A Political Story; From Do-rags to Ambassador

So first off I need to apologize for the lack of a blog last week, time got away from me and honestly it was the first week I did absolutely nothing. Worked and came home to be exhausted and end up in bed early.

But as a consolation this weeks blog is really exciting. I started off Monday with a visit back to the Police Department. I was just stopping by to say hello and drop off patches to the guys who haven't been there the other days I've gone. They still weren't there but I got to talk to some of my former colleagues about cases I worked with them on. It was really cool to get to see how the work I assisted in advanced the cases.

Then Tuesday I was off to Berlin for round 2. This time I was going down to have my End of the Program seminar. Which unfortunately means about 6, 6 and a half weeks till I get home. However I was looking forward to seeing the other participants and hearing their stories. I was off early that morning and got into Berlin around noon, met Josh and Kyle at the HBF and headed for the hostel. After dropping off our bags we did a little exploring of the most expensive mall in Germany DeKaVe.  Which is where I found this 250euro bottle of whiskey. Theres  a story to why its important, based on a BBC radio show, anyone who is interested I can send you the tracks. The only part of our seminar for Tuesday was the opening and a review of the schedule then a group dinner. One of the fun parts was having someone tell me how cool "my job offer was"you know the one from April specifically the 1st... Thanks Hillary for giving me the kick that people still aren't aware that was my prank.

Wednesday was our "Cultural Training" which consisted mostly of a guest speaker who did some exercises, had us evaluate our year abroad and talk in small groups made of people we usually didn't get to talk to.

It was definitely interesting to hear everyone conduct the entire week in German. Hearing all the storries was fun. But for myself getting into political debates and discusions over the way prisoners are treated in the US, all auf Deutch. Priceless

Now to add a little insight to my Title. As you all know my hair has gotten LONG. It now stands past my Nose. Well it is at that oh so wonderfully aqward stage of length... to long to leave alone and to short to tie back. So as you may have noticed I've taken to wearing bandannas, just to keep it out of my eyes. Apparently the bandanna paired with the thick beard, paired with proper clothes and my large shoulders makes me look like a biker. Can't say I find that a problem per-say, but aparently thats what I looked like.

I can see it

After that we headed back to hostel to change, get some dinner and then go to a live show. The cultural evening for this semester was an acrobatics show based on the way we all use to play in the 90's as kids. Happy memories followed. 

Anyway Thursday was our first day with true official business. We started the day at the US Embassy for a garden party with all the different PPP programs. there are about 10-12 different programs, maybe more. Anyway as you all will see in a moment I decided to pull out all the stops for my attire that day.

Yep I pulled out the suit. as well as did Josh, which is important to the story later. But I took this picture with these grad caps just to apiece the people at the Embassy. I love to get "cleaned up" and show off but I didn't realize how old I look when I am in a suit with a full beard. I wear it well tho.

Bri and Justin trying to keep cool. 

It was a rather warm day 85 degree F. so I decided to stand under a tree near the entrance, for some reason the high school participants kept asking me for instructions. After a bit we realized they thought I worked for the embassy. So I moved to another side of the courtyard, and soon after had the sound crew come up and ask when the program was to start. CLASSE. Oh my did I enjoy it, partly because I had already figured out who was in charge and could redirect them where they needed to be.

There was a part of the program which involved meeting several foreign service officers, they dissipated around the court yard and the students could go ask questions. Again students where coming to me to see what I did. So much fun to play with their minds a bit before informing them of who I was.

Ambassador to Germany. 

We also got to hear the Ambassador speak which was interesting . Except the guy can't speak a word of German and has been here as Long as I have. I understand that his placement is only 2 years but still you should know how to great Important politicians, but more on that later.

 After the program at the Embassy we headed for the Reichstag or the German Parliament building. Where we had a Q&A with the Bundespresident (similar to speaker of the house or the job that Joe Biden does) and some other politicians from the CDU/CSU. that was also really cool to see. Also where the Ambassador died at greeting us. between a very bad pronunciation, pausing to think, and the unbearable accent we all were trying our hardest not to chuckle or bury our heads in shame. (Begin Rant) Seriously I give the guy props for being able to stand there and be a fool, but when off the top of my head I can think of the Proper way to greet one of the most important politicians in the country shouldn't you have it down.... I mean this is your job. (End Rant) Anyway I actually did get a chance to talk with the Bundespresident for a brief second and get a handshake.

On our way back to the Hostel we enjoyed looking like Important people. I overheard conversation of people wondering who I was with my assistant (kyle) and my Bodyguard (Josh). The ticket checker passed right over us on the train, and the begger wasn't going to bother till I reached out to give her a 2 euro. (what I felt generous in my suit) Then she was trying to keep the dog from thanking me.

Friday we returned to the Reichstag to hear speeches celebrating 65 years of German law. Fun to be there, especially when I manged to be selected to sit in the viewing area next to VIP and Foreign Politicians.   Plus Angela Merkel was in house.

After a quick trip back to the hostel to get out of my suit I met the group at the train station to go to Temple Hof, one of the airports used during the Berlin airlifts.

Part of the 3rd hungergames is being filmed here
So I got to get a sneak at the set. and Props

Friday evening instead of heading out for the usuall PPP drink the last night away I headed out with Josh, Kyle Michael, and Ashley to do some rock climbing.


Saturday we closed the seminar and I headed home, tired and proud.

Sunday was an important day for Germany and most of europe Because it was time to vote for EU reps. So I headed down to the Town hall to get a peak at how it looks in Germany.

It's safe to say I had a very Political week. I can't believe that time is running down on me so fast now. My vacation is almost planned, now just working on the route back home. Cities planned are Paris, Prague, Dresden and maybe the technical Museum in southern Germany. Still so much to plan.

An update on my online courses as well; simply they are going well. The history course is going to be harder with 3 chapters a week. and the film course should be fine. 

As another week passes me by,

Cody A Glick