Alastair got invited to the British Embassy, at a mingle-event for UK graduates living in DC, and I got to go too. I Ubered there as 35C / 90F and needed to look presentable. Lots of well dressed people getting out of taxis and queuing up to drive in to the embassy, causing a traffic jam on Massachusetts Avenue. The checks were less thorough than I expected with only an invitation and ID needed to be let in.
We were wondering what time to get there (invite was for 6pm) and decided to meet at the gate close to that time, which appeared to be about right. After signing in and receiving our name badges we proceeded upstairs and were welcomed by waiters with mixed drink trays. We both had champagne and then got to work on the mingling.
The bar was fully stocked with a variety of very British drinks, there were Fullers ESB, Strongbow, Gin&Tonic and of course Pimms No1. No more champagne for me, I stuck to Pimms the rest of the evening.
The British Ambassador and his wife showed up around 7 PM apologizing that the guest speaker was unable to make it, but he wished us a lovely evening and made himself available for anyone who wanted to speak with him.
They opened the doors to the patio and as the evening cooled down slightly groups of people gathered outside, remembering their time at University back home and comparing experiences of DC.
I know I have said it before - but why can't they make ladies formal clothes with pockets? I refuse to carry a handbag around, but need to put my key, credit cards, ID and phone somewhere. It is not always you can bring your husband around. Today business cards would have been useful as well.
Leaving around 8pm many people was walking around watching their Uber-car arrivals on their smartphones.
