We got up earlier than usual and took a taxi to the US Embassy for the breakfast meeting with Danish lawyers. Having never been to an embassy before, we didn't really know what to expect, though we knew there would be some degree of security. My first indication of how much was when I got my camera out to take a picture of the embassy and a security guard came out to tell me that no pictures were allowed--even of the outside of the building! We had to go through the usual screening machines and had to leave phones and camera with security. Then we had to turn our identification in and received red visitor passes and an escort took us into the building.
The meeting with the lawyers went really well and I think everyone there found the discussion about the differences of the two legal systems quite interesting. There were about 10 Danish lawyers present, about equally balanced between men and women and all seemed relaxed and spoke candidly—and in perfect English.
The meeting lasted about 90 minuets. After the meeting was over and the Danish lawyers had left, Laurie invited us to come back to the embassy about 6:00 tonight so we could ride with her out to the residence for dinner. Most museums and such are closed on Mondays, so we took the opportunity to have a relaxing day—did a little walking around, a little window shopping and a little napping. At 6:00, we were back at the embassy, going through the whole security routine again. This time we were escorted to Laurie's office where she finished up some work while we looked at pictures of friends, family and famous people that she has met as US Ambassador, including President Obama, the First Lady and Oprah!
We met Laurie's chauffeur, Beau, who had picked up our camera and cell phone from security. (Later, at the residence, we got a call that our driver's licenses were still at the embassy, but Beau brought them to our hotel the next morning) and were driven north of the city to the official residence. As we were getting out of the car, I realize we had been followed by a second car with a security detail. She joked with them and told them that tomorrow one of them would have to drive her to the hair salon, so they should bring something to read. Considering that most ambassadors are male, waiting in a beauty salon has got to be a duty the security guards aren't used to!
As we entered the residence, there was a huge, historic painting depicting the passing of a law that would regulate land divisions in Denmark, allowing more Danes to own land. Laurie pointed out that the man in the front, left of the painting is her great-grandfather and the painting is on loan from the Danish museum. It is the painting in the picture taken of the three of us.
The residence is big and beautiful and has a remarkable view of the ocean and Sweden! Laurie's chef prepared a wonderful meal and we pretty much felt like royalty by the end of the evening. We had such a great day with our friend and Ambassador, and in tribute to her public service in representing the USA in Denmark, we've decided to call this "Ambassador Fulton Day" in our blog.
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