Well, I landed in DC on the 11th of September, and checked into my hotel, directly across the street from the State Department.  It’s a decent hotel, but the meals are priced way above anything I want to pay.  Foreign Service members come back to Washington between assignments for a few days of duty called “Consultations”.  This is a time we can check in with our career development officer, meet with colleagues who we will communicate with at the new post, and take care of other business such as our bank, long-term storage, and any other issues that are best handled in Washington in person.  We can also take some courses at FSI if any are available during our transition.  I’ll be here for a total of 7 days, and then I’m taking a few weeks of Home-Leave up to my mothers home in Vermont and out in New Mexico to visit my daughter.

Tonight I just got back from watching one of the funniest movies I have seen in years! It’s a smart comedy from Britain and has the highest critic and viewer ratings of any movie playing this week – but sadly is only in a few theaters as the subject may be too political for our corporate cinemas. It’s called “In the Loop” and while the language is certainly rough, if you enjoy Foreign Affairs and British Humor then you should find this movie a riot. Those who work for the State Dept. will especially love it, as half the movie takes place at Main State in D.C..

Tomorrow I have to check-in with the State Department, update my contact details, and then visit my Career Development Officer. It’s so wonderful to get out and move about and eat at restaurants without the constant worry that someone may blow me up!