine Corps Ball–the biggest dress up event for the diplomatic community of the year. The event was at the ambassador’s residence. Sit down dinner for probably 100 of us, then a ceremony to celebrate the Marine Corp’s 231st birthday, with a cake cut with a sword. There are probably not too many places that get to have the event outside, and last night was perfect, balmy, the plumaria trees scenting the air. The haze in the air down by the river at sunset is so atmospheric, with a drink in hand and some funny friends here, we had fun. (Note to friends at home: they are really boring and not really fun at all and the only good thing about them is that they would be the first to admit this. Actuallly, they are adorable, and you would love them too. She’s from Finland, for goodness sake.)
Thanks U.S. Marines and especially the Marine Security Guards Embassy Niamey for a great party.
twenty-something years of "what have you been up to?" 
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