Most Foreign Service Officers prepare for their next assignment by taking language training, learning the history and culture of their assigned country, meeting their counterparts at embassies in Washington, and then ultimately arrive in the country where they are assigned and start working.
Unfortunately, my experience does not follow this pattern. I am learning Persian and the rich history and cultures of Iran; however, at the end of my training, I will not be stepping off a plane in Tehran. Instead I will be working on Iranian issues from Dubai.
This weekend my family and I had a taste of the Iranian culture and history by attending a Persian new year celebration at the Smithsonian Museums (Freer & Sackler Galleries).
Dancers performed several typical dances in colorful, traditional dresses.
One of the many customs of Nowruz is that families set tables in their houses with items that are symbolic of good health, wealth, and good fortune. Some of the items on this table are an apple, mirror, fish bowl, garlic, vinegar, decorated egg, and the Koran.
There were probably 25-30 chess boards set up for people to play. Even though he didn't know the rules of the game, Colin was determined to play. He played against Gaby who in the end outsmarted Colin and her dad.
The kids enjoyed stamping Nowruz greeting cards and doing the other crafts at the event. They also heard a traditional story from Iranian history.
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