An Interview With The Ambassador Of Holland

August 26, 2009

J. S. 3rd Grade

  Two weeks before school started my Great Aunt became the Ambassador to Holland.    My Great Aunt Fay is packing her bags to move to Holland.   I got to ask her a few questions before she got busy.  Here is my interview:

1.  What is an Ambassador?

An ambassador  is the personal Representative of the President of the United States in another country.  The ambassador is the person that the other government (called “Host Government”) talks to when they want to know something about the U.S.

2.  Why are you ambassador?

I was appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.  I always wanted to be an ambassador tho Holland because my  parents came from Holland and were forced to leave because of WWII.  I think I understand the Dutch people pretty well and can communicate the American view with them.

3.  How long will you live in Holland?

As long as I am the Ambassador – not longer than 3 years.

Do you live in a hotel or house?

I will live in the Official Residence – it’s a very nice large house with a large garden and tennis courts.  There are a lot of official functions there so it is sort of like living in a small White House – it’s not all yours!

5.  How do you get aroiund Holland as an ambassador?

I think for all official activities I will be driven by a driver.  If we are just going out by ourselves, we will probably drive our own car.

6.  What is Holland like?

Holland is a very small country and very flat.  It was “reclaimed” from the sea and is therefore below sea level.  It has lots of farms and dikes to keep the water out.  The people are really friendly but the cities are crowded.  The houses are a lot smaller than they are in the U.S.  There is a lot less room there for everyone.

7.  Do you have security gaurds and a bullet proof car?  Yes.

8.  How many ambassadors are there?

I believe that there are 160 ambassadors worldwide.  Some are in country and others are sent to a specific mission, like the United Nations.

9.  How much work do you do when you are an ambassador?

I will do a lot of work- both at the Embassy where my office will be and also at my home, meeting people and introducing Americans to Dutch people and vice versa.

10.  Are you friends with President Obama? Yes

11.  What is he like?

He is a regular guy who loves his kids and like to work out and play basketball.  He is one of the smartest person I have ever met and both he and his wife are very friendly, warm people.

12.  Do you know his kids?  Yes.

13.   How could I be an ambassador when I grow up?

There are two ways:  You could get a job with the State Dept. and work your way up the ladder (Ambassador is the top) or you could work very hard to get someone elected president and then ask him or her to appoint you ambassador.

14.  Do you get to have a dog?

I could, but I am not bringing our dogs.

15.  Once your an ambassador are you always one?

You are an ambassador for up to three years, but after that, you always get to usethe title “Ambassador”.  Actually, they call me “Madam Ambassador.”

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