A Wild and Wet Sunday - echoes of Fulbright

I am sitting in the study, looking out at the wild wet weather blowing in across the Belfast Loch, with a fire burning in the stove, snug and drinking a hot whiskey. There are worse ways to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Particularly after spending 5 hours yesterday morning catching up on emails and other work that could not be undertaken during the week due to pressure of time, meetings and other activity. Yesterday was a morning that I needed reminding that this is an interesting job, but with significant challenges.

One event I didn't mention in my last blog was one 2 weeks ago. I was invited to a reception at Belfast City Hall for its opening by Hilary Clinton. She was in Belfast for, well not sure what for (nor was anyone else entirely sure), but I waited along with 200 other guests for her arrival. She was delayed - one lady, the former speaker of the Assembly Eileen Bell fell, over and broke her arm, creating a stir, but other than that the boredom was intense. However, everyone waited. Even the Queen didn't keep me waiting that long when I met her 2 years ago at Hillsborough Castle! Hilary arrived finally, and then gave a a good, inspiring speech, sending positive, hopeful messages from President Obama, before mingling. The scrum was manic. I hesitated on the edge of the press of people - did I really want to meet her that much? A gap opened between two 7 ft bodyguards and she turned, held out her hand and I thanked her for the Fulbright opportunity; she asked my area of work, and then moved on. I left satisfied that at least the 3 hours of waiting wasn't a total waste.