I haven’t posted anything here in a while, mainly because I haven’t been inspired. I have, however, been taking a few photos lately, and I thought I would share them here. There’s no rhyme or reason to it other than that I’ve been admonished by a couple of different people that they’re tired of looking at the post with the maps. So in the interest of something new:

The fowl that periodically live in my yard and sleep under the shrubbery:

Protesters with flags and bandanas, riot buses, and blocked traffic (the protesters were polite enough to part to allow one lane through whenever the light turned green):

An artfully decorated shopping area:

Branching out - dinner with a new group of people who I hope I’ll be seeing more often:

Every now and then, I just need to burn time mindlessly. Recently, I came across a site that allows you to easily compile a map of where you have been.

We’ll start out with the U.S. map of states I’ve been to. Apparently, I’m about 41 percent of the way to completion on this one, but clearly I need to go on a road trip sometime soon.

create your own visited states map

So, noting that I am doing alright on that one but I’ve still got work to do, I moved on to the world map. Oh boy. I’ve got serious holes in my explorations of different countries, and I rank a pretty dismal score of 14 percent.

create your own visited countries map

So here’s to figuring out where I’m going to travel next and when. Suggestions are welcome. I’ve really got to get out more. . .

Once a year, each branch of the U.S. military celebrates its “birthday” with a ball. For many U.S. embassies around the world, the Marine Ball is the event of the year. It’s the day we show our appreciation for all that the MSGs (Marine Security Guards - nothing to do with food) do for us all year long, and it’s often our only chance to dress to the nines and go out and have a good time. Yes, I know many of you will be highly disappointed to hear that we don’t have parties like this all the time, contrary to most Bond films and every stereotype of diplomats. We’re also not all filthy rich, but that’s a subject for another time.

Some photos from last night (some are blurry, but I take no credit for those because the camera got passed around all night and I of course never take an imperfect photo):

After the ball, several of us ended up at the Marine House to continue the party. By this time of night, though, some were a little worse for wear…

To the Marines: congratulations on your anniversary, and many thanks for all your hard work. We couldn’t do what we do without you.