Letter 3

Ambassador Solomont and Mrs. Solomont starting their own vegetable garden

March 2010

Dear Friends and Family,

Thanks for all the great responses to my letters -- I am really enjoying writing them and truly enjoying getting your responses back. I'm not sure how often everyone wants to receive an update- but based on the emails I've gotten asking when #3 is coming out- I'm thinking I'll do these about twice a month. We shall see. Opinions?

We have been here officially one month. I now know my way around some of Madrid. It's a very easy city to get around. But then again, it's easy to get lost in it as well. I try to get out every day and explore some part of town-- a goal of mine is to explore every nook and cranny. Lots more to see, that's for sure.

We've done some pretty cool touring -- more of the Prado, the Museo Reina Sofia, and the Royal Palace. Lots of Velasquez, Goya, Miro, Dali and of course, Picasso. We're sampling lots of food -- last night Alan and I shared "veal knuckle.” It was delicious. The red mullet liver and sea urchins? I'll pass on those, thank you.

We've done some traveling and went up to northern Spain to the province of Asturias. There (with Jose Andrés by our side) we ate at some phenomenal restaurants -- nothing like a 12-course lunch, followed by another "futbol" game -- Team Barcelona vs. Gijon, followed by dinner at 11 at a sidreria. What is a sidreria, you might ask. Well, Asturias has fabulous apples, from which they make a hard cider that is served in sidrerias. The cider is poured from a bottle held over your shoulder into a glass held at hip height. You're handed a glass and you chug the cider. Whatever you don't finish you pour on the floor. At around 1 am we had eaten and drank enough and left and went to our hotel and bed. Yes, we're getting used to late dinners, but really we're getting used to less sleep!

Elliot and Lenore Lobel visited us this past week -- how wonderful to share Madrid with them! While Alan worked, Elliot, Lenore, and I explored lots of different places. They are great travel companions. Their love of learning everything possible is contagious. We just wandered and looked and learned. It was very sad to say good bye to them. Luckily, Alice Bruce arrives tomorrow, and I'll have another friend to play with. More exploring -- Chueca, Museo Sorolla, and who knows what else.

Stella has taken well to Madrid. The Embassy staff loves her. She's getting lots of walks and has learned to stop for traffic lights. Lots of traffic lights here, and lots of traffic. I try to take Stella to Retiro Park at least once a week- it's an oasis of tranquility in this busy city.

Alan has been very engaged in his work. He is finding the work both intellectually challenging and important. He has hit the ground running meeting key government and business leaders, and he is working hard to frame the key issues on which he wants to focus. His country team (department heads) is comprised of very smart, thoughtful, and capable men and women. The Embassy Madrid community has been incredibly warm and welcoming. Last Friday night, the Marines hosted a Happy Hour -- a way for the community to relax after a long busy week. It was wonderful.

Our first Codel (Congressional Delegation) arrives next week, so we'll be busy with meetings and events with our guests.

I'm still trying to figure out my role here. I've attended some business women's events, and I'll be attending some cultural activities such as the ARCO art exhibition featuring artists from Los Angeles. Alan and I have language lessons almost daily. Alan's really getting good, but I have a ways to go.

We are both quite aware of the enormous privilege it is to represent the U.S. in Spain and Andorra. We both know that we are getting to do some extraordinary things because of Alan's position. We pinch ourselves daily and remind ourselves not to take this for granted but instead to take it all in, enjoy it, and appreciate every minute.

One last note. When we are at receptions with people here, many come up to me and say, "We love your country and we love your President." Can you imagine how that feels? We feel blessed to be in this position.

With our love and abrazos,

Susan and Alan