Grizzly Report: Working Undercover for the US Department of State.

Skye, Troll and Grizzly Mama at 'reception'.

It's an unlikely pairing, you have to admit. Time for an analogy. Conservatism : State Department :: Oil : Water. I am just now free to discuss our role in the so-called 'networking' so-called 'reception'. Troll and I were working under the alias Mr. and Mrs. Smith. It was a diabolical scheme and I am sure that our cover wasn't blown while the operation was taking place although the young man from Mosul had his doubts about our identity.

Troll and I were invited to attend a reception by Skye, an exceedingly well spoken Philadelphia blogger. The International Visitors Council is an organization that believes 'face to face is better than fax to fax.' They work in partnership with the State Department and the United States Agency for International Development. They put people together, foreigners distinguished guests from abroad are invited to the reception every month to engage in dialogue with Americans in various fields of expertise. I am positive that they do much more than just that but you really must visit their website to get the entire picture. It's quite complex. Interesting but complex.

Our assignment? Have a good time with Skye and attempt to engage in conversation with the foreigners distinguished guests from abroad. After having WAY too good of a time with Skye conversing together, myself sipping on a gin and tonic (and I am quite sure that the bartender forgot to add the tonic), we frightened a new member off by our talk of conservative values while making fun of 'good neighbor leftist'. (Oops - sorry!) Time to sober the old Grizzly Mama up with a cup of coffee. It worked and we circulated. Troll had an interesting conversation with a Navy Admiral, then on to a man who has been living in the Netherlands for many years and is thinking of relocating to Philadelphia. We pointed Troll in his direction with the instructions to 'get him.' 'YO! TIM!', Troll yelled out and the hapless man was in our clutches. Hey. We just wanted to give him some information about the various education options for his kids in the state of Pennslyvania. How were we to know that he would have some crazy, preconceived notion about homeschoolers just like everyone else???!!

We were all interested in speaking with the Palestinian 'militant' and the Israeli student who are working together toward a solution to their troubles. I believe Skye was able to corner one of them, but they were very popular and constantly had people vying for their attention. Same with the retired Iraqi General - who was in the Iraqi Military before the coup in 1958 (I believe it was).

The absolute 2nd to best highlight (the 1st best being sitting and drinking with Skye!) was our encounter with Mohammed from Mosul and that strapping man in the Army Uniform who had recently returned from duty in Iraq. Mohammed was a good sport with a great sense of humor. Our Army Guy was just as friendly and engaging as could be. We thanked him for his service and told him that he's doing a beautiful job.

We ended the evening driving in circles around City Hall trying to get to - - Broad Street - - I think it was. We encountered the Admiral again and hollered to him. Now that man is a Philadelphia native judging by the way he can yell across a street!

Thank you Skye. We had a great time. Although our politics may not quite mesh with those of the Department of State - nobody got hurt. Being different is the American Way.