D.C.-based diplomats say goodbye to Aiken

As the visiting Washington-based diplomats prepared to leave Aiken on Sunday morning, New Zealand wing commander Allan Jenkinson expressed a sentiment shared by several other ambassadors, attaches and their spouses.

"The whole time we've been in Washington, we were looking for the opportunity to see what the real America is all about it," he said. "Washington is a very provincial and transient city, with people coming in and out."

The weekend visit included a Lowcountry Boil and shag lessons at the Aiken County Historical Museum, the Aiken Trials and a visit with Cot Campbell and Dogwood Stable. The Lowcountry Boil was provided by Eileen Hudson, known professionally as Madjon.

The weekend event was coordinated by part-time Aiken resident Donna Ritter, a volunteer with The Hospitality and Information Services (THIS), which provides assistance to diplomats and their families living in the Washington, D.C., area. Ritter and her husband Martin hosted a dinner of fried turkey and other Southern dishes Saturday, furnished by Allen Willing.

The countries represented include Fiji, Germany, France, Switzerland, Malta and several more.

"I think they have gone home extremely excited and want to repeat this visit next year," Ritter said. "They called it the most unique visit ever. They're not naive; they know that Washington doesn't represent American culture. I felt they have seen the real-time America now."

Several of the couples have visited extensively in mostly large U.S. cities. But few have been to the deep South and wanted to experience the hospitality.

Another unique aspect was the opportunity to stay with host families, an effort coordinated by Aiken resident Lyn Kenney. She did a great job of matching the hosts with the visitors, Ritter said.

Hank and Jen Smalling played hosts to Madagascar ambassador Jocelyn Radifera and his wife Erna.

"We talked about all the things going on in the world," said Hank. "We enjoyed getting to know the feelings they had about being here. They appreciated the hospitality and the kindness and how people took care of them."

But diplomatic work didn't take a holiday this weekend. Radifera was on the Internet Sunday at 4 a.m., getting the latest information on the political turmoil in his country.

Doreen Merkel, wife of European Union minister counselor Bernard Merkel, said with a smile that the weekend provided a different political experience.

"Where we hang out tends to be very left wing," she said. "Here, it's more Republican. In Washington, we're nothing, just little tadpoles. But here, we're the big fish in a small pond, and it's amazing to be given this great big honor."

Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.