Be at the United Nations at 12:30, dress for business and bring your camera!
What began as a slow motion morning of a shower and popping ibuprofen turned into high gear in the matter of seconds. A friend of mine called with an opportunity that just couldn’t be passed up even though my day started with a pounding headache. No time to research what I just said yes to, GO!
Shit, dress for business? Now keep in mind that 99.999% of what’s in my closet is NOT business. It’s either jeans, t’s or cycling clothes as I’d intentionally given all that up years ago after corporate. But once half the clothes were tossed out of my closet, then black boots, black tights, and a black/grey dress appeared, all by the way purchased at my local flee market. Added an Italian leather jacket and a gorgeous laotian red silk scarf and I was ready. Camera over my shoulder, I’m off to the United Nations. Oh, with headache. (btw, what does it mean when a hispanic guy calls out “MOMMY” when you’re walking down the sidewalk? That was a new one on me. Mommy?)
Who knew I’d end up at the UN at the awards ceremony to attend the launch of the 2010 United Nations Week of Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns. AND meeting AND photographing the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Iraq (H.E. Dr. T. Hamid Al-Bayati) to the United Nations along with many other interesting people.
In Ambassador Al-Bayati’s introduction, I learned that he had been put in jail, tortured and coerced to flee Iraq when Saddam’s regime tried to execute him along with five other people from his family. His brother was kidnapped and assassinated. Heavy stuff.
H.E. Dr. T. Hamid Al-Bayati – Sharon Hamilton-Getz – Tsu-Wei Zoe Chang
After sharing some wine with my friend to celebrate a fun and oh so interesting afternoon, guess what had gone away? Thanks Pippa!
What an exciting turn of events! I visited the UN once with my then boyfriend who is now my husband AND now working for the UN. Life takes us on funny rides. BTW, hearing “Mami” from a Hispanic guy is essentially a cat call. Might feel derogatory, but its not intended that way. He was probably just letting you know you looked as good as its sounds like you looked with your Italian leather and red scarf and all! I used to hate the cat calls, but now that I’m a mom and the ripe age of 35, I think I would really love it!
Hi Rebecca: Thanks for posting! AND thanks for defining “mami” for me, ha!
Ripe age of 35? Ha, try 54! Love following your life in Tanzania!