Washington Life Magazine - October 2013

NEW AMBASSADORS | INSIDE VILLA FIRENZE | THE ART OF SOCIAL DIPLOMACY

HELLO KITTY SHARES POST

VISITED U S STATES

VACATIONS IN MAINE

EXPERT DANCERS

AVID REDSKINS FAN

your 2013 guide

INSIDE THE EXCLUSIVE WORLD OF DIPLOMACY

MARATHON MAN

EXPERT ECONOMIST

LOVES TO SKYDIVE

YOUNGEST ENVOY

PA RT PAIES! RT PA IE RT S! IE S!

FINISHED TRIATHLONS

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SPECIAL FEATURE

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AMBASSADORS DIRECTORY

EDITOR'S LETTER ................................

FYIDC INSIDER'S GUIDE .....................................

THE DISH .................................................

SOCIAL CALENDAR October events .............

CELEBRITY CONTRIBUTION Nirvana Bassist Krist Novoselic on Electoral Reform ...................................................

A Night in the Limelight........................................

LIFESTYLES

LIFE OF THE PARTY

FASHION 'Glamour Girl' Channeling classic Hollywood screen sirens .............

Susan G. Komen 'Honoring the Promise' Gala .............

PERFECT PITCH

Cafritz Welcome Back from Summer SoirĂŠe .................

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Newsbabes Bash for Breast Cancer ............................

Concert pianist Yuja Wang on flying solo ..................

TREND REPORT Shades of Gray ....................

Joan Hisaoka "Make a Difference" Gala ....................

Public Citizen Gala ..............................................

POLLYWOOD HOLLYWOOD ON THE POTOMAC Tonya Lewis Lee, wife of Spike Lee, and Nikki Silver's new film mark the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement ..

Homeland Season 3 Premiere ..................................

'The Presidents' Gatekeepers' Preview ........................

WASHINGTON SOCIAL DIARY DYNAMIC DUO Richard Sandoval and Ivan Iricanin on their successful restaurant partnerships .......................................................

HOME LIFE

El Centro D.F.'s Grand Opening .............................

INSIDE HOMES

AROUND TOWN Bang-up Start .......................

Italian Ambassador Claudio Bisogniero and wife Laura Denise's ambassadorial residence ..........................

Jack and Jill of America's 'Pink, Blue and Bling' Evening

OPEN HOUSE Real Estate Rarities.....................

REAL ESTATE NEWS

OVER THE MOON

Japanese Ambassador Honored .................................

Sheila's Spa, Chukkers and Grape Vines ....................

CNN's 'Crossfire' Re-launch ..................................

The Great Meadow Polo Gala ................................

Etihad Airways VIP Reception for Nation's Triathlon .....

National Sporting Museum Polo Match .....................

Million-dollar home sales hit new heights .....................

MY WASHINGTON Netherlands Ambassador Rudolf Bekink .....................

ON THE COVER TOP ROW L to R Japanese Amb. Kenichiro Sasae, Azerbaijani Amb. Elin Suleymanov and wife Lala Suleymanov, Netherlands Amb. Rudolf Bekink, Chilean Amb. Felipe Bulnes and his wife Monica Pellegrini, Hungarian Amb. Gyorgy Szapary (BOTTOM ROW, L to R) Taiwanese Amb. Pu-tsung King and wife Tina King, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Amb. La Celia A. Prince, Iraqi Amb. Lukman Faily, Ecuadorean Amb. Nathalie Cely, Italian Amb. Claudio Bisogniero and his wife Laura Denise (Photos

by Joseph Allen, Tony Powell, Flickr and courtesy of embassies) TOP FROM LEFT Azerbaijani Amb. Elin Suleymanov (left) and wife Lala Suleymanov (Photo by Joseph Allen); Melissa Maxfield, Rep. Aaron Schock and Karla Gonzalez (Photo by Kyle Samperton); Fashion Editorial photo by Dustin Lilley (full credits inside); DIOR Granville mink-gray leather polochon bag (Price upon request); Available at Dior boutiques nationwide, 1-800-929-DIOR; OSCAR DE LA RENTA Zarina shearling-trimmed suede ankle boots ($1,225); Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase, saks.com.

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T H E I N S I D E R’S G U I D E TO P OW E R , P H I L A N T H R O PY, A N D SO C I E T Y S I N C E 1 9 9 1

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Nancy Reynolds Bagley EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Anne Kim-Dannibale MANAGING EDITOR

Alison McLaughlin SENIOR EDITOR

Kevin Chaffee ASSISTANT EDITOR

Laura Wainman CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Roland Flamini COLUMNISTS

Janet Donovan, Donna Evers, Patrick D. McCoy,Vicky Moon, Stacey Grazier Pfarr and Donna Shor ART DIRECTOR

Matt Rippetoe CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Joseph Allen,Tony Brown, Ben Droz, Alfredo Flores, Nick Ghobashi, Dustin Lilley, Tony Powell and Kyle Samperton

PUBLISHER & CEO

Soroush Richard Shehabi ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

John H. Arundel ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Kaitlin Froelick, Sheila Menn and Christina Salek-Raham BOOKKEEPER

Trina Hodges WEB TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPMENT

iStrategyLabs LEGAL

Ackerman Brown PLLC INTERNS

Joanna Choe, Sofia Hassani and Natalie Lylo FOUNDER

Vicki Bagley CREATIVE DIRECTOR EMERITUS (*)

J.C. Suarès CHAIRMAN, EXECUTIVE BOARD

Gerry Byrne Washington Life magazine publishes ten times a year. Issues are distributed in February, March, April, May, June, July/August, September, November, and December and are hand-delivered on a rotating basis to over 150,000 homes throughout D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland. Additional copies are available at various upscale retailers, hotels, select newstands, and Whole Foods stores in the area. For a complete listing, please consult our website at www.washingtonlife.com. You can also subscribe online at www.washingtonlife.com or send a check for $79.95 (one year) to: Washington Life Magazine, 2301 Tracy Place NW, Washington D.C., 20008. BPA audited. Email us at info@washingtonlife.com with press releases, tips, and editorial comments. Copyright ©2011 by Washington Life. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial content or photos in any manner without permission is strictly prohibited. Printed in the United States. We will not be responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. *deceased

EDITOR’S LETTER

Our Diplomatic Neighbors Y

ou may have rubbed elbows with numerous ambassadors on Embassy Row or become acquainted at the many philanthropic events they so generously sponsor, but can you tell us which one has completed 27 triathlons? Or who desperately misses his country’s famous dolma (stuffed grape leaves)? Don’t worry, we couldn’t either until we were well into the making of our annual guide to the diplomatic community.

This year, along with our directory of ambassadors old and new, we’ve included some fascinating personal insights into the lives of the men and women who represent their countries here in the nation’s capital.

We asked Iraq’s new envoy to find out how he managed to live in exile for 20 years and what is happening in his country postSaddam Hussein. On the other side of the Pond, we listened to former U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland Don Beyer talk about hosting July 4th parties in Bern that attracted the likes of Geena Davis. We turned to our diplomatic columnist, Roland Flamini, for seasoned analysis on the “quiet but profound transformation” of up-and-coming powerhouse Latin American nations including Brazil, Chile, Ecuador and Peru.

There’s no better way to get to know someone than to visit them at home. Though we’ve been to our fair share of embassy soirées, it was a rare treat to get a private tour of “Villa Firenze,” one of Washington’s most notable diplomatic residences.

Editorial Director Anne Kim-Dannibale and photographer Tony Powell contribute a behind-the-scenes look at the life of Italian Ambassador Claudio Bisogniero and his wife, Laura Denise, whose glorious residence features, among many other attractions, its very own bowling alley.

Spreading our wings a bit, we asked columnist Donna Evers to recall how the nation’s capital benefited from the turn-of-the

century era “City Beautiful Movement” with a look at the accomplishments of four Beaux Arts-style architects who left a lasting mark on Embassy Row. Performing arts columnist Patrick McCoy interviewed Chinese concert pianist Yuja Wang, who shares her secret dinner guest wish list and reflects upon what she might be doing if she wasn’t a musician. On the fashion front, photographer Dustin Lilley left us wanting more with a gorgeous ode to classic Hollywood glamour. And former Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic reports on FairVote’s campaign for electoral reform.

We report on the social scene with coverage of the glitzy Susan G. Komen “Honoring the Promise” benefit and the touching Joan Hisaoka “Make a Difference” Gala, respectively celebrating the progress being made to end cancer and assist those living with cancer. We would never have missed Jane and Calvin Cafritz’s “Welcome Back from Summer” bash, the red carpet premieres of “Homeland” and “The President’s Gatekeepers,” CNN’s “Crossfire” re-launch, the the National Sporting Library and Museum’s polo match and El Centro D.F.’s grand opening in Georgetown.

There won’t be time to take off our dancing shoes before we report back on CharityWorks’ “Obsidian Obsession,” Capital for Children’s Casino Night, Champions of Democracy Gala and the Meridian Ball next month. Look for coverage of these events and much more in November.

Nancy R. Bagley Editor in Chief Readers wishing to contact Nancy Bagley can email her at nbagley@washingtonlife.com

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FYIDC The Insider’s Guide to Washington

The Verizon Center has seen its fair share of horseplay on the court and rink, but from October 2227, it will host actual horses and the equinophiles who love them.

The annual Washington International Horse Show features a week of world-class competition among top-tier riders, show jumping, equestrian exhibitions, a silent auction and boutique shopping.

The 2013 show also includes the $25,000 Puissance high jump competition on Oct. 25, the $125,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix presented by Events DC and the Hermès Equitation Finals featuring the country’s top junior riders, both on Oct. 26. 601 F St. NW, tickets $15-$60, www.wihs.org

SNALLYGASTER

BEER JAMBOREE October is the month beer connoisseurs await all year ’round and on October 19 they will descend on Union Market for Snallygaster, one of the District’s most anticipated festivals. From 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., attendees will get to taste 150 craft beers while enjoying food trucks, music and entertainment to benefit Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture. Expect classic Oktoberfest lagers, autumn brews, one-off beers brewed specifically for Snallygaster and debut brews from Washington’s new Bluejacket brewery. 1309 5th St. NE, tickets $30-$50, www.snallygasterdc.com

GOODSTONE INN & RESTAURANT’S JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION CHALLENGE

BEST IN TASTE Foodies looking for an excuse to try new dishes can now participate in the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America Local Dish Challenge at the Goodstone Inn & Restaurant, one of more than 100 restaurants participating across 10 cities. Through October 31, diners who order the Goodstone Inn Lamb and Garden Gazpacho, photograph the dishes and post a picture to Instagram with #JBFTasteamerica and #Middleburg will be helping Washington, D.C. to win $10,000 for a local food charity. It’s also an opportunity to sample the work of the new executive chef, Benjamin Lambert. www.jbftasteamerica.org

SUPER-BLOGGER BRYANBOY Q&A VAN GOGH REPETITIONS

A DIFFERENT SIDE Go beyond the well-known and over-examined aspects of Vincent Van Gogh’s art and discover the methodical process he employed during his 10-year career. The Phillips Collection’s exhibition of van Gogh’s work, on display from October 12 to January 26, showcases 30 paintings from the Musee d’Orsay alongside drawings and technical photographs to help understand how the artist created his compositions.

1600 21st St. NW, tickets $10-$12 , www.phillipscollection.org 14

FALL FASHION Tyson’s Galleria is going all out for its 25th anniversary celebration with a series of haute happenings around town. Fashion mavens won’t want to miss their chance to meet internationally renowned blogger Bryanboy on October 19 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Guests will get an exclusive look at his fall and winter trend picks, followed by a Q&A with Pulitzer Prize-winning fashion critic Robin Givhan. 201 International Dr., McLean,VA 22102, tickets $50 on Gilt City, www.tysonsgalleria.com WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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WA S H I N GTO N I N T E R N AT I I O N A L H O R S E S H OW P H OTO BY S H AW N M C M I L L E N P H OTO G RA P H Y; JA M E S B E A R D P H OTO CO U RT E SY M I D D L E B U R G P H OTO G R A P H Y; V I N C E N T VA N G O G H VA N G O G H ’ S B E D R O O M I N A R L E S , 1 8 8 9 M U S E E D ’O R S AY, PA R I S C O P Y R I G H T R M N ( M U S E E D ’O R S AY )

WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW EQUINE EXCELLENCE

FYIDC | THE DISH

MEN OF THE BREWS In honor of Oktoberfest, we spoke to the men behind three of the District’s burgeoning breweries and got to know their personal tastes.

B Y l a u r a w a i n m a n | p h o t o s by t o n y b r o w n

DC Brau

Brandon Skall Co-Founder/Owner

Chocolate City Beer

3 Stars Brewing

Mike McGarvey CEO/Head Brewer Dave Coleman President

Jay Irizarry Co-Founder/Owner

Background: I always had an interest in

Background: We saw an interest in craft beer

homebrewing, and I had a good knowledge of distribution, sales and marketing since my entire adult career had been spent in beverage marketing and sales. What made me want to open a brewery was the sheer lack of one in the District at the time we were planning. Now, of course, there are four and more coming.

growing in the D.C. market, but wondered why there weren’t any craft breweries already here.

Mike started homebrewing as a hobby and it just seemed like a natural transition for me to start brewing with him. Mike’s background in the business world and his degree in engineering complemented my skill set in a way that we felt gave us a very well-balanced management team.

Signature brews: The Public, The Corruption,

The Citizen and Penn Quarter Porter.

Signature brews: Peppercorn Saison, The

What makes your beers unique? They are

Movement, Two to the Dome, Southern Belle and Pandemic Porter.

branded in a style that is thoroughly who we are, not just visually, but in taste, as we are making beers we want to drink.

How should your beers be drunk? From a tulip

or snifter glass if it is a particularly aromatic beer like the double IPA, but we really encourage people to drink straight from the can.

Favorite beer: That is ever changing, but the most influential beer I’ve ever had was Sierra Nevada. It’s the beer that made me fall in love with beer and from the moment I got that big wafting hop presence, it changed how I thought about beer.

If I were a drink I would be … Whiskey. Time makes whiskey better and you don’t always know what you are getting into with whiskey.

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What breweries influence you the most?

Founder’s Brewing Company, Russian River, Bell’s, The Bruery and the amazing barrel-aged sours from Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes.

Background: I had been involved in the bar industry before and sales.Talking to people and knowing beer were my fortés. At the time that I was planning this, five or six years ago, there weren’t any breweries in town and I saw it as a vacuum that needed to be filled. I got to work brewing some beer in my backyard, pitched the idea with some partners and went from there.

Signature Brews: Cornerstone Copper Ale, First Coast Pilsner, 1814 ESB, Cerveza Nacional and Big Chair IPA. What beers are you trying to emulate? Our concept is inspired more by the city itself than anything else.We usually create the concept first, and make the beer fit the concept.We made an ESB, for example, because the British burned down Washington.

Favorite beer: Hands down, it’s the Pandemic

Porter for both of us. We designed it to be a reflection of our taste and style, and that’s exactly what it is. But Southern Belle is a close second for Mike.

Most surprising thing you’ve learned running a brewery? Patience and how to remain calm

under most circumstances. Getting upset doesn’t help in finding a quick solution, and when you are dependent on someone else to help, they are more likely to help you when you’re calm than when you seem panicked.

First beer ever: Does Zima count? No,

probably a good old Budweiser.

If I were a drink I would be … Two fingers of vodka in a glass, neat. It is straight, hard and to the point.

If you told people in high school you’d own a brewery, what would have been their reaction?

This came out of nowhere so no one would have bought it.They thought I’d be a wanderer rather than a stay-put business owner.

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2013

| washingtonlife.com

FYIDC | SOCIAL CALENDAR

OCTOBER

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CHARITYWORKS DREAM BALL This “obsidian obsession”themed dinner dance gathers top business and government leaders in support of Fisher House and Capital Partners for Education. National Building Museum; 6 p.m.; black-tie; $650; sponsorship start at $1,500; contact Diana Villarreal, 703-2860758, charityworks@aol.com.

TH ANNUAL PEN/ FAULKNER FOUNDATION GALA Enjoy readings from 11 writers on the theme of renewal followed by a seated dinner in the Old and New Reading Rooms. Folger Shakespeare Library; 6:30 p.m.; black-tie; $500; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact Lisa Jourdan, 202-636-8743, lisa@campbellpeachey.com.

CHAMPIONS OF CAPITAL FOR CHILDREN’S DEMOCRACY GALA D.C.Vote honors Moriah Fund’s CASINO NIGHT What could be better than Mary Ann Stein and local veterans with a program hitting the casino for a night of black jack, craps focusing on the injustice of “living under a system and “high rollers” gaming to bring hope and where the governed have no vote in the national resources to youngsters waiting for their lucky legislature.” Mayflower Renaissance Hotel; 6:30 p.m.; break? Longview Gallery, Washington, D.C.; 7:30 $175; sponsorships start at $500; contact Catherine p.m.; business casual; $175; sponsorships start at Cavander, 202-462-6000 ext. 19, ccvander@dcvote.org $5,000; contact Cicely Fox, cfox@ngpept.com.

WOODROW WILSON AWARDS HARMAN CENTER The Wilson Center has been recognizFOR THE ARTS GALA ing exemplary individuals who work for Performances and an awards ceremony the common good with its award for public featuring “Downton Abbey” star Elizabeth service every year since 1998. This year’s honMcGovern at Sidney Harman Hall will be orees are philanthropic couples Katherine and followed by dinner and dancing at the Na- David Bradley and Vicki and Roger Sant. The tional Building Museum. Sidney Harman Hall Willard Hotel; 6:30 p.m.; cocktail attire; tickets and National Building Museum; 6 p.m.; black- start at $1,000; sponsorships start at $15,000; tie; $750; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact contact Renée Gardner, 202-333-4406, renee@ Eric Bailey, 202-547-3230, ext. 2330. gardnermills.com.

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Joe Del Guercio, Alec Rosenberg, Traci Rittenberg and Jen Del Guercio at the 2012 Capital for Children’s Casino Night. (Photo by Kyle Samperton)

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CONGRESSIONAL COALITION ON ADOPTION INSTITUTE’S ANGELS IN ADOPTION GALA This year’s gala honors actress Deborra-Lee Furness Jackman and the stars of A&E’s popular show “Duck Dynasty,” Willie and Korie Robertson. Ronald Reagan Building; 6:30 p.m.; business/cocktail attire; $250; sponsorships start at $1,000; contact Allison Cappa, 202-544-8500, Allison@ccainstitute.org.

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WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA’S OPENING NIGHT To kick off the 2013-2014 season, the WNO hosts an intimate affair with a performance of Verdi’s “The Force of Destiny.” Artistic Director Francesca Zambello directs the production with a post-performance supper attended by both patrons and members of the cast. Kennedy Center; 7 p.m.; black-tie; performance ticket and dinner $180-$450; contact 202416-8397.

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SACKLER GALLERY’S ‘SOME ENCHANTED EVENING’ Celebrate the opening of the world’s first exhibition on the art of yoga at the unveiling of “Yoga: The Art of Transformation.” Expected guests include Alec and Hilaria Baldwin, diplomats, philanthropists, artists and yogis from around the world. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery; 6:30 p.m.; black-tie or Asian fancy; $1,000 and up; sponsorships start at $25,000; contact fsevents@si.edu.

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MERIDIAN BALL Considered Washington’s “destination event,” Meridian International Center’s 45th annual ball is preceded by dinners hosted at ambassadorial residences and the White-Meyer House. Meridian House, 1630 Crescent Place NW; White-Meyer dinner 6:30 p.m., Ambassador-hosted dinners 7 p.m., Meridian Ball 9:30 p.m.; black-tie or military dress; tickets start at $450; sponsorships start at $10,000; contact Olivia Dorieux, 202-450-5899, olivia@ cblaneygroup.com.

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SIBLEY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL’S HOPE & PROGRESS GALA Niloofar Razi Howe and David Howe return to the helm of the gala supporting Sibley’s ongoing commitment to provide state-of-theart, compassionate and personalized medical care. Four Seasons Hotel; 6:30 p.m.; black-tie; $750; sponsorships start at $2,500; contact Kristen Pruski, 202-660-6814, kpruski@jhmi.edu.

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FYIDC | SOCIAL CALENDAR

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BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER WASHINGTON ICON ‘ DINNER AND TALENT SHOW The five winners of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington Talent Search entertain guests with a live performance after cocktails, a silent auction and dinner. Four Seasons Hotel; 6 p.m.; cocktail attire; $400; sponsorships start at $4,000; contact Terri Johnson, 202-540-2323, tjohnson@bgcgw.org.

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INNOCENTS AT RISK Esteemed guests from the White House, state department and the diplomatic corps honor individuals working to end human trafficking at a cocktail reception hosted at event chairmen Melvyn and Suellyn Estrin’s residence. 7 p.m.; cocktail attire; $500; sponsorships start at $1,500; contact Deborah Sigmund, 202-625-4338, dsigmund@innocentsatrisk.org.

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ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP’S TH ANNIVERSARY Cocktails, dinner and entertainment await guests at this festive celebration of EWG’s 20-year effort making the environment healthier and safer for generations to come. Union Station; 6 p.m.; festive/ elegant attire; $300; sponsorships start at $1,000; contact Jocelyn Lyle, 202-667-6982, jocelyn@ewg.org.

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WHITE HAT GALA Leaders from Washington’s cyber security industry host an evening of “Casino Royale”-themed entertainment and inspiration to benefit Children’s National Medical Center. Ronald Reagan Building; 6:30 p.m.; black-tie optional; $500; sponsorships start at $2,000; contact Cristy Heffernan, 301-5658424, cheffern@childrensnational.org.

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NATIONAL ITALIAN AMERICAN FOUNDATION GALA Nearly 3,000 guests attend this year’s soirée honoring Diana Bracco, Roberto Colaninno,

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George Randazzo and Louis Donatelli. The gala features Las Vegasstyle live and silent auctions of premiere items such as a 6-day, 6-night photo safari package (valued at $6,000) donated by Trevor Shaw.

The Washington Hilton Hotel; 6 p.m.; black-tie; $350; sponsorships start at $1,500; contact Jerry Jones, 202-939-3102, jerry@niaf.org.

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LUNGEVITY FOUNDATION’S MUSICAL CELEBRATION OF HOPE Cocktails, dinner and dancing are on tap for this “Arabian Nights”-themed evening to raise awareness about the fight to eradicate lung cancer. This year’s evening celebrates hope and survivors while honoring Rep. John Dingell and The Dow Chemical Company. Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium; 7 p.m.; black-tie; $500; sponsorships start at $2,500; contact Anna Pugh, 240454-3105, apugh@lungevity.org.

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WASHINGTON BALLET’S ‘UNMASK THE NIGHT’ MASQUERADE Join the Washington Ballet’s Women’s Committee and Jeté Society for a masquerade evening of cocktails, tempting cuisine and sultry performances by company dancers. The Homer Building, 601 13th St. NW; 7 p.m.; masquerade cocktail attire; tickets start at $200; sponsorships start at $1,000; contact Liz Sizer, 202-274-4518, esizer@washingtonballet.org.

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THE PRESIDENT’S CUP PARTY AT THE WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW Don your best equestrian ensemble and enjoy the Hermès WIHS Equitation Finals and the $125,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix presented

by Events DC.Verizon Center, Acela Club; 7 p.m.;

Col. Doug Stropes, Tish Stropes and Col. Mike Cabrey at the 2012 CharityWorks Dream Ball. (Photo by Tony Powell)

equestrian chic; $150; contact Meghan Blackburn 202525-3679, meghan@wihs.org.

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NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CATHOLIC ART AND LIBRARY’S GOLDEN GALA OF THE AMERICAS More than 450 guests worldwide are expected to attend this benefit for the National Museum of Catholic Art and Library’s new downtown museum headquarters, set to open 2014. Organization of American States, 201 18th St. NW; 6 p.m.; blacktie; tickets start at $250; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact 202-450-5707, catholicart@aol.com.

SAVE THE DATE :/ 6321625(' (9(176

NOV 2 S&R FOUNDATION’S NIGHT NOUVEAU NOV 2 DC PUBLIC EDUCATION FUND’S STANDING OVATION FOR TEACHERS NOV 8 HEROINES IN TECHNOLOGY NOV 12 MARCH OF DIMES SIGNATURE CHEF’S AUCTION NOV 14 FIGHT FOR CHILDREN’S FIGHT NIGHT AND KNOCK OUT ABUSE AGAINST WOMEN BENEFIT NOV 23 CAPITAL CITY BALL NOV 23 STARLIGHT CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION TASTE OF THE STARS

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CharityWorks is grateful for the support of our major sponsors.

Adeler Jewelers

Barry Dixon and Mark Lowham Barry Dixon Interiors / Barry Dixon Patrice and Scott Brickman Capital One / George Swygert

Co-Chairs of the CharityWorks Dream Ball

Carl M. Freeman Foundation

Cordially invite you to the Amy and Pierre Chao Kay Kendall and Jack Davies DHL DRS Technologies / William Lynn Fernandez Foundation / Jean-Marie and Raul Fernandez Fisher Brothers Leah and Jacques Gansler Pamela and Richard Hanlon

CharityWorks

Glenn Lebowitz The Leonsis Foundation / Lynn and Ted Leonsis Karen and Bruce Levenson

Dream Ball Noir

Susan and Alex Mandl

A magical evening of cocktails, Liz and Fernando Murias ManTech International / Marilyn and George Pedersen Northrop Grumman / Linda Mills Pagnato-Karp Group

dining and dancing To benefit Capital Partners for Education

PwC / Chris Simmons

and Fisher House Norma and Russ Ramsey Raytheon

October 5, 2013

Sobieski / Imperial Brands

6:00 p.m.

TTR Sotheby’s / Mark Lowham and Joseph Ruzzo

The National Building Museum

US Trust / John Devine

Washington, D.C. Judy and Michael Wood

CONTACT US 703.286.0758 Telephone charityworks@aol.com Email

LIFE OF THE PARTY WL-sponsored and Exclusive Events | Joan Hisaoka “Make a Difference” Gala, Public Citizen Gala and more!

David Rubenstein and Fran Drescher at the Susan G. Komen Honoring the Promise Gala (Photo by Tony Powell)

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LIFE

of the

PARTY

Andrea Roane, Olufunmilayo Olopade and Alexine Jackson

Nancy Brinker, Victoria Reggie Kennedy, Judy Salerno, Dorothy Hamill and Melissa Maxfield

Buffy Cafritz and Ann Jordan Jason Van Buren, Josh Morgan, Julie Abraham, Spencer Abraham and Betsy Abraham (photo by Tony Powell)

WL SPONSORED

SUSAN G. KOMEN ‘HONORING THE PROMISE’ GA

The Kennedy Center | PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON

Rebecca Cooper with Kathy and Ray LaHood

WON’T BACK DOWN: Few events are more inspiring and tear-inducing than this annual gala celebrating the progress made by Susan G. Komen. This year, the organization raised an additional $42 million for research and treated more than half a million women and men with breast cancer. From the moment cohost Zoraida Sambolin announced her recovery from the double mastectomy she underwent for breast cancer treatment, to the video tribute shown to honor the life of 29-year-old Bridget Spence who lost her ba%le in April, the evening reinforced the need to continue the quest for a cure. Founding gala chairman David Rubenstein announced his intention to offer a $250,000 matching grant to help reach the evening’s $2 million goal. SPOTTED: The star-studded gala included performances from Kool and the Gang, the Swon Brothers, Julia Murney and iLuminate and speeches from Josh Morgan and celebrity survivors Fran Drescher and Dorothy Hamill.

Kenny Williams and Zoraida Sambolin

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Bob Schieffer, Victoria Lion Monroe and Jimmy Williams

Vicki Sant and Elizabeth Wrege

Rep. Aaron Schock and Karla Gonzalez

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Jack Cahill and Kathleen Parker

Kool and the Gang (photo by Tony Powell) WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Colton Swon and Zach Swon

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LIFE

of the

PARTY

Calvin and Jane Cafritz

Aaron Fleischman, Lin Lougheed, Barbara Harrison and John Pyles

Veronica Valencia Sarukhan, Gwen Holliday, Sharon Bradley and Jennifer Camel-Toueg

Said Jawad, Arturo Sarukhan, Michael Chertoff, Bruce Bradley and Bob Kogod

Bill McSweeny, Donna McLarty, Dorothy McSweeny and Mack McLarty

WL EXCLUSIVE

WELCOME BACK FROM SUMMER SOIRÉE Calvin and Jane Cafritz Residence, Georgetown | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

George and Trish Vradenburg with Robert Haft

SEASON OPENER: The much anticipated party to welcome the social set back from Newport, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Aspen, the Hamptons and other summer vacation spots was as sumptuous as ever this year with Champagne, exotic cocktails and a bountiful buffet for 250 guests. SONG AND DANCE: Talented singers from the Washington Opera’s Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists Program entertained under a marquee in the back garden where sprightlier guests were seen cavorting on a goodly sized dance floor until well a+er the party’s supposed closing time.

Sydney McNiff Johnson and Jay Johnson

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Opera Singers

Shirley and Elliot Hall

Jacqueline Badger Mars

Michael Sonnenreich and Mel Estrin

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Jeanne Ruesch

Nancy Brinker, Wilma Bernstein, William and Lynda Webster and Stuart Bernstein

Sen. Ed Markey WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Annie Totah, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and Meryl Chertoff

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Greg and Rebecca Greenleaf, Annie Totah, Joe Ruzzo and Mark Lowham Bob and Paula Hisaoka with Katherine and David Bradley WL SPONSORED

JOAN HISAOKA “MAKE A DIFFERENCE” GA

Omni Shoreham Hotel | PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON HOPE AND HEALING: This sixth annual event proved to be even more spectacular than in years past, with a gli%ering crowd, awe-inspiring auction items and a mouth-watering menu supervised by CityZen’s Chef Eric Ziebold. This year’s event raised a whopping $1.36 million to go to Life with Cancer, The Smith Center for Healing and the Arts and the Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer. Robert G. Hisaoka founded this gala in the memory of his late sister, Joan Hisaoka, to honor her legacy and desire to improve the lives of those living with cancer.

Significant supporters not pictured include Marion and Robert Rosenthal, Raul Fernandez, Gina Adams, Russ and Norma Ramsey, Sco Brickman, Michelle Freeman and Rep. John and April Delaney.

Mai and Jim Abdo

Mona and John Oswald

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David and Michelle Joubran (Spielmann photography)

Steve Schram with Ben and Lauren Schweitzer

Gary and Jen Day (Spielmann Photography)

Richard Patterson

Romero Piaez, Rick Kay and Larry Kay

Sandra Vito and Andy Viola (Spielmann Photography)

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Tom Liljenquist and Erin Kilday

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Shaista and Ray Mahmood

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Brent Blackwelder and Stacy Palatt

Justice John Paul Stevens and Susan Mullen Robert Weissman WL EXCLUSIVE

PUBLIC CITIZEN GALA

Tim Bailey

Ronald Reagan Building | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

David Halperin and Karen Maravich

JUSTICE FOR ALL: An energized crowd of legal eagles and Congressional types plus TV personality Phil Donahue stood for retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens as he accepted a lifetime achievement award for his 35 years on the bench, during which he handed down dissenting opinions in more than 700 cases, most notably Citizens United vs. Federal Elections Commission, which gave corporations unlimited spending power on political campaigns. COURT TALK: Stevens, 93, joined former New York Times Supreme Court reporter Linda Greenhouse for a candid discussion about his tenure on the nation’s highest judicial body — the third-longest of anyone in history — and thought-provoking legal issues.

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Joanne Doroshow and David Vladeck

Steve Skrovan and Shelley Powsner 30

Jim Hightower

Adam Liptak and Linda Greenhouse

Lourdes Turrecha and Edward Smith

Tyson Slocum and Allison Zieve

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POLLYWOOD The Nexus of Politicsďš? Hollywoodďš? Media and Diplomacy | Dinner for the new Ambassador of Japan and more!

Homeland cast Claire Danes, Damian Lewis, Morena Baccarin and Mandy Patinkin at the Homeland season 3 premiere screening at the Corcoran Gallery of Art (Photo by Tony Powell)

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HOLLYWOOD ON THE POTOMAC

A DREAM FOR A NEW GENERATION Tonya Lewis Lee — Spike Lee’s better half — and Nikki Silver talk about the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement as depicted in their new family feature..

B Y J A N E T D O N O VA N | P H O T O S B Y T O N Y P O W E L L

Tonya Lewis Lee and Nikki Silver (Photo by Tony Powell)

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he synergy between Tonya Lewis Lee and Nikki Silver was obvious when we chatted with them at The Newseum prior to the Washington screening of their film “The Watsons Go to Birmingham,” which aired on The Hallmark Channel in September.

It was their love of reading and children that originally brought the pair together to work on a Nickelodeon series. This time around, they formed a production company they named ToniK, a combination of both their names.

“Tonya and I always joke that we’ve dated for many years and with this project we finally decided to get married,” said Nikki.

Based on the well-received children’s book

by Christopher Paul Curtis, the film takes place in 1963, a time of heightened racial tensions and centers on an African American family living in Michigan who visit their grandmother in Birmingham, Ala. Told through a 10-year-old’s point of view, their summer experience opens their eyes to the injustices of racism, eventually giving them courage to stand up for what is right and helping them grow stronger as a family in the process.

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Tonya Lewis Lee and Nikki Silver (Photo by Tony Powell)

We wondered how the child actors responded to the set experience and what they are being taught about the Civil Rights Movement in school today.

“I don’t think they teach it very well at all,” said Tonya. “I think the way it’s taught is that there was Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, why people treated black people really badly and then they flash-forward to ‘it’s all better.’ That’s one of the things that we’re really excited about with this film. We have an opportunity to entertain first, but also to educate. [The child actors] got a great history lesson.”

“Kenny was just incredible with the kids,” Nikki added about director Kenny Leon, who was a unanimous choice. “He spent a lot of time telling them about the history, walking them through what they were living through in their roles.”

“And they were surrounded by love,” Tonya continued. “Even though they were acting out these issues, it was a very safe way to learn about it. I think the overwhelming thing they took away from the film is that when you are young like these characters were, if you raise your voice

when you see a moral wrong in your world and your community, you can really make a difference.

We really focused on the positive strength of these young people from Birmingham and I think that’s what our young actors took away.”

“I was about 6 or 7 in 1963,” said Kenny, “so it really was a challenge to direct the film and to talk to these young people who were not around and don’t really know racism at the level that we older folks do. We’ve had a tremendous history in this country and yet we continue to discover daily that we haven’t come to terms with racial issues, so I keep hoping that stories like this will keep reminding us that we’ve got a ways to go.”

“The message for us is enjoy the movie, love it,” Nikki summed up. “We hope that it will inspire you, make you laugh, make you cry. The overriding message is that love and family can get you through even the darkest and hardest of times.”

“We want people to be entertained first and foremost,” added Tonya.“We want them to ride the film and we want them to learn something they maybe didn’t know before and really appreciate the humanity of all the people in this film.”

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Showtime President of Entertainment David Nevins, Fox TV Co-chairman Gary Newman, Claire Danes and Showtime CEO Matthew Blank Damian Lewis and Gwen Ifill

Morgan Saylor

Rep. Henry Waxman and Mandy Patinkin

WL EXCLUSIVE

‘HOMELAND’ SEASON 3 SCREENING Corcoran Gallery of Art | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL HOMELAND’S HOMETOWN: Showtime’s mega-hit premiered the first episode of its highly anticipated third season in Washington, where the show is set. Many boldfaced names turned out not just to mingle with the show’s stars, but to see what happens next in the edge-of-your-seat show that follows CIA agent Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) and former Marine and POW Nick Brody (Damian Lewis). SPIED: “Homeland” castmembers Mandy Patinkin, Morena Baccarin and Morgan Saylor; Rep. Phil Gingrey, Martha Raddatz, Bob Schieffer and S.E. Cupp.

Former CIA Director Michael Hayden, Jeanine Carrier, Amy Baier and Fox News’s Bret Baier

Van Jones VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Former presidential chiefs of staff Jim Jones, John Sununu, Joshua Bolten, Kenneth Duberstein and Jack Watson

Susan Eisenhower and Chuck Robb

Keith McKay, Megan Redman and Sam Hornblower

WL EXCLUSIVE

‘THE PRESIDENTS’ GATEKEEPERS’ PREVIEW Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL POWER TALES: Discovery Channel celebrated “The Presidents’ Gatekeepers,” the network’s two-night, four-hour broadcast telling the stories of former White House chiefs of staff, with a splashy preview party a%ended by government officials, diplomats and media personalities. All living occupants of this top political strategy post were interviewed for the production in addition to former presidents Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush.

Richard Strauss and Max Major

Ann Stock and Ebs Burnough

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Lynda Webster, Alma Gildenhorn, Lucky Roosevelt, Ina Ginsburg, Gail West and Dorothy McSweeny

Tom Daffron and Sen. Susan Collins

Host Roy Pfautch with Nobuko Sasae and Amb. of Japan Kenichiro Sasae WL EXCLUSIVE

JAPANESE AMBASSADOR HONORED

Carol Schwartz and Septime Webre

Ann Jordan, Michael Kahn and Buffy Cafritz

The Willard Intercontinental Hotel Ballroom | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL ELITE GATHERING: Famed for his bipartisan holiday bashes for 700 of his nearest and dearest pals back in the Reagan and Bush I eras, international consultant Roy Pfautch has cut back somewhat in recent years. A select group of only 200 Washington movers and shakers made the list for the swank soirée he hosted in June for friends of 20 years, Japanese Ambassador Kenichiro Sasae and his wife Nobuko. “Roy is a great person,” the ambassador told the crowd before proposing a toast to his host.

“Somehow he has become known as the gateway to the East.”

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U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin

Gwen Holliday, Aniko Gaal Schott, Rep. Ed Royce, Stuart Holliday and Hungarian Amb. György Szapáry

Sen. Lindsey Graham

Buck and Sally Chapoton with Mandy and Mary Ourisman

Justice Anthony Kennedy and Mary Kennedy with Alma and Joe Gildenhorn

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Andrew Cockburn, Gail Percy, Leslie Cockburn and Wade Davis

Melinda and Marlon Fitzwater WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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POLLYWOOD

“Crossfire” hosts Van Jones, Newt Gingrich, S. E. Cupp and Stephanie Cutter

Caroline Kennedy

Wolf Blitzer and Gloria Borger

CNN’S ‘CROSSFIRE’ RE-LAUNCH Carnegie Library | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL RETURN ENGAGEMENT: Newt Gingrich ebulliently greeted guests at CNN’s lavish re-launch of “Crossfire,” gratified to report that senior executives at the news network were “giddy” with the return of the current events debate program a+er an eight–year hiatus. “The numbers are really good,” the former speaker of the house added as he circulated the room along with wife, Callista, and his thrust-and-parry co-hosts Van Jones, S. E. Cupp and Stephanie Cu er. SITTING TIGHT: Like other party hosts that night, CNN kept the bars open and food flowing until well past President Obama’s Syria speech.

Rep. Darrell Issa

Greta Van Susteren and John Coale

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James Roberts and John Draper

Catherine Ryan, Rep. Jim Ryan and Melanie Merson Geert Boven and Greg O’Dell

Sara Kirschner, Carrie Roberts and Pauline Habr

ETIHAD AIRWAYS VIP RECEPTION FOR NATION’S TRIATHLON Embassy of the UAE | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL TRI FOR A CURE: Etihad Airways celebrated its first sports sponsorship in the U.S. market with an intimate reception on opening night of the Nation’s Triathlon benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Guests were treated to Arabian fare and le+ with a commemorative “Swim, Ride, Run-Tri-More” cupcake from Georgetown Cupcakes, but not before they listened to a moving speech by leukemia survivor John Draper. The triathlete shared his experience ba%ling blood cancer and explained his support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, which funded the drugs responsible for his current remission.

Omar Al-Shamsi 38

Kristine, Chris and Morgan Fenton

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POLLYWOOD

NIRVANA BASSIST ON ELECTORAL REFORM

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marginalization of alternative parties and a increasingly troublesome overlap of party and race in the South.

With a motto of respect for every vote and every voice, FairVote goes to the root cause of our problems with reforms that can be won by mere statute and have been proven locally. We move new reform ideas into the mainstream and find local partners to win change. We’ve helped win fair representation systems in voting rights cases, voter preregistration for 16-year-olds in states, and ranked choice voting in San Francisco, Minneapolis and Memphis. We organize events like this year’s DemocracyNext.com series at N.Y.U.’s campus in Washington, D.C. I’m leading FairVote’s campaign to fund our Reform2020.com drive. Here’s how you can help realize our goals. >>

END GERRYMANDERING WITH FAIR REPRESENTATION VOTING In 2014, Republicans will keep control even if opposed by 55 percent of voters, and most Americans live in uncompetitive districts where they can’t make a difference. Giving redistricting powers to partisans is wrong, but the core problem is the very idea that one person can represent everyone in a given area.

To truly end gerrymandering, Congress must require states to establish independent

commissions tasked with drawing plans designed for fair representation voting. For example, Louisiana would replace its six lopsided districts with two bigger districts with three seats each and use a proven fair representation system allowing about a quarter of voters to win one of three seats.

That means fair representation of each district’s left, center and right. All white and African American voters, along with all Democrats and Republicans, would gain the power to elect preferred candidates.Visit FairVoting.us to see how Americans in every corner of every state would break free of monopoly representation and always have a reason to vote.

How you can help: Support congressional legislation on fair representation. Sign our Reform2020.com pledge committing to seeking gender parity in elected offices through changes like fair representation voting. Back fair representation in more cities and campuses.

ADOPT RANKED CHOICE VOTING FOR ELECTIONS Our system breaks down whenever more than two people run for one-winner offices like president and governor. Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) ends the “spoiler” problem by allowing voters to rank candidates, allowing a simulated instant runoff between

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P H OTO CO U RT E SY O F FA I RVOT E

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wo decades ago, as Nirvana’s bassist, I was fortunate to help bring alternative music into the mainstream. Millions of people embraced “grunge” in yet another stage in music’s continual re-invention.

That experience of people coming together behind change and my later work with young people defending music freedom brought me to FairVote, which has been the most innovative force in electoral reform since its founding in 1992. I am its chairman and I work with our executive director Rob Richie, his energetic staff and board members like former independent presidential candidate John B. Anderson, the New Yorker’s Hendrik Hertzberg and Oakland Rising’s Esperanza Tervalon-Daumont. We’re taking on a political system that is long on dysfunction and short on participation, competition, and fair representation.

Respect for our democratic institutions has hit an all-time low. Incumbents undercut our fundamental right to vote by treating electoral laws as tools for partisan advantage. Winnertake-all elections and low turnout allow a party to control Congress despite losing the popular vote and channel our diversity of views into fiercely partisan camps that clash with a governing structure based on compromise. Our voting laws lead to noncompetitive elections, under-representation of women, presidential campaigns that ignore most Americans,

Krist Novoselic (Courtesy of FairVote)

the top candidates. We’ve helped win RCV in more than a dozen cities. With new voting software making it easy to administer RCV, we anticipate statewide wins.

How you can help: Join the Washington Post in backing RCV for District elections.

Try RCV at your organization, as done at more than 50 college campuses, including Georgetown University.

ADOPT A NATIONAL POPULAR VOTE FOR PRESIDENT The Electoral College allows winners who lose the popular vote, isolates campaigning to swing states and enables partisans to

Krist Novoselic, Paul McCartney and Dave Grohl (Getty Images)

game election though voter suppression laws. With FairVote a key ally, the National Popular Vote agreement is law in states representing more than half of the 270 electoral votes necessary to activate it in 2016. It will guarantee victory for the candidate who wins the most votes in all fifty states and the District of Columbia.

How you can help: Draw attention to the opportunity to win this urgently needed change.

JOIN A MODERN SUFFRAGE MOVEMENT Battles over voting r ights underscore

the need for an explicit right to vote in the Constitution. Montgomery County and Takoma Park are among a rapidly growing movement of counties, cities and campuses passing resolutions that call for an amendment and commit to concrete actions to protect, promote and expand suffrage.

How you can help:Visit PromoteOurVote. com for tools to pass resolutions in your community.

Krist Novoselic is chairman of FairVote. “A regular columnist for Salon.com, Krist is author of the 2004 book Of Grunge and Government: Let’s Fix this Broken Democracy.” Get involved at FairVote.org

KILLING THE GERRYMANDER If the designs on the right were works of abstract art, they might be applauded.

Instead, they are current congressional district maps in Maryland and North Carolina.

These distorted lines weren’t done randomly. Republican lawmakers created more safe seats for their party. Democratic candidates won the most votes, but won only four of 13 seats. Mitt Romney easily carried 10 districts, with Democrats packed into the remaining three districts that Obama won by huge margins.

A partisan gerrymander produced by Maryland Democrats was equally absurd, but had its desired goal: Democrats won seven of eight seats.

Independent redistricting would reduce such grotesque districts, but it wouldn’t solve the underlying problems of uncompetitive elections and partisan bias. Those are products mostly of where voters live and their increasingly rigid party preferences.

Congress can truly end gerrymandering only with a law establishing fair representation voting. For example, North Carolina might have three “super districts” with seats elected by a system where like-minded voters can elect candidates in proportion to their voting strength.

Each district would elect both Republicans and Democrats, with the left, right and center earning its fair share. Every white voter and every black voter would have the power to elect preferred candidates, with such plans creating a more enduring means to uphold the Voting Rights Act. And we wouldn’t even need district maps that could double as a Rorschach test to do it.

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Actual Congressional Voting Districts

Fair Representation Voting Districts

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William and Mary Zolp

Steve Baron, and Mary Carol with Vanessa and Henry Harbin Jeffrey Tambor with Megan and Isaac Barnes WL SPONSORED

A NIGHT IN THE LIMELIGHT

W. Montell Washington and Sheila Harley with Dianne and Reggie Felton

Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center | PHOTOS BY TONY BROWN COMEDIC MENTALITY: Showbiz folks might not be the first people you think of when you hear the words “mental health” but that didn’t stop actor Jeffrey Tambor from helping Mental Health America produce its inaugural “Night in the Limelight” benefit to help remove the prejudices and fears facing those with mental challenges. Following a reception, silent auction and welcome note from emcee Andrea Roane, Tambor began an interactive one-man comedy show that included a Q&A to encourage audience members to share stories of how they’ve overcome self-imposed limitations. The comedian even convinced one listener to join him on stage to sing opera-style tunes.

Susan Dreyfus and Darleen Lindstrom

John and Sophia Bigley

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Lauryn Ricketts, Laura Evans and Jacqui Jeras

Lesli Foster, JC Hayward, Derek McGinty, Andrea Roane, Anita Brikman and Monika Samtani

Ayanna Dunn and Marguerite Thompson

NEWSBABES BASH FOR BREAST CANCER The Hamilton | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Jennifer Harlow and Jennifer Griffin

Dr. Noelle Sherber and Dr. Ariel Rad

Robin Levine, Lynda Erkiletian and Tanya Heyison

SEEING PINK: The “newsbabes” of Washington are used to delivering news, not making it. One night a year, the fairest female news anchors don their best pink frocks to party while raising funds to eradicate breast cancer. This year’s beneficiary, Howard University Cancer Center, received more than $15,000 from the ladies — and quite a few gentlemen in pink as well. DOUBLE VISION: The evening was a festive way to promote a worthy cause with no professional rivalries to speak of — even though two of the newsbabes did show up in the same pink dress.

Christine Nasbe and Julie Nguyen

Stephanie Abraham, Kelly Collis, Angie Diba and Donna Donella

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THE LATIN AMERICAN DECADE? MAYBE

BY ROLAND FLAMINI

I

n April, the eighth World Economic Forum on Latin America in Lima, Peru, concluded with a call for the hemisphere to build on its many economic successes, and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) president Luis Alberto Moreno told the assembly that for the next three to five years the region is likely to continue to grow twice as fast as the developed world “at a minimum,” and that in most countries, problems of debt overhangs, hyper-inflation, budget deficits, and economic instability were fading memories of the bad old days.

It’s fair to ask whether this Latin America is the same one that, within memory, faced 35 financial crises in 25 years, was propped up by the World Bank and the IDB, and run by jack-booted generals with the full backing of the United States — because Washington, in its infinite wisdom, considered military regimes the best insurance against the further spread of communism in the region. Or was this some other, recently discovered Latin America that Francisco Pizarro and company had somehow missed?

It’s not that Latin America blossomed overnight into a region of sound finances and financial practices, low inflation, and good governance, with a commodity-driven boom in exports and a robust average growth rate of 4 percent and $170 billion in foreign direct investment in 2012 alone — oh, and the largest oil reserves outside the Middle East. In 2010, Moreno, in an article in the Financial Times, called this the Latin American decade. “Although problems such as drug-trafficking and emigration still dominate and distort public perceptions of Latin America,” he wrote, “over the past 20 years the region has

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undergone a quiet but profound transformation.”

Quiet is right. Aside from the residual impressions of a volatile hemisphere, the transformation in Moreno’s article was overshadowed by economic problems in the U.S. and Europe, turmoil in the Middle East and developments in Asia, and therefore attracted little outside notice — until it became impossible to ignore. Brazil, the second-fastest growing economy in the world, was the most visible example, emerging as an industrial and agricultural powerhouse. But — wrote

The next three to five years the region (Latin America) is likely to grow twice as fast as the developed world... and that in most countries, problems of debt overhangs, hyper-inflation, budget deficits, and economic instability are fading memories.

Inter-American Development Bank president Luis Alberto Moreno

Moreno at the time — “Brazil’s success is echoed, to varying degrees, by most of its neighbors.”

From the start the overall picture has been somewhat uneven, with a few countries lagging behind the rest.

Pedro Burelli, a Venezuelan-born and Washington-based entrepreneur, says earlier macroeconomic reforms, the right policies and sheer luck came together to create Latin America’s economic success. Because conservative Latin American banks had steered clear of investing in the sub-prime market they escaped fairly unscathed from the 2008 economic meltdown,

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Brazil’s “Christ the Redeemer” statue

and together with some Spanish banks continued to give access to credit. “The local banks kept the region going enough so the progress they had made wasn’t halted,” he says.

At the same time, a spike in demand mainly from China for copper (Chile), iron (Brazil), and other commodities has fueled an export boom.

Increased prosperity has resulted in an emergent middle class (75 million people in the past decade, or roughly a third of the population) with a profound impact on Latin American society, and the establishment of a domestic market. Burelli argues that the absence of military coups and a terrorism threat made security a non-issue, which encouraged investment and reassured the middle class. “After all, being in the middle class means having the ability to think beyond survival,” he says, and volatility creates uncertainty.

The creation of inward wealth has been one of the hemisphere’s achievements over the past decade; the other is its expansion into world markets through the emergence of multilatinas — Latin America’s version of multinational corporations — based in the hemisphere but operating throughout the area and even in countries in the industrialized north that once seemed out of reach. (One example of a major Latin American corporation reversing past trends by investing in the U.S. is the purchase by Chile’s Concha y Toro, the region’s leading wine exporter with sales in 115 countries, of a California vineyard for $200 million.)

All of which began to call into question the old perception of Latin America as “America’s backyard,” implying economic and political dependence. “In 2012, the big theme for Latin America was integration,” writes Sharon O’Neill, senior fellow for Latin American Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington. “Going forward … the development and deepening of regional supply chains is one of the best ways

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The Basilica in Quito, Ecuador

to boost Latin American global competitiveness,” (for example, in the Union of South American Nations [UNASUR] which brings together Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru — without U.S. involvement).

While this may well be the Latin American decade, 2013 has raised some serious, nagging questions. “The music has stopped, but not forever,” says Hilda Ochoa Brillembourg, a Washington-based investment adviser and CEO of Strategic Investment Group. “There’s no doubt that the Latin American economy has been the source of growth for the region’s middle class. It’s a younger and vibrant continent.” Countries have done well that “put in place good government structures,” she says.

Chile, Colombia, and Peru have been star performers. Brazil is stumbling, Venezuela and Bolivia need to throw out some old fashioned notions. Ecuador had a 6 percent growth rate, but has been a profligate spender, especially on infrastructure.

A drop in China’s growth rate, some consequent slippage in commodity prices, the need to improve schooling standards to have a larger, educated workforce, a determined push for greater inclusion, and an even more determined push to fight crime and corruption are among the common challenges.

In Brazil, urban demonstrations that started as protests against high transportation fares grew into violent dissent at the government’s lavish spending on preparations for next year’s World Cup tournament, and widespread social inequality (the fact that the country has lifted over 30 million of its citizens out of poverty only serves to increase underclass resentment).

And last year Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff triggered international concerns — and U.S. protests — over growing protectionism in the region’s largest economy (and the world’s sixth largest) by saying it will raise tariffs on 100 foreign products, including tires, iron pipes and glass, to protect its industries from foreign competition.

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SPECIAL FEATURE | %1&%77%(367 (-6)'836=

THEIR MEN AND WOMEN IN WASHINGTON The complex art of redefining a relationship

BY ROLAND FLAMINI

Brazilian Amb. Mauro Vieira speaking with Massachussets Gov. Deval Patrick (Flickr)

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nce a month, a dozen or so ambassadors in Washington meet informally over lunch to discuss current issues of common interest to their respective countries. They are the envoys from South America, who, unlike other regional groups of envoys, share Spanish as a common language, a common cultural heritage, and a common history. (Actually, the ambassador from Brazil speaks Portuguese, but many Brazilians are generally comfortable speaking Spanish.)

These days, most of them have something else in common: democratic systems of government and an interest in integrating their remarkably successful economies. They are also

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ambassadors in Washington at a time when relations between the Western Hemisphere and the United States, the host country, are being reassessed on both sides.

American hegemonic power and unchallenged influence was the old way of doing business in the region. The “new� Latin American diplomacy, reinforced by booming economies, is both more independent and more assertive.

Brazil campaigns for a permanent seat in the U.N. Security Council, based on the argument that the hemisphere has been ignored for long enough; revelations of NSA snooping on Latin American leaders draws strong reactions, including the hitherto unheard of snub from Brazilian

President Dilma Rousseff of “postponing� her October state visit to Washington.

American relations with post-Chavez Venezuela remain strained and Bolivian President Evo Morales said in September that he intends to take legal action against President Obama for crimes against humanity, which is hardly calculated to endear him to Washington. Despite American protests, Ecuador continues to give asylum in its London Embassy to Julian Assange, the man responsible for Wikileaks. More recently, Ecuador was one of the countries mentioned as a possible refuge for NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, now ensconced in Russia.

Washington Life asked four Latin American envoys what it’s like to be in the front line of a relationship that can suddenly become thorny.

Being diplomats, their replies were, well — diplomatic, but with occasional hints that behind the polish the course of things did not always run smoothly.

Nathalie Cely, Ecuador’s ambassador, a woman with a cheerful, direct manner, has no hesitation in addressing questions on Assange and Snowden. “We [the Ecuadorian government] don’t see Snowden as a problem in our bilateral relations,� she says. “Our president has spoken to Vice President Biden about our position on Snowden. Ecuador didn’t choose this controversy, it chose us. If Snowden petitions for asylum, Ecuador will consider it, but at the moment he’s in Russia.� Assange, she said,

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sought asylum in the London embassy. “We’re bound by international and domestic law to thoroughly consider any and all applications for asylum we receive on the basis of the likelihood of persecution, not politics.”

Cely, who graduated from Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in 2001, has been Ecuador’s ambassador to Washington since January. A political appointee, she is an economist, a former development minister in the Quito government, and an international consultant on economic development.

Interviewed in the embassy’s spacious residence with its large collection of Ecuadorian art, she said her country and the United States “have a lot of motives for maintaining good relations.” For example, there are about 1.5 million Ecuadorians living in the United States.

At the same time, an organization that grades retirement locations has picked Ecuador as the best place to retire. Bilateral trade is around $12 billion, with Ecuadorian exports including cut flowers, fruit and oil.

Her dealings with the administration work smoothly, she says, “but Congress is a little more difficult.They don’t take the time to understand what’s going on beyond the headlines.” She calls the stalled immigration reforms, “the vital, unfinished business of the United States.”

Cely lights up when she talks about her country’s economic and social progress (although growth has now hit a bump and is down to 1 percent), and about being a woman ambassador in what remains a male world. “It does take longer to be taken seriously,” she says, but soon adds,“Not much longer.”

Her counterpart from Chile, Felipe Bulnes, is a political appointee and a former minister of education in Santiago. A Fulbright scholar with a degree from Harvard Law School, he also left behind a teaching job and a top Chilean law firm with his name on the shingle.

In a September interview he was asked about relations between his country and the U.S. “I couldn’t be happier,” was his reply. “President Obama has visited Chile, and our president

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[Sebastian Pinera] has been to Washington. We’re increasing bilateral trade and Chile has been nominated as a country to join the Visa Waiver program — the first Latin American country to do so. We’ve been working very hard on that.”

Chile is one of the star performers among the Latin American economies, and Bulnes said the growth rate stays level at around 4 percent and exports grew 65 percent between 2010 and 2012, notably wine, fresh fruit and copper. But, copper accounts for around 50 percent of Chile’s exports and any fluctuation in world prices has an immediate impact on the economy. Increasing exports is a Chilean Amb. Felipe Bulnes (right) and his wife Monica Pellegrini government priority, and Chile (Photo by Joseph Allen) has signed 23 free trade agreepreparing the house to receive President Dilma ments with other countries.

Regional integration remains another priority, Rousseff for a much touted state visit, including Bulnes says, noting that in June 2012, Chile, Peru, a rare state dinner at the White House.

Then came Edward Snowden’s revelations of Mexico and Colombia signed a Pacific Alliance Agreement to integrate their economies more wholesale National Security Agency surveillance, deeply (including merging their stock markets) including from theBrazilian president’s own office. and to develop more trade links with the Asia- President Roussef abruptly postponed her trip, and then delivered a scathing rebuke to the U.S. Pacific region.

Early next year Bulnes is scheduled to from the podium of the U.N. General Assembly. leave Washington to return to his old profes- The media called the postponement an unprecsion to represent Chile at the International edented snub. Not so, says Ambasador Vieira.The Court of Justice in the Hague, where Bolivia postponement was a mutual decision. “It doesn’t is demanding access to an area of northern mean that our relations are strained. On the conChile taken by the Chileans in the Pacific trary, the postponement was aimed at preserving War of 1879. “Not that being an ambassador the relationship by preveting a single issue from in Washington hasn’t been a wonderful expe- taking the spotlight.” He added,“We are working rience,” he says. “It helps you understand the very hard to solve this issue.”

Vieira said the bilateral relationship was deep political process; you can read about it, but and long standing, but “our (respective) governyou have to be here to understand it.”

Ambassador Mauro Vieira of Brazil, a career ments do not shrink from taking tough decidiplomat of long standing, has resided in one of sion.” However, he adds, “we are committed Washington’s grandest embassy residences since to realize the full potential of this partnership.”

January 2010. Until early September, he was There were strong common interests, such as

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Ecuadorean Amb. Nathalie Cely (Photo by Joseph Allen)

Peruvian Minister of Defense Luis Alberto Otarola Penarand, Peruvian Amb. Harold Forsyth and Sec. of Defense Leon Pane a. (DoD photo Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo)

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economic cooperation, combating transnational crime, human rights and environmental issues.

Bilateral trade was huge in 2011, reaching $67 billion, and Brazilian investment in the U.S. had reached $11 billion. In addition, 2014 soccer World Cup and the Summer Olympics two years later were “serving as catalysts for private and public investments which is shaping our big cities,” says Vieira, who has spent the last two years courting potential U.S. investors.

But Brazil, which has long punched below its real strength, can be a bristly ally even as it leverages its status as the leading economy in Latin America and the eighth worldwide to win a more prominent place in global politics. Brazil is leading a campaign to reform the United Nations centered on a quest to gain a permanent seat in the U.N. Security Council. “The Security Council has to be more representative of the world today,”Vieira says. “It can no longer be a photo of what happened at the beginning of the last century.”

For centuries, Spain colonized Peru and appropriated its mineral wealth. Regular shipments of Peruvian gold, silver and other raw materials were perhaps the Spanish crown’s largest source of income.

Today, the output from Peru’s mines is one of the country’s own major sources of income. Mineral exports to China, the United States and elsewhere totaled $36 billion in 2011, out of total exports of $42.2 billion, or around 60 percent.

Which is one reason why Peruvian Ambassador Harold Forsyth can claim that “Our economy is among the first in the world in terms of growth.” In the past few years Peru, with its 6 percent growth rate, has been another of the star performers of the Latin America’s booming economy. “The climate for investment in the mining sector is very attractive,” Ambassador Forsyth adds.

“Peru has a lot to show the world in that specific area.”

But another booming sector is tourism. According to a 2012 World Bank report, 2.2 million visitors came to Peru in 2010 and the sector is increasing at 25 percent a year. “We have history and we have culture,” says the ambassador. “We are a country with an important past that serves our present and future.”

Ambassador Forsyth, whose wife Marie is a former Miss Chile (they met when he was serving in Santiago), is one of those senior diplomats who has been ambassador everywhere, including China, Italy, Colombia and Bulgaria, but has also managed to have careers as a journalist and a member of the Peruvian parliament. It’s a fair bet, though, that his younger son George is a bigger celebrity back home. He’s a top goalkeeper who has been a member of the Peruvian national soccer team.

The Forsyths moved into their 25-acre hilltop residence in 20ll, at a time when — the ambassador says — “bilateral relations are at their highest point.”

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‘THINGS ARE GETTING BETTER’ Christos Panagopoulos

BY JOHN ARUNDEL

reek Ambassador Christos Panagopoulos once held a position on his country’s Junior National Polo Team Swimming frequently keeps his mind alert and vibrant� he says� for managing the diplomatic affairs in Washington of a country that nearly sank into a financial abyss after the _``{ global recession The }~-year-old envoy spoke with Washington Life about the crisis and his country’s future THE GREEK ECONOMY WAS ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING IN THE EUROZONE WHAT HAPPENED? We lost about 80 percent of our competitiveness between 2005 and 2009, but since that point we have regained about 75 percent of our productivity.

HAS GREECE TURNED THE CORNER? Yes, I think so. By next year, we’re going to start seeing some growth. It’s not possible to say we are out of danger, but we are already in the recovery process and things are looking much better.

THE WORLD’S PERCEPTION OF GREECE IS THAT OF A BEGGAR TO THE EUROPEAN UNION It’s going to take a lot of hard work to reverse that image. Greece is still one of the richest countries in the region, and if you compare us to other countries in the neighborhood, we’re still number one. The Germans gain a few billion euros every year from our tragedy, and they did not spend a penny. They lent us money and they have every reason imaginable to help get us out of this crisis, because if we go bankrupt, they’ll lose everything.

WHAT WOULD CHANGE THAT PERCEPTION? Americans who go to Greece discover the real

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Greek Americans there to greet me. Chicago is considered “the second biggest Greek city� because after Athens, it’s the world’s biggest population of Greeks in a city. It’s a very dynamic community that follows very closely our tradition, our values, and our great Hellenic heritage.

WHAT MAKES GREECE A SPECIAL PLACE FOR AMERICANS TO VISIT? It’s history and tradition. The fathers of the American federation were inspired by many ideas of ancient Athens. That’s where it all Amb. Christos Panagopoulos (Photo by Joseph Allen) began. The way Americans govern themselves face of Greece, not that which is presented today is where it started 2,500 years ago. The through the economy, which sometimes does Acropolis in Athens, along with our great not correspond to the reality because they philosophers and heritage, are the very basis of overpaint.They see how friendly people are, the Western civilization, democracy, respect of the unique environment, the tradition, the history, individual and human rights. If someone wants the cuisine, and above all, that the Greek people to call themselves a democratic person, he or she knows where it started. In a sense, today’s like to welcome them. values and problems were already debated 3,000 IT IS SAID THAT THE BI-LATERAL years ago in Athens.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GREECE AND THE UNITED STATES IS LIKE THAT OF TWO WHAT EFFECT DOES TOURISM HAVE IN TERMS OF ECONOMIC IMPACT ON THE LONGTIME LOVERS DO YOU AGREE? It’s been a love story all the way. We have been COUNTRY? together, never in opposing camps. Consider this: It’s huge.The GDP share is about 15 percent, so We have more or less the same independence you can imagine that during a period in which dates, 200 years apart, and we have fought unemployment is the number one problem, together in all the major battles of Europe, the providing jobs, even in high-tourism areas, can First and Second World Wars and the battles be a challenge. There are not many jobs during against totalitarianism. What we also have is December, January and February as there are in what I call a “live bridge,� the Greek American the summer months. It’s a big, short season. community that is in everyday contact between IS GREECE TRYING TO RELY LESS ON Greece and America.

TOURISM AS AN ECONOMIC DRIVER? HOW MANY GREEK AMERICANS LIVE IN Yes, one can’t live only from services. We have been asked to take measures in a period of a THE UNITED STATES? Nearly 3 million people. They’re spread few years, while other countries took decades all over, from Alaska to Chicago, and as to reform their economies. It’s very painful for Counsel General in Boston and then on the us. But let’s face it.This is not a Greek crisis and West Coast, everywhere I visited there were we will need help getting out of it.

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ELIN SULEYMANOV Azerbaijan

DIRECTORY AFGANISTAN Eklil Hakimi Sultana Hakimi Embassy: 2341 Wyoming Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-483-6410 Residence: 3208 Cleveland Ave. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:

AFRICAN UNION Amina Salum Ali Ali Mansour Vuai Embassy: 2200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 20037 Telephone: 202-293-8006 Head of delegation: Spouse:

ALBANIA Gilbert Galanxhi Spouse: Etleva Galanxhi Embassy: 1312 18th St. NW, 4th Fl., 20036 Telephone: 202-223-4942 Ambassador:

Amb. Elin Suleymanov and Lala Suleymanov (Photo by Joseph Allen)

ALGERIA Abdallah Baali Yasmina Baali Embassy: 2118 Kalorama Rd. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-265-2800 Residence: “The Elms,� 4040 52nd St. NW, 20016

Social event you look forward to every year?

Azerbaijan marks its Republic Day on May 28. We try to make it as festive as possible. Since I am twice as old as my country’s independence, this is a very exciting celebration for me.

How do you like to spend your free time?

My family and I like to travel. Seeing new places and returning to favorites spots makes one appreciate the diversity around us. Perhaps, I should blame my education in geography at the Moscow State University for visiting some 44 of the American states. And of course, if I get a chance, to spend a day reading.

Dish from home you miss the most?

Dolma, the stuffed grape leaves. The Azerbaijani one is special. It is smaller, stuffed with mostly meat and is eaten with yogurt sauce. I am very grateful to my wife Lala for finding time to make the best dolma I have ever eaten outside Azerbaijan.

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Embassy:

ARGENTINA Cecilia Nahon 1600 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-238-6400 Ambassador:

Embassy and Residence:

ARMENIA Tatoul Markarian Anna Aghumina Embassy: 2225 R St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-319-1976 Ambassador: Spouse:

AUSTRALIA Kim Beazley Susanna Annus Embassy: 1601 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-797-3000 Residence: 3120 Cleveland Ave. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:

Ambassador: Spouse:

Something surprising Americans don’t know about your country/customs/culture/history?

Azerbaijan is one of the most tolerant societies in the world, where different religions and communities, including a 2,500-year-old Jewish community, live in peace and harmony. The world’s first-ever republic with a predominantly Muslim population was established in Azerbaijan on May 28, 1918 and it granted voting rights to women before the United States.

Iman Alhussaini Al Sharif 1100 17th St. NW, Suite 620, 20036 Telephone: 202-265-3210 Spouse:

ANDORRA Narcis Casal De Fonsdeviela Embassy: 2 United Nations Plaza, 25th Fl., New York, NY, 10017 Telephone: 212-750-8064 Ambassador:

ANGOLA Alberto do Carmo Bento Ribeiro Spouse: Maria Odete Ribeiro Embassy and residence: 2108 16th St. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-785-1156

AUSTRIA Hans Peter Manz 3524 International Ct. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-895-6700 Residence: 2419 Wyoming Ave. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Embassy:

AZERBAIJAN Elin Suleymanov Lala Abdurahimova Embassy: 2741 34th St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-337-3500 Residence: 4039 Highwood St. NW, 20007 Ambassador: Spouse:

Ambassador:

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA Ambassador: Deborah Mae Lovell

3216 New Mexico Ave. NW, 20016 Telephone: 202-362-5122 Residence: “The Elms,� 4040 52nd St. NW, 20016 Embassy:

THE ARAB LEAGUE Mohammed Alhussaini Al Sharif

BAHAMAS Dr. Eugene Newry 2220 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-319-2660 Residence: 5100 Warren Pl. NW, 20016 Ambassador: Embassy:

BAHRAIN Houda Nonoo Salman Idafar Embassy: 3502 International Dr. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-342-1111 Residence: 4646 Hawthorne Ln. NW, 20016 Ambassador: Spouse:

Ambassador:

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BANGLADESH Akramul Qader Spouse: Rifat Sulpana Akram Embassy: 3510 International Dr. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-244-0183 Residence: 4 Highboro Ct., Bethesda, MD 20817 Ambassador:

BARBADOS John Beale Spouse: Leila Mol Beale Embassy: 2144 Wyoming Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-939-9200 Residence: 12 Farmington Ct., Chevy Chase, MD 20815

202-483-4410 3012 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: Residence:

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA Jadranka Negodic 2109 E St. NW, 20037 Telephone: 202-337-1500 Residence: 1508 22nd St. North, Arlington, VA 22209 Ambassador: Embassy:

Oleg Kravchenko Marina Kravchenko Embassy: 1619 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-986-1604 Residence: 4311 Embassy Park Dr. NW, 20016

BELGIUM

Hem Heng Savine Ek Embassy: 4530 16th St. NW, 20011 Telephone: 202-726-7824 Residence: 4500 16th St. NW, 20011

BOTSWANA Tebelelo Seretse Spouse: Kgosi Tholego Seretse Embassy: 1531-1533 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-244-4990 Residence: 10001 Bent Cross Dr., Potomac, MD 20854 Ambassador:

BRAZIL Mauro Vieira 3006 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-238-2700 Residence: 3000 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Embassy:

Spouse:

Deborah Mae-Lovell, Antigua and Barbuda

CAMEROON Joseph Foe-Atangana Spouse: Veronique Foe Biloa Embassy: 1700 Wisconsin Ave NW, 20007 Telephone: 202-265-8790 Residence: 2825 Normanstone Dr. NW, 20008 Ambassador:

CANADA Gary Albert Doer Ginny Devine Embassy: 501 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 20001 Telephone: 202-682-1740 Residence: 2825 Rock Creek Dr. NW, 20008 Ambassador:

Jan Matthysen Spouse: Agnes Aerts Embassy: 3330 Garfield St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-333-6900 Residence: 2300 Foxhall Rd. NW, 20007 Ambassador:

BELIZE Nestor Mendez Spouse: Elvira Mendez Embassy: 2535 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-332-9636 Residence: 1686 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean, VA 22101 Ambassador:

BENIN Dr. Segbe Cyrille Oguin Hortense Oguin Embassy: 2124 Kalorama Rd. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-232-6656 Residence: 2201 Sorrel Ave., Potomac, MD 20854 Ambassador: Spouse:

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM Dato Paduka Haji Yusoff Haji Abdul Hamid Spouse: Datin Mahani Abu Zar Embassy: 3520 International Ct. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-237-1838 Ambassador:

BULGARIA Ambassador: Elena Poptodorova Petrova Spouse: George Petrova Spouse: 1621 22nd St. NW, 20008 Spouse: 202-387-0174 Residence: 3516 Rittenhouse St. NW, 20015

BURKINA FASO Seydou Bouda Adele Bouda Zougmore Embassy: 2340 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-332-5577 Residence: 6338 16th St. NW, 20011 Ambassador:

Ye Lwin Embassy: 2300 S St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-332-3344 Residence: 2223 R St. NW, 20008 Chargé d’affaires:

Freddy Bersatti Spouse: Rosayda Bersatti Embassy: 3014 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008

Spouse:

Tatoul Markarian, Armenia

CAPE VERDE Maria de Fátima Lima da Veiga Spouse: Manuel Veiga Embassy: 3415 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-965-6820 Residence: 6509 Kenhill Rd., Bethesda, MD 20817 Ambassador:

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC Ambassador:

Spouse:

BURMA

BOLIVIA Chargé d’affaires:

CAMBODIA Ambassador:

Chargé D’Affaires: Spouse:

Angele Niyuhire Simeon Kirabisha Embassy: 2233 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite 212, 20007 Telephone: 202-342-2574 Residence: 2233 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite 212, 20007 Spouse:

Ambassador:

BELARUS

BURUNDI Ambassador:

Kim Beazley, Australia

Stanislas Moussa-Kembe

Embassy: 2704 Ontario Rd. NW, 20009

202-483-7800 1840 Redwood Terrace NW, 20012 Telephone: Residence:

CHAD Maitine Djoumbe Naome Darkarim Embassy: 2401 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-652-1312 Ambassador: Spouse:

Hans Peter Manz, Austria WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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INCOMING ENVOYS A few new faces on the diplomatic scene

argentina

China

cyprus

El salvador

Equatorial guinea

georgia

grenada

Cecilia Nahon

Cui Tiankai

George Chacalli

Ruben Ignacio Rivas

Ruben Mangue

Archil Gegeshidze

Ethelstan Angus Friday

guatemala

iraq

ireland

israel

japan

kazakhstan

maldives

Jose Julio Ligorria Carballido

Lukman Faily

Anne Anderson

Ron Dermer

Kenichiro Sasae

Kairat Umarov

Ahmed Sareer

malta

mexico

mongolia

norway

paraguay

poland

rwanda

Marisa Micallef

Eduardo Medina Mora

Altangerel Bulgaa

Kaare Reidar Aas

Fernando Antonio Pfannl Caballero

Ryszard Schnepf

Mathilde Mukantabana

slovak republic

slovenia

south korea

sweden

taiwan

tanzania

tonga

Peter Kmec

Bozo Cerar

Ahn Ho-young

Bjoern Olof Lyrvall

Pu-tsung King

Liberata Mulamula

Mahe Tupouniua

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tunisia

uganda

uzbekistan

zambia

Mokhtar Chaouachi

Oliver Wonekha

Bakhtiyar Gulyamov

Palan Mulonda

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‘IRAQ IS A MUCH DIFFERENT PLACE TODAY’ Lukman Faily

BY JOHN ARUNDEL

raq’s new Ambassador to the United States Lukman Faily went into selfimposed exile in Great Britain for 20 years because of his disdain for Saddam Hussein. He represents a rising generation of exiled Iraqis who returned home to build a free-market democracy. There, Faily, who is fluent in English, Arabic and Kurdish, was an active leader within the exile community advocating for democracy and rule of law in Iraq. He also served for three years as Iraq’s ambassador to Japan after working in the IT sector. He arrived in Washington with his wife Lameis Faily and their four sons. The new envoy recently sat down with Washington Life to discuss how his country has changed and what lies ahead.

ARE IRAQIS HAPPIER TODAY? People have a vision of what they want. They have the ability to get to that vision because they no longer have the shackles of dictatorship.

They can think and act freely. They can obtain mobiles and satellite channels with open media coverage to open their minds. They have a democratic system in place which does not inhibit how they think or act in any way.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO BE IN EXILE FOR YEARS? DID YOU MISS YOUR HOMELAND? Definitely. On the plus side it makes you more aware of what’s going on, so you keep your eyes and ears open more. I was actively involved in the student movements against Saddam at the university and in my youth which kept me attached to my country emotionally.

After 2003 we were able to return. That joy is unimaginable to describe.

WHAT DID YOU FIND WHEN YOU RETURNED? I found an Iraq that was confused about its place in the world, afraid of more dictatorships and frightened by the economic troubles it faced.

IS IRAQ LESS MARGINALIZED IN THE POST-SADDAM WORLD? CAN OIL LIFT THE IRAQIS OUT OF THEIR There’s no restriction on visas. At the embassy -PER-YEAR AVERAGE INCOMES? here we ship [an approved passport] within Oil is our “get out of jail” card. Iraq is rich a day or two. We don’t need to get approval in oil, in people, in land. It’s up to us to take from the government for this, so we have the advantage of one of the greatest resources freedom of visitors, we have media freedom, of petroleum in the world. Oil is also where the freedom to open any type of business you much of the new investments are taking want. It’s no longer a police state.

IS IT A MUCH MORE WESTERNIZED place — to provide us with funds to build PLACE? our infrastructure. But we don’t intend to A R E WO M E N TA K I N G M O R E It is a much more modern place. Everybody be solely an oil-based economy. We’d like to PROMINENT ROLES IN THE NEW IRAQI has the latest gadgets and is trying to get their diversify out of the oil culture and into other GOVERNMENT? passports and to travel abroad. However, we businesses.

Not to the extent that we as Iraqis would do have the tremendous impact of the various like. Traditionally women have played these walls, such as the U.N. sanctions and the battle DOES IRAN REPRESENT A SECURITY roles but we have none now. They have 25 on terrorism. So, we need to get out of that. percent representation in Parliament, per THREAT FOR IRAQ? No, we have never seen Iran as a security our Constitution. There’s no restriction IS IRAQ GROWING AGAIN? threat. We have told all countries that we on them. With respect to the development Income is up 50 percent, and GDP per capita respect their borders and have embraced world of women historically, Iraq has been much has increased 500 percent per year.We also have peace. That said, there is still some fear of Iran more progressive than even some western growth of one million new people every year. countries. on our side.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Amb. Lukman Faily (Photo courtesy Iraq Embassy)

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JOÃO VALE DE ALMEIDA European Union

Residence: 16833 Harbor Town Dr., Silver Spring, MD 20905

CHILE Felipe Bulnes Monica Pellegrini Embassy: 1732 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-785-1746 Residence: 2305 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:

CHINA Cui Tiankai 3505 International Pl. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-495-2000 Residence: 2301 S St. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Embassy:

Cecile Diabaté 2424 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-797-0300 Residence: 5111 Broad Branch Rd. NW, 20008 Spouse:

Embassy:

CROATIA Jisko Paro Jasna Paro Embassy: 2343 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Suite F13, 20008 Telephone: 202-588-5899 Residence: 4871 Glenbrook Rd. NW, 20016 Ambassador: Spouse:

CYPRUS George Chacalli 2211 R St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-462-5772 Residence: 2346 S St. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Embassy:

COLOMBIA Carlos Urrutia 2118 Leroy Pl. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-387-8338 Residence: 1520 20th St. NW, 20036 Ambassador: Embassy:

Amb. João Vale de Almeida (Courtesy EU)

Charity/cause closest to your heart?

Children’s rights Historical figure you most admire and why?

Prince Henry, the Navigator (Portugal, 15th century) Favorite saying/quote?

“When in a hole, stop digging.”

The top issue on your agenda?

Syria and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership How do you like to spend your free time?

On the beach in Algarve, Portugal Favorite book/author?

“Sonetos” by Luís de Camões (a good translation is available at the University of Massachusetts, Center for Portuguese Studies).

What dish from home do you miss the most when you are away?

“Favas” (a kind of fava bean), fresh grilled fish Which American customs do you enjoy the most?

Their approach to volunteering and charitable causes.

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Petr Gandalovic Pavlina Gandalovic Embassy: 3900 Spring of Freedom St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-274-9100 Residence: 2612 Tilden St. NW, 20008 Spouse:

COMOROS

Something surprising people don’t know about you?

I’m afraid of horses, but not of flying.

CZECH REPUBLIC Ambassador:

Kaambi Roubani 420 E. 50th St., New York, NY 10022 Telephone: 212-750-1637 Ambassador: Embassy:

DENMARK CONGO DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF Dr. Faida Mitifu Dr. Maurice Shalishali embassy and residence: 1736 M St. NW, Suite 601, 20036 Telephone: 202-234-7690 Ambassador: Spouse:

Peter Taksoe-Jensen Gitte Wallin Pedersen embassy and residence: 3200 Whitehaven St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-234-4300 Ambassador: Spouse:

DJIBOUTI Roble Olhaye, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Spouse: Amina Farah Ahmed Olhaye Embassy: 1156 15th St. NW, Suite 515, 20005 Telephone: 202-331-0270 Residence: 10101 Sorrel Ave., Potomac, MD 20854 Ambassador:

CONGO REPUBLIC OF Serge Mombouli Stella Corine Mombouli Embassy: 1720 16th St. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-726-5500 Residence: 10809 Riverwood Dr., Potomac, MD 20854 Ambassador: Spouse:

COSTA RICA

DOMINICA

Meta Shannon Figueres Boggs Spouse: Santiago Felipe Real de Azua Embassy: 2114 S St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-480-2200 Residence: 2324 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008

Hubert John Charles Sylvia Charles Embassy: 3216 New Mexico Ave. NW, 20016 Telephone: 202-364-6781 Residence: 17639 Charity Ln., Germantown, MD 20874

CÔTE D’IVOIRE REPUBLIC OF

Ambassador:

Ambassador:

Ambassador:

Daouda Diabaté

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Ambassador: Spouse:

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Embassy:

Aníbal de Castro 1715 22nd St. NW, 20008

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2013

202-332-6280 2930 Edgevale Terrace NW, 20008

Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-588-0101 Residence: 3633 Albemarle St. NW, 20008

Telephone: Residence:

East Timor Constancio Pinto Gabriela Pinto Embassy: 4201 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 504, 20008 Telephone: 202-966-3202 Residence: 1220 East West Hwy., Apt. 1522, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Ambassador: Spouse:

Ecuador

Ethiopia Girma Birru 3506 International Dr. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-364-1200 Residence: 2209 Wyoming Ave., NW 20008 Ambassador: Embassy:

European Union

Nathalie Cely Suárez Alvaro Ivan Hernandez Embassy: 2525 15th St NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-234-7200 Residence: 2320 Bancroft St. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:

Egypt

Head of delegation: João Vale de Almeida Spouse: Ana Jara de Carvalho Embassy: 2175 K St. NW, 20037 Telephone: 202-862-9500 Residence: 2534 Belmont Rd. NW, 20008

Fiji

Mohamed Mostafa Mohamed Tawfik Embassy: 3521 International Court NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-895-5400 Residence: 2301 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Ambassador:

Winston Thompson Queenie Thompson Embassy: 2000 M St. NW, Suite 710, 20036 Telephone: 202-466-8320 Residence: 1435 Carrington Ridge Ln., Vienna, VA 22182 Ambassador: Spouse:

El Salvador

Finland

Ruben Ignacio Zamora Rivas Embassy: 1400 16th St. NW, Suite 100, 20036 Telephone: 202-595 7500 Residence: 5171 Macomb St. NW, 20016 Ambassador:

Ritva Koukku-Ronde Spouse: Hidde Ronde Embassy: 3301 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-298-5800 Residence: 3001 Woodland Dr. NW, 20008 Ambassador:

Equatorial Guinea Ruben Maye Nsue Mangue Embassy: 2020 16th St. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-518-5700 Residence: 4044 27th St., Arlington, VA 22207 Ambassador:

Eritrea Berhane Gebrehwet Solomon Embassy: 1708 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-319-1991 Residence: 7127 16th St. NW, 20012 chargé d’affaires:

Estonia Marina Kaljurand Spouse: Kalle Kaljurand Embassy: 2131 Massachusetts Ambassador:

France François Delattre Spouse: Sophie l’Helias-Delattre Embassy: 2509 Foxhall Road, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20007 Telephone: 202-944-6000 Residence: 2221 Kalorama Rd. NW, 20008 Ambassador:

Gabon Michael Moussa-Adamo Brigitte Moussa-Adamo Embassy: 2034 20th St. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-797-1000 Residence: 1630 Connecticut Ave. NW, 20009 Ambassador: Spouse:

Gambia Alieu Momodou Ngum Aminatta Ngum Embassy: 2233 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite 240, 20007 Telephone: 202-785-1379 Residence: 1941 Westchester Dr., Silver Spring, MD 20902 Ambassador: Spouse:

Georgia Archil Gegeshideze 2209 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-387-2390 Residence: 2807 Chesterfield Pl. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Embassy:

Tebelelo Seretse, Botswana

Germany Peter Ammon Marliese Heimann-Ammon Embassy: 2300 M St. NW #3, 20037 Telephone: 202-298-4000 Residence: 1800 Foxhall Rd. NW, 20007 Ambassador: Spouse:

Ghana Daniel Ohene Agyekum Rose Ohene Agyekum Embassy: 3512 International Dr. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-686-4520 Ambassador: Spouse:

Peter Taksoe-Jensen, Denmark

Greece Christos Panagopoulos 2217 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-939-1300 Residence: 4740 Foxhall Crescent NW, 20007 Ambassador: Embassy:

Grenada Ethelstan Angus Friday 1701 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-265-2561 Ambassador: Embassy:

Constancio Pinto, East Timor

Guatemala Jose Julio Alejandro Ligorria Carballido Embassy: 2220 R St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-745-4953 Residence: 2839 Woodland Dr. NW, 20008 Ambassador:

Guinea Blaise Cherif Cecile Cherif Embassy: 2112 Leroy Pl. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:

Nirupama Rao, India WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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SPECIAL FEATURE | %1&%77%(367 (-6)'836=

PU-TSUNG KING Taiwan (Republic of China)

202-986-4300 2948 Edgevale Terrace NW, 20008 Telephone:

INDONESIA

Residence:

Dino Patti Djalal Rosa Rai Djalal Embassy: 2020 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-775-5200 Residence: 2700 Tilden Ln. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:

GUYANA Bayney Karran Donna Karran Embassy: 2490 Tracy Pl. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-265-6900 Ambassador: Spouse:

HAITI Paul Altidor Meghan Altidor Embassy: 2311 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-332-4090 Ambassador: Spouse:

THE HOLY SEE Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano 3339 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-333-7121 Nuncio:

Embassy and Residence:

Jorge Ramon Hernandez-Alcerro Spouse: Mariza Veiga Embassy: 3007 Tilden St. NW, Suite #4M, 20008 Telephone: 202-966-2604 Residence: 5312 Portsmouth Rd., Bethesda, MD 20816 Ambassador:

Something surprising people don’t know about you?

I have finished 27 triathlons. The last one was the Nation’s Triathlon held in Washington, D.C., on September 8, 2013.

Historical figure you most admire?

Napoleon, because he was a great military leader and he pulled himself up by his bootstraps.

Social event you look forward to every year?

The Dragon Boat Festival Charity/cause closest to your heart?

Supporting poor children to improve their lives and help them receive a better education.

Dish from home you miss the most?

Peking duck American customs you enjoy the most?

Christmas Eve Top issue on your agenda?

Strengthening Taiwan-U.S. economic relations

Lukman Faily Ms. Lameis Faily Embassy: 3006 Albermarle St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-742-1600 Spouse:

IRELAND Anne Anderson 2234 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-462-3939 Residence: 2244 S St. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Embassy:

ISRAEL

HONDURAS

Amb. Pu-tsung King and Tina King (Courtesy Taiwanese Embassy)

IRAQ Ambassador:

HUNGARY Gyorgy Szapary 3910 Shoemaker St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-362-6730 Residence: 2215 30th St. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Embassy:

Ron Dermer* 3514 International Dr. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-364-5500 Ambassador: Embassy:

ITALY Claudio Bisogniero Laura Denise Noce Benigni Olivieri Bisogniero Embassy: 3000 Whitehaven St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-612-4400 Residence: “Villa Firenze,” 2800 Albemarle St. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:

JAMAICA Stephen Vasciannie Lisa Vasciannie Embassy: 1520 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-452-0660 Ambassador:

ICELAND Ambassador: Gudmundur Arni Stefansson Spouse: Jona Dora Karlsdottir Embassy: House of Sweden, 2900 K St. NW, Suite 509 Telephone: 202-265-6653 Residence: 2443 Kalorama Rd. NW, 20008

INDIA Nirupama Rao Sudhakar Rao Embassy: 2107 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-939-7009 Residence: 2700 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008

Spouse:

JAPAN Kenichiro Sasae 2520 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-238-6700 Ambassador: Embassy:

Ambassador:

JORDAN

Spouse:

Dr. Alia Hatoug-Bouran Ishaq Bouran Embassy: 3504 International Dr. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-966-2664 Residence: 2456 Tracy Pl. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:

* Named but awaiting credential at press time

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KAZAKHSTAN Kairat Umarov Embassy: 1401 16th St. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-232-5488 Ambassador:

KENYA Elkanah Odembo Absalom Spouse: Aoko-Midiwo-Odembo Embassy: 2249 R St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-387-6101 Residence: 10201 Serrel Ave., Potomac, MD 20854 Ambassador:

LESOTHO Eliachim Molapi Sebatane Spouse: Lois Anne Sebatane Embassy: 2511 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-797-5533 Residence: 7013 Loch Lomond Dr., Bethesda, MD 20817 Ambassador:

Stephen Dick Tennyson Matenje Spouse: Isabel Matenje Embassy: 1156 15th St., NW Telephone: 202-721-0270

MALAYSIA Datuk Othman Hashim 3516 International Ct. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-572-9700 Ambassador:

LIBERIA Jeremiah Sulunteh Kabeh Sulunteh Embassy: 5201 16th St. NW, 20011 Telephone: 202-723-0437 Ambassador: Spouse:

Embassy:

Amb.Mohamed Tawfik, Egypt MALDIVES Ahmed Sareer 800 2nd Ave., Suite 200 E, New York, NY, 10017 Telephone: 212-599-6195 Residence: 13 River Rd., Apt. 17C, New York, NY 10044 Ambassador:

KOSOVO Akan Ismaili Fitore Ismaili Embassy: 1101 30th St. NW, Suite 330/340, 20007 Telephone: 202-380-3581 Ambassador: Spouse:

KUWAIT Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Spouse: Rima Al-Sabah embassy and residence: 2940 Tilden St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-966-0702 Ambassador:

KYRGYZSTAN Muktar Djumaliev Spouse: Afel Akeneeva Embassy: 2360 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-449-9822 Residence: 4101 33rd Rd., Arlington, VA 22207 Ambassador:

LIBYA Ali Suleiman Aujali Naima M. Bseikri Embassy: 2600 Virginia Ave. NW, Suite 705, 20037 Telephone: 202-944-9601 Residence: 2201 Wyoming Ave. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:

LIECHTENSTEIN Claudia Fritsche 2900 K St. NW, Suite 602-B, 20007 Telephone: 202-331-0590 Ambassador:

embassy and residence:

LITHUANIA Zygimantas Pavilionis Lina Pavilioniene Embassy: 2622 16th St. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-234-5860 Residence: 1112 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA 22101 Ambassador: Spouse:

LUXEMBOURG

LAOS Seng Soukhathivong Spouse: Somdy Soukhathivong Embassy: 2222 S St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-332-6416 Residence: 2222 S St. NW, 20008 Ambassador:

Jean-Louis Wolzfeld 2200 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-265-4171 Ambassador: Embassy:

MACEDONIA Zoran Jolevski Spouse: Suzana Jolevski embassy and residence: 2129 Wyoming Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-667-0501 Ambassador:

LATVIA Andris Razans Gunta Razane Embassy: 2306 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-328-2840 Ambassador: Spouse:

MADAGASCAR Velotiana R. Raobelina Spouse: Querry Raobelina embassy and Residence: 2374 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-265-5525 Chargé D’Affaires:

LEBANON Antoine Chedid Spouse: Nicole Chedid Embassy: 2560 28th St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-939-6300 Residence: 2841 McGill Terrace NW, 20008 Ambassador:

MALAWI Ambassador:

Embassy:

MALI Al Maamoun Baba Lamine Keita Spouse: Therese Keita Embassy: 2130 R St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-332-2249 Residence: 2131 R St. NW, 20008 Ambassador:

Winston Thompson, Fiji MALTA Ambassador: Marisa Maria Louise Micallef Embassy: 2017 Connecticut Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-462-3611 Residence: 4501 29th St. NW, 20008

MARSHALL ISLANDS Charles Rudolph Paul Embassy: 2433 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-234-5414 Residence: 3212 Brooklawn Terrace, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 Ambassador:

François Delattre, France MAURITANIA Ambassador: Mohamed Lemine El Haycen Spouse: Laaziza Houzali Embassy: 2129 Leroy Pl. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-232-5700 Residence: 2339 S St. NW, 20008

MAURITIUS Somduth Soborum Omila Devi Soborum Embassy: 1709 N St. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-244-1491 Ambassador: Spouse:

Ali Suleiman Aujali, Libya WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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SPECIAL FEATURE | %1&%77%(367 (-6)'836=

ALPINE DIPLOMACY Don and Megan Beyer at home in Switzerland

BY JOHN ARUNDEL

I

t was a call on his cell phone from the White House that even the most jaded Washingtonian would envy.

Donald S. Beyer Jr. was stuck in traffic when the call came shortly after President Obama’s first inauguration in 2009. “I was told the President wanted us to go overseas, but all they would say was, ‘We hope you like mountains and chocolate,’” Beyer chuckles.“And all I could think was ‘I hope they don’t make chocolate in Afghanistan.’”

After a lifetime of business, community service and public office in his native Virginia, Beyer was tapped by President Obama to serve

as the 47th U. S. ambassador to Switzerland, one of the most plum postings for anyone willing to serve their country overseas.

At that moment, stuck in Washington’s notorious gridlock, the possibility of being transported to a picturesque land of plunging valleys, snowy pastures and rocky mountains for a lifelong hiker could not have been more welcome. Beyer was also credentialed as U.S. envoy to Liechtenstein, the postage stamp-sized principality just over the Swiss border “It was unexpected and such a thrill to be asked,” he said during a recent interview in Switzerland, shortly before returning to Washington after his

four-year tenure.

As a congratulatory gift, his wife Megan bought him a Swiss Army watch for the long hikes he craves. They rented their historic homein Old Town, Alexandria and moved to Bern, Switzerland, with teenage daughters Grace and Clara in tow.

Having been connected to Washington’s power, social, political and philanthropic scenes for decades, the Beyers found no shortage of longtime friends and extended family willing to follow them there. During his four-year appointment, which ended in June, the Beyers logged in hundreds of

Megan and Don Beyer (Photo by John Arundel)

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ROLAND TK

overnight guests, including longtime friends project, and George and Trish from the worlds of politics, media and Vradenburg, co-founders of philanthropy who experienced the Beyers’ USAgainstAlzheimer’s, 46 men and six women join the ranksreceived of the Embassy Row community newly acquired European diplomatic skills honors at a dinner attended by along with traditional hospitality from their Swiss scientists seeking a cure for

BY ROLAND FLAMINI native Virginia. that disease.

The family moved into an historic Politico Editor John Harris 30,000-square-foot diplomatic residence, handicapped the 2012 presidential Washington’s complex He was were TheyBr were so “Blumenrain,” perchedpower on agrid. peninsula race 18 andPh.D.s.

Nancy inker, most recently the Spanish ambassador to in South at G. theKomen same time overlooking breathtaking Alps the Moroccan, founder of and Susan for Africa, and—then Sudan. distance part of a secure compound so theAmerican.”

Cure, spoke on progress being The Beyers with Stefan Lippe and Gabriela Lippe-Holst The includes immediatethe challenge, Gil-Casares Bouhlal another which embassy’s consular says, and made towardsucceeded the eradication of (Courtesy photo) “is the fact that the U.S. is looking at Spain of Washington’s high-profile, political offices. breast cancer. “Mr. Jefferson had a through the lens traffic of the Eurocrisis, when there prominent ambassadorial Washington faded to memory as socially broad view of the world, having his generation.

Yes we had protests, butand to Claire and Al Dwoskin, Cynthia Vance are stillwalked a lot ofto opportunities for cooperation.”

— aAziz and Maria Felice Mekouar.

He improve Beyer work each morning past the couples served as diplomat in Europe, Beyer said. not to depose the regime.”

Lu Ann things, Bennett might have been visiting the His to vistas his American is to Mekouar him his Rolodex sort message of majestic you’d findcontacts on a box of says “These forumsleft were a tribute to him.”and was residence, In Sonia Merlyn Johnny’s term joined by others such as first Robert F. broaden thechocolates. narrative and beyond the generous with background information.

“It as Toblerone They“look found the Swiss The Beyers entertained frequently at the ambassador of Kate the Caribbean island of Kennedy Jr. and Michaelman. [headline] story to and things tomost do helps a lotsubsidizing to meet thethe friends of entertainment a friend,” says Saint capital of Bern bepinpoint one of Europe’s residence, meager Lucia from 1997toward to 2000, burning Discussions leaned thethe business of together.”

Well, in business: whose by most post was Berlin, charming For and example? relaxing cities, one barely Bouhlal, budget allowed therecent state department with issue was bananas. her the second term, it’s American diplomacyInwith Beyers hosting there areinstill many Spanish firms investing but who has also served as secretary general of changed over 500 years. personal resources earned from decades in rum.

“When I first about became the serious exchanges theambassador, Swiss banking in the United States.

“Inmodern fact, there more ministry of foreign Compared to more citiesaresuch as Morocco’s the automotive business.

“The affairs. family business banana the main problem,systems and I industry,wars U.S.were and Swiss agriculture companies from Spain doing in hasAnother of Bouhlal’s projects is to oversee Zurich or Geneva, the views frombusiness every street always been a great platform for public was lobbying onofCapitol for the poor and the progress climate Hill change.

America than U.S. companies in Spain,” he the construction corner and alleyway of Bern’s Old Town are service,” he said. of a new Moroccan embassy banana farmers in ourhis island,” Johnny Beyer approached position with recalled gravitas, notes.

“They Quiet, cover cobbled infrastructure, energy, which ground has already breathtaking. lanes are sided for On their first Christmas in been Bern,broken. friends recently.

In take the on 1990s, the European unafraid to intractable issues thatUnion other management — Spanish trains with are operating newpiled building is complete he imposed by sandstone arcaded buildings clustered When from alltheover into the 12-bedroom tariffs onhave Caribbean bananas sold ambassadors might shied away from, such in the with United to convert the current embassy on 21st roofs, theStates.” fast-moving River Are slicing intends residence for caroling, holiday revelry and through major like as confronting theU.S. Swiss conglomerates government on bank He wants to deepen contacts with the Street Massachusetts NW those into Chiquita, through the town. skiing and in the nearby Alps.Avenue Not unlike andthat thathad hitallowed Saint Lucia secrecy laws scoresfarmers of U.S. Hispanic Spanish-American community. embassy residence.

The currenttoresidence The and Beyers set out to make their the hosted by the late Ambassador France, hard.

The U.S. retaliated by imposing companies and citizens to hide assets andtariffs cheat “There is an influential Hispanic leadership social mark in Bern. At the ambassador’s on certain European goods and took the case their taxes. that was not there 20 whenofI was residence, perched onyears the ago grounds the Not unlike those hosted by to the a TheWorld Beyers’Trade publicOrganization, diplomacy, thewhere ultimate in New York,” he says.

“We obviously have 19th-century cottage they launched a series of eventually worked “soft power,” was earned them high marksout. en poste. the late Ambassador to France, compromise more common sector the elegantinlunches and with salon this dinners theyofcalled Now Johnny wantsnew to dissuade thethe Puerto “Don Beyer brought energy to job,” Pamela Harriman, their 4th of Rican American population, andconnect it’s easier for us “The Jefferson Forum” to prominent government subsidizing local said Manuel Sager,from the Swiss ambassador as Spaniardstoto Swiss approach the United States Americans intellectuals.

“Thomas July parties were legendary. rum makers, them unfair market to the Unitedgiving States.

“He anreawakened the through them.”

A bachelor, Gil-Casares Jefferson was known to enjoy the company advantage Caribbean rum producers. relationship over in many great ways.

We were simply is fourth ambassador occupy the in Potomac is gracious andofimposing —were but “We of the brightest minds, and totolearn as much Pamela Harriman, their 4th July parties arebyseeking to have a frank open amazed his eagerness to visit everyand nook and residence purpose-built by thesaid Spanish bit of a schlep. as possible from every encounter,” Beyer, alegendary.

Actress Geena Davis and producer discussion on this problem with the Puerto cranny of the country, climb every mountain, architect Rafael Moneo.lieutenant governor Quincy Bouhlal is showed in the up happy position of Ricans,” who served as Virginia’s Jones one year, while the she says. and strengthen the U.S./Swiss relationship.”

Another a country brighter side of for eight years.relatively new ambassador who representing bluegrass band Vincenton & the Dailey entertained Johnny was one of two female chiefs of Beyer made much of Alpine wonders, wants engage diaspora is Mohamed so-called Arab Spring.

The kingdom has mission Liketo the livelythe salons Thomas Jefferson the guests in the embassy’s expansive gardens. “We presented their411,000 credentials on climbingwho 40 peaks and skiing vertical Rachad of Morocco. are averted the the violence in July hosted atBouhlal Monticello, no topic “There was sacred. made sure housethat waserupted always elsewhere full of Swiss is also climber, her country’s feet. 30.

An She inveterate he alsorepresentative climbed two around Moroccan-Americans,” Arab world by introducing Terrorism300,000 expert Marc Sageman explained the enjoying our American style ofconstitutional entertaining,” to the Organization of American Statesand (OAS).

4,000-meter mountains, Das Breithorn Gran Bouhal says. “Iinrecently gave a lunch to get reform, re-defining recent trends global neo-Jihadi terrorism, Megan Beyer said. the power of the monarch A graduate Georgetown University Paradiso, eachofabout 2.5 miles, straight up. Law to know some explored of them the from the ofgreater creating an independent Carol Pensky issues death andOn any given week, such judiciary. friends as“King Russ School, Hopkins “I’mand 62 SAIS now,”(Johns he said.

“And IUniversity think my Washington area; they were charming, Mohamed VI put himself at the head of the Nitze and dying, Dr. Craig Venter led a tutorial on and Norma Ramsey, Roger and Vicki of Advanced time inSchool Switzerland made myInternational doctor very very well educated, and among them there reforms,” Bouhlal says. “He’s tunedWyatt, in to Studies) the progress of the human genome mapping Sant, Cate Magennis and Steve happy.” her American husband is a USAID

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special feature | Ambassadors Directory

Kenichiro Sasae Japan

Ambassador: Eduardo Tomas Medina-Mora Icaza Spouse: Laura Perez de Medina-Mora Embassy: 1911 Pennsylvania Ave. NW 20006 Telephone: 202 728-1600

Micronesia Asterio R. Takesy Justina Yangilmau Takesy Embassy: 1725 N St. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-223-4383 Ambassador: Spouse:

Amb. Kenichiro Sasae with House Speaker John Boehner (Flickr)

What’s something surprising Americans don’t know about your country/customs/culture/history?

Hello Kitty and I are colleagues. While the Japanese government has chosen me to be Japan’s Ambassador to the U.S., it has also chosen Hello Kitty as Japan’s cultural ambassador.

Your favorite vacation spot in your country?

My favorite place is the foot of Mt. Fuji, particularly Lake Yamanakako. I enjoy going to Kyoto and the hot springs in Tohoku and Hokkaido as well.

Which historical figure do you most admire?

I admire Munemitsu Mutsu, who served as foreign minister in the late 19th century, and Mike Mansfield, former Senate majority leader and U.S. ambassador to Japan. Both men had long-term strategic visions for their countries and the world.

What social event do you look forward to the most every year?

The National Cherry Blossom Festival of course!

How do you like to spend your free time?

I enjoy hiking in this area. The natural landscapes here are wonderful.

Favorite book/author?

When it comes to American writers, my favorite authors are F. Scott Fitzgerald, J.D. Salinger and Ken Follett.

What dish from home do you miss the most when you are away?

Ramen and okonomiyaki (Japanese style pancakes) Which American customs do you enjoy the most?

Barbecue. Every summer, we host a big Japanese-style barbecue at my residence.

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Embassy:

Nauru Marlene Moses 800 2nd Ave. #400-A, New York, NY, 10017 Telephone: 212-937-0074 Ambassador:

embassy and residence:

Nepal Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma Kalpana Sharma Embassy: 2131 Leroy Pl. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-667-4550 Residence: 2730 34th Pl. NW, 20007 Ambassador:

Moldova Igor Munteanu Angela Munteanu Embassy: 2101 S St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-667-1130 Ambassador: Spouse:

Spouse:

Netherlands

Mongolia Altangerel Bulgaa Embassy: 2833 M St. NW, 20007 Telephone: 202-333-7117 Residence: 1021 Iron Gate Rd., Potomac, MD 20854 Ambassador:

Rudolf Simon Bekink Gabrielle Bekink Embassy: 4200 Linnean Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 877-388-2443 Residence: 2347 S St. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:

New Zealand

Monaco Gilles Alexandre Noghès Spouse: Ellen Noghès Embassy: 4000 Connecticut Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-234-1530 Residence: 2315 Wyoming Ave. NW, 20008 Ambassador:

Montenegro Srdjan Darmanovic Spouse: Aneta Spaic Embassy: 1610 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-234-6108 Ambassador:

Morocco Mohamed Rachad Bouhlal Fatiha Bennani Embassy: 1601 21st St. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-462-7980 Residence: 9109 Clewerwall Dr., Bethesda, MD 20817 Ambassador: Spouse:

Mozambique Amélia Matos Sumbana Adriano Fernandes Sumbana Embassy: 1990 M St. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-293-7146 Ambassador: Spouse:

Namibia Ambassador:

Caroline Andjaba 1605 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-986-0540 Residence: 10108 Iron Gate Rd., Potomac, MD 20854 Spouse:

Mexico

Martin Andjaba

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Michael Kenneth Moore Yvonne Moore Embassy: 37 Observatory Circle NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-328-4800 Residence: 27 Observatory Circle NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:

Nicaragua Francisco Campbell Hooker Spouse: Miriam Hooker Embassy: 1627 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-939-6570 Residence: 6434 Brookes Ln., Bethesda, MD 20816 Ambassador:

Niger Maman Sambo Sidikou Spouse: Fatima Djibo-Sidikou Embassy: 2204 R St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-483-4224 Residence: 3100 Argyle St. NW, 20011 Ambassador:

Nigeria Adebowale Adefuye Catherine Adefuye Embassy: 3519 International Ct. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-986-8400 Ambassador: Spouse:

| OCTOBER

2013

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Verónica Forsyth 1700 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-833-9860 Residence: 3001 Garrison St. NW, 20008 Spouse:

NORWAY

Embassy:

Kaare Reidar Aas 2720 34th St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-333-6000 Residence: 3401 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20007 Ambassador: Embassy:

PHILIPPINES

OMAN

Jose L. Cuisia Jr. Maria Victoria Jose Embassy: 1600 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-467-9300 Residence: 2253 R St. NW 20008 Ambassador:

Hunaina Sultan al-Mughairy Spouse: Fuad al-Hinai Embassy: 2535 Belmont Rd. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-387-1980 Residence: 2000 24th St. NW, 20008 Ambassador:

Spouse:

Ryszard Schnepf 2640 16th St. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-234-3800 Residence: 3041 Whitehaven St. NW, 20008 Embassy:

Ambassador: Shehrbano “Sherry” Rehman Spouse: Nadeem Hussain Embassy: 3517 International Ct. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-243-6500 Residence: 2343 S St. NW, 20008

PALAU Hersey Kyota Spouse: Lydia Shmull Kyota Embassy: 1800 K St. NW #714, 200006 Telephone: 202-452-6814 Residence: 6423 13th St. Alexandria, VA 22307 Ambassador:

PANAMA Mario E. Jaramillo Spouse: Elsa Jaramillo Embassy: 2862 McGill Terrace NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-483-1407 Residence: 2601 29th St. NW, 20008 Ambassador:

PAPUA NEW GUINEA Evan Jeremy Paki 1779 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Suite 805 Telephone: 202-745-3680 Ambassador:

PARAGUAY Fernando Antonio Pfannl Caballero Embassy: 2400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-483-6960 Residence: 3238 Broad Branch Terrace NW, 20008

Ambassador: Nuno Filipe Alves Salvador e Brito Spouse: Rofa Batoreu Embassy and Residence: 2125 Kalorama Rd. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-328-8610

QATAR Mohamed Bin Abdulla M. Al-Rumaihi Embassy: 2555 M St. NW, 20037 Telephone: 202-274-1600 Residence: 4839 Indian Ln. NW, 20016 Ambassador:

ROMANIA Adrian Vierita Codrina Eugenia Vierita Embassy: 1607 23rd St. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-332-4829 Residence: 2500 30th St. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:

PERU Harold Forsyth

Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma, Nepal SAINT LUCIA Sonia Merlyn Johnny 3216 New Mexico Ave. NW, 20016 Telephone: 202-364-6792 Embassy:

SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES La Celia A. Prince 3216 New Mexico Ave. NW, 20016 Telephone: 202-364-6730 Embassy:

SAMOA Ali’ioaiga Feturi Elisaia Maria Lei Sam-Elisaia Embassy: 800 2nd Ave., Suite 400-J, New York, NY, 10017 Telephone: 212-599-6196 Ambassador: Spouse:

RUSSIAN FEDERATION Sergey I. Kislyak Natalia M. Kislyak Embassy: 2650 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 20007 Telephone: 202-298-5700 Residence: 1125 16th St. NW, 20036 Ambassador: Spouse:

Jose L. Cuisia Jr., Philippines

SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE Ovídio Manuel Barbosa Pequeño Spouse: Leopoldina Pequeño Embassy: 1211 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 300, 20036 Telephone: 202-775-2075 Residence: 3024 Covington St., Fairfax, VA 20151 Ambassador:

SAUDI ARABIA Adel Al-Jubeir Spouse: Farah Meshal D. Alfayez Embassy: 601 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20037 Telephone: 202-342-3800 Ambassador:

La Celia A. Prince, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

SENEGAL Cheikh Niang 2031 Florida Ave. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-234-0540 Ambassador: Embassy:

RWANDA Ambassador:

Mathilde Mukantabana

Spouse:

1714 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-232-2882 Embassy:

Ambassador:

Jacinth Lorna Henry-Martin Spouse: Michael Martin Embassy: 3216 New Mexico Ave. NW, 20016 Telephone: 202-686-2636 Residence: 1016 Laurel Leaf Pl., Potomac, MD 20854

Ambassador:

PORTUGAL

Embassy:

Ambassador:

SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS Ambassador:

Ambassador:

POLAND Ambassador:

PAKISTAN

Residence: 1752 Sycamore St. NW, 20012

SERBIA Vladimir Petrovic Adela Antic Petrovic Embassy: 2134 Kalorama Ambassador: Spouse:

Vladimir Petrovic, Serbia WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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special feature | Ambassadors Directory

Gyorgy Szapary Hungary

Top issue on your agenda?

Several hundred U.S. companies are operating in Hungary with investments totaling $9 billion. My goal is to find ways of further developing U.S.-Hungarian business opportunities.

Strengthening people-toAmb. Gyorgy Szapary people and cultural ties is (Courtesy Hungarian Embassy) always high on my agenda. In this regard, I am particularly proud of the very successful participation of Hungary at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival this summer.

Something surprising people don’t know about you?

I fled Hungary after the Soviet army crushed the 1956 revolution and lived for nearly three decades in D.C. working at the IMF. I returned to Hungary in early 1990 after the fall of communism. My two sons were born in Bethesda and live in the U.S. Something surprising Americans don’t know about your country/customs/culture/history?

Hungarians won the most summer Olympic gold medals per capita in the world. According to Ernst and Young’s annual ranking, Hungary is one of the top 10 most globalized nations on earth.

Charity/cause closest to your heart?

Many churches in Hungary were neglected during communism and I have helped restore several that in some ways are tied to my family.

Which historical figure do you most admire?

Charles de Gaulle for his role after World War II in restoring the strength of the French republic and the dignity of a great nation.

Rd. NW 20008 Telephone: 202-332-0333 Residence: 4935 Loughboro Rd. NW, 20016

Seychelles Ronald Jean Jumeau 800 2nd Ave. Suite 400 C, New York, NY, 10017 Telephone: 212-972-1785 Ambassador: Embassy:

Sierra Leone Bockari Kortu Stevens Musu Stevens Embassy: 1701 19th St. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-939-9261 Residence: 4821 Colorado Ave. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:

Singapore Ashok Kumar Mirpuri Gouri Mirpuri Embassy: 3501 International Pl. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-537-3100 Residence: 2620 Rock Creek Dr. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:

Slovak Republic Peter Kmec 3523 International Ct. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-237-1054 Residence: 7718 Carlton Pl., McLean, VA 22102 Ambassador: Embassy:

Slovenia Dr. Božo Cerar 2410 California Street NW Washington, D.C. 20008 Telephone: 202-386-6601 Residence: 2412 California St. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Embassy:

Solomon Islands Collin David Beck Helen Beck Embassy: 800 2nd Ave., Suite 400L, New York, NY, 10017 Telephone: 212-599-6192 Ambassador:

Your favorite saying/quote?

“Experience is that wonderful thing that allows you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.”

Historical figure with whom you most identify?

Lajos Kossuth, a great Hungarian statesman, fought for freedom and independence during the revolution against the Habsburgs in 1848 and after it was crushed kept on fighting for his cause.

Dish from home you miss the most?

Szilvásgombóc, a Hungarian plum dumpling dessert.

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Spouse:

South Africa Ebrahim Rasool Roseida Shabodien Embassy: 3400 International Dr. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-232-4400 Residence: 4847 Rockwood Parkway, 20016 Ambassador: Spouse:

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South Korea Ahn Ho-young 2450 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-939-5600 Residence: 4801 Glenbrough Ave., 20017 Ambassador: Embassy:

South Sudan Akec Khoc Aciew Khoc 1233 20th St. NW, Suite #602, 20036 Telephone: 202-293-7940 Ambassador: Embassy:

Spain Ramón Gil-Casares 2375 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 20037 Telephone: 202-452-0100 Residence: 2350 Foxhall Rd. NW, 20007 Ambassador: Embassy:

Sri Lanka Jaliya Wickramasuriya Priyanga Wickramasuriya Embassy: 2148 Wyoming Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-483-4025 Residence: 2503 30th St. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:

Sudan Dr. Emad Altohamy Maha Abdo Embassy: 2210 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-338-8565 chargé d’affaires: Spouse:

Suriname Subhas Chandra Mungra Dharmkoemarie Mungra Embassy: 4301 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 460, 20008 Telephone: 202-244-7488 Residence: 7000 31st St. NW, 20015 Ambassador: Spouse:

Swaziland Rev. Abednego Mandla Ntshangase Spouse: Phindile Ntshangase Embassy: 1712 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-234-5002 Ambassador:

Sweden Bjoern Olof Lyrvall 1501 M St. NW, 20005 Telephone: 202-467-2600 Residence: 3900 Nebraska Ave. NW, 20016 Ambassador: Embassy:

| OCTOBER

2013

| washingtonlife.com

Ivan Hernandez, Ecuador Amb. Nathalie Cely Jane Grunstra, Terese Casey and Sen. Robert Casey

Jimmy Williams and Melissa Maxwell

Mylene Walden and Rep. Greg Walden

AMBASSADORS BALL J.W. Marriott, Washington, D.C. | PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON GLOBAL GATHERING: Ambassadors from more than 30 countries donned the traditional red rose boutonniere in support of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s 35th annual gathering. The evening featured nearly 250 silent auction standouts — including a dinner with the Canadian Ambassador that went for $6,000 — helping the organization raise $850,000 to find a cure for a disease that affects 400,000 Americans and more than 2 million worldwide. Chaired by Sen. Bob Casey’s wife Terese Casey and Rep. Greg Walden’s wife Mylene Walden, the evening also honored Rep. Chris Van Hollen, Sen. Richard Burr and former U. S. Chief of Protocol Capricia Marshall for their efforts to increase awareness about the debilitating illness.

Joshua Walker, Azerbaijan Amb. Elin Suleymanov, French Amb. François Delattre

Sen. Richard Shelby and Annette Shelby

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Kelly Williams, Michael Steele, Robert Carr and Marcellus Alexander

Michael Beckerman and Jessica Emery

Trinidad and Tobago Amb. Neil Parsan, St. Vincent and The Grenadines Amb. La Celia Prince and Barbados Amb. John Beale

Kalpana Sharma, Nepalese Amb. Shankar Prasad Sharma and Philippines Amb. Maria Cuisia

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Debbie Dingell, Candian Amb. Gary Doer, Jim Kiley and Rep.Fred Upton

| O C T O B E R | washingtonlife.com

Michael Olding and Liechenstein Amb. Claudia Fritsche

Rep. Ed Royce and Marie Royce 63

SPECIAL FEATURE | %1&%77%(367 (-6)'836=

SWITZERLAND Manuel Sager Christine Sager Embassy: 2900 Cathedral Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-745-7900 Residence: 2920 Cathedral Ave. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:

SYRIA Chargé d’affaires: Adel

Jaliya Wickramasuriya, Sri Lanka

Ali Ahmed Alsunaini Spouse: Abir Fahel Embassy: 2215 Wyoming Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-232-6313 Residence: 2833 McGill Terrace NW, 20008

TAIWAN (Republic of China) Pu-tsung King Tina King Embassy: 4201 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 20016 Telephone: 202-895-1800 Residence: 3225 Woodley Rd. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Spouse:

Olexander Motsyk, Ukraine

TAJIKISTAN Nuriddin Shamsov 1005 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20037 Telephone: 202-223-6090 Residence: 4629 2nd St. South, Arlington, VA 22204 Ambassador: Embassy:

TANZANIA Liberata Rutageruka Mulamula Embassy: 2139 R St., 20008 Telephone: 202-939-6125 Ambassador:

TONGA Ambassador: Sonatane Tu’akinamolahi Taumoepeau-Tupou Spouse: Amelia Latuniua Ahome’e Embassy and residence: 250 E. 51 St., New York, NY, 10022 Telephone: 917-369-1025

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO Dr. Neil Parsan Lucia Mayers Parsan Embassy: 1708 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-467-6490 Residence: 7530 17th St. NW, 20012

Chaiyong Satjipanon Embassy: 1024 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite 401, 20007 Telephone: 202-944-3600 Residence: 2145 Decatur Pl. NW, 20008 Ambassador:

Sir Peter Westmacott, United Kingdom

Spouse:

Ambassador: Limbiye Edawe Kadangha Bariki Spouse: Assozimana Balouki Embassy: 2208 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-234-4212 Residence: 1615 Crittenden St. NW, 20010

Nguyen Quoc Cuong, Vietnam 64

Sir Peter Westmacott Lady (Susie) Westmacott Embassy: 3100 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-588-6500 Spouse:

URUGUAY Juan Carlos Pita Alvariza 1913 I St. NW, 20006 Telephone: 202-331-1313 Residence: 9001 Clewerwall Dr., Bethesda, MD 20817 Ambassador: Embassy:

TUNISIA Mokhtar Chaouachi 1515 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20005 Telephone: 202-862-1850 Residence: 5131 Broad Branch Rd. NW, 20008 Ambassador: Embassy:

TURKEY

UZBEKISTAN Bakhtiyar Turadjanovich Gulyamov Ambassador:

1746 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20036 Telephone: 202-887-5300 Embassy and residence:

VENEZUELA

Namik Tan Spouse: Fügen Tan Embassy: 2525 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-612-6700 Residence: 1606 23rd St. NW, 20008 Ambassador:

Charge d’affaires: Calixto Ortega Rios Embassy:

1099 30th St. NW, 20007 202-342-2214

Telephone:

VIETNAM Nguyen Quoc Cuong Ha Hoang Cuong Embassy: 1233 20th St. NW, Suite 400, 20036 Telephone: 202-861-0737 Ambassador: Spouse:

TURKMENISTAN Meret Bairamovich Orazov Spouse: Irina Borisovna Orazova Embassy: 2207 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-588-1500 Ambassador:

Oliver Wonekha 5911 16th St. NW, 20011 Telephone: 202-726-7100 Residence: 4000 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20016 Ambassador: Embassy:

YEMEN Abdulwahab A. Al-Hajjri 2319 Wyoming Ave. NW, 200008 Telephone: 202-965-4760 Residence: 4850 Glenbrook Rd. NW, 20016 Ambassador: Embassy:

ZAMBIA Palan Mulonda 2419 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 20008 Telephone: 202-265-9717 Ambassador: Embassy:

UKRAINE Olexander Motsyk Natalia Terletskaya Embassy: 3350 M St. NW, 20007 Telephone: 202-349-2920 Residence: 4744 Foxhall Crescent NW, 20007 Ambassador:

TOGO

UNITED KINGDOM Ambassador:

Ambassador:

UGANDA THAILAND

Embassy: 3522 International Ct. NW, Suite 400, 20008 Telephone: 202-243-2400

Spouse:

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Yousef Al Otaiba Abeer Al Otaiba

Ambassador: Spouse:

ZIMBABWE Machivenyika Mapuranga Shupikai V.D. Mapuranga Embassy: 1608 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 20009 Telephone: 202-332-7100 Residence: 7116 Helmsdale Rd., Bethesda, MD 20817 Ambassador: Spouse:

All photos courtesy of embassies, file and Flickr.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| O C T O B E R | washingtonlife.com

STUART HOLLIDAY President/CEO, The Meridian International Center

DIPLOMATIC DOUBLE SPEAK “Diplomatic Immunity,” former Portuguese Embassy press and cultural attaché Bernardo Teixeira’s satire of the world of foreign diplomacy, may have been published more than 40 years ago but is still a hilarious read. Few have matched his skill at uncovering the “quivering irrelevancies of diplomatic posture and the incompetence underneath” as diplomats “constantly strive to out-do each other with prestige, international importance, and rank.” Here, a selection of his diplomatic clichés and their true meaning to the initiate: Stuart Holliday (Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian)

CLICHÉ “My country views with alarm …”

MEANING Someone is putting something over on us but we don’t know what.

CLICHÉ “Traditional bonds of friendship unite our two countries.” MEANING We haven’t been at war for the last decade.

CLICHÉ “The problem should be solved with justice and equality for all parties concerned.”

MEANING There is only one solution. The one we propose.

CLICHÉ “Warm personal greetings from the ambassador.”

MEANING Insincerely yours CLICHÉ “Unable to accept your kind invitation because of a previous engagement.”

MEANING We are not accepting your invitation because your parties are not important enough.

CLICHÉ “The Embassy is very grateful for the Department of State’s kind understanding of this matter, but …”

MEANING They got it all wrong again!

CLICHÉ “Without questioning the good faith of your statement, we find it misleading.”

MEANING We think you are a bloody liar.

How was your interest in diplomacy sparked?

It started as a family affair and an expression of my own interest in how the world works. My father was a diplomat and I was born at a U.S. embassy in Malawi. I attended the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, was in Naval Officer Candidate School and received a master’s from the London School of Economics.

Your greatest achievements in government?

Serving as special assistant to the president was a great honor. I was responsible for building the administration’s leadership team in foreign policy, defense, homeland security and intelligence. My job as ambassador at the U.N. Security Council was a unique experience at a challenging time. Peacekeeping was a big part of that and I am proud of the work we did to stabilize Sudan, Haiti and Côte d’Ivoire.

What do you consider your greatest achievement at Meridian?

First, it’s a team effort. We have been able to grow our major partnership with the State Department in global leadership development in critical areas – such as entrepreneurship – and as a cultural diplomacy center. We are now more global and work extensively overseas in places like Johannesburg, Dakar, Stockholm, New Delhi, and Beijing. Our cultural diplomacy program is also world class with major partnerships in China, the UAE, and India, among others.

Why is Meridian Ball on Oct. 18 a must-attend event?

Every ball has its own character, and is a constant anchor of Washington civic life. We have tireless ball chairs, and we could not do it without the support and involvement of over 25 embassies that host pre-ball dinners. It will be a magical evening — the South of France meets Washington. (Friday, October 18th, 2013) Charity/cause closest to your heart?

Besides Meridian, the Humane Society Favorite book this year?

“Startup Rising” by my friend Chris Schroeder. It’s the underreported story of innovation and entrepreneurship in the Middle East.

Political figure you most admire?

Winston Churchill for taking the long view.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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SPECIAL FEATURE | %1&%77%(367 (-6)'836=

ARCHITECTS OF THE CITY BEAUTIFUL America’s top architects adorned the capital with magnificent buildings in the Beaux-Arts style

BY DONNA EVERS

T

he 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, nicknamed “the White City,” featured magnificent plaster buildings that looked like European palaces, large man-made lagoons and broad Parisian-style boulevards, all of which amazed and delighted the thousands of people who visited there. This spectacular display spawned a wave of enthusiasm for Beaux-Arts architecture which became known as the City Beautiful Movement.

Fortunately, Washington was one of the cities to benefit most, thanks in part to the McMillan Commission established in 1901, to complete implementation of Pierre L’Enfant’s 1791 plan for the nation’s capital.

Washington was just starting to be a real city by 1901. Boss Shepherd, the territorial mayor of Washington, built muchneeded infrastructure for the overcrowded, haphazardly designed District of Columbia, and soon some of his wealthy friends began to buy land and build mansions in the neighborhoods he was improving. One such area was Dupont Circle, which until then had been a marshland and dumping ground.

The effect of the new palatial homes being built there was jarring, and as one local columnist described it, “Everywhere there are superb residences looking out upon fields of red clay and weeds and flanked on either side by shanties.” He went on to say: “When this process is completed in Washington, it will be, among cities, the wonder of the world.” With the influence of the City Beautiful Movement and the brilliant young architects who were hired to

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design imposing residences for the wealthy, Washington indeed fulfilled its promise.

At the turn of the last century, the best and brightest architects attended l’Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, a school started by Louis XIV to train architects and designers to build the palace of Versailles. Pierre L’Enfant attended this venerable institution, as did his father before him. At l’Ecole circa 1900, the students received rigorous training in creating and perfecting new architectural models based on classic Greco-Roman buildings, embellishing them with flourishes of ornamental stone carvings, iron balconies, arched windows, and classic columns and pediments. The style was called Beaux-Arts, and after it appeared at the Chicago World’s Fair, it reached new levels of expression in Washington, where both money and ego were running high. The city was a mecca for nouveaux riches businessmen who came to lobby government officials and network in a social milieu that was easier to break into than New York. With the Gilded Era at its peak, there were plenty of gifted architects available to produce the building style that was in vogue. Later, when the Great Depression took its toll and the era of opulence came to an end, the only buyers for these mansions with gigantic salons and dining rooms were foreign embassies. Massachusetts Avenue, which had been known as Millionaire’s Row, became Embassy Row. Here are four of the brilliant architects, all students of l’Ecole des Beaux-Arts, who left their indelible mark on this city. >>

The Clarence More House

JULES HENRI DE SIBOUR Descended from French nobility, de Sibour grew up in the U.S., graduated from Yale, went on to l’Ecole in Paris and then to Bruce Price’s prestigious architecture firm in New York, where he began getting impor tant commissions, especially in Washington. These included, among others, the McCormick Apartment Building at 1785 Massachusetts Avenue NW, the Thomas Gaff House, Jules Henri de Sibour now the Columbian Embassy at 1520 20th Street NW, and the Wilkins House at 1700 Massachusetts Avenue NW, now the Peruvian Chancery. The house

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| O C T O B E R | washingtonlife.com

he designed for Clarence Moore, a coal and gas magnate from West Virginia, has been described as the purest example of French Beaux-Arts architecture in Washington. At 1746 Massachusetts Avenue, it is now the Embassy of Uzbekistan. De Sibour was prolific and designed office buildings, banks and clubs, as well as the Jefferson Hotel and the Chevy Chase Club.

and now the Inter-American Defense Board.

Totten designed 10 embassy buildings and even more that eventually became embassies, including the Everett House for the man who invented the crimped metal bottle cap, at 1606 23rd Street, now the Turkish Embassy residence. Two of his best examples of Beaux-Arts architecture are the Christian Hauge House at 2349 Massachusetts Avenue, now the Embassy of Cameroon and the Moran House at 2315 Massachusetts Avenue, now the Embassy of Pakistan.

The Edward H. Evere House

GEORGE OAKLEY TOTTEN JR You can’t talk about embassies in Washington without marveling at the many splendid works of George Oakley Totten Jr. and the influence of his patron, Mary Foote Henderson, who built a castle for herself on 16th Street NW, when the area was farmland, and then set to work to raise property values in the area. She even lobbied to get the White House moved to her neighborhood. When Congress refused, she offered to build a mansion there for the vice president, but was turned down because it was thought to be too fancy for the second-highest ranking official in the land. She then Franklin MacVeagh hired Totten to build mansions on the land she had purchased, to sell to socialites and embassies. This time her plan worked. Among Totten’s best-known creations is the “Pink Palace” at 2600 16th Street NW, a Venetian palazzo he built in 1909 for Secretary of the Treasury Franklin MacVeagh,

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

The Franklin MacVeagh House

NATHAN C WYETH No relation to the Wyeth family of painters, Nathan C. Wyeth’s catalog of designs in Washington goes on and on, but to name a few, he designed the Gibson Fahnestock House at 2311 Massachusetts Avenue, now the Embassy of Haiti, the Sarah Wyeth House at 2305 Massachusetts Avenue, now the Embassy of Malawi, and Franklin MacVeagh’s second mansion at 2829 16th Street, now the Mexican Cultural Institute, a colossal construction with 26 rooms, that was reputed to have the biggest dining room in the city.

The grand villa Wyeth built at 1125 16th Street for the widow of George Pullman, the inventor of the Pullman sleeping car, was purchased in 1913 by Russia, went through many changes during the turbulent history of Russia vs. the Soviet Union, and is now the Russian Embassy residence.

| O C T O B E R | washingtonlife.com

White-Meyer House

JOHN RUSSELL POPE When this gifted architect came back to America after 12 years of study abroad, he received many impressive commissions to build private residences up and down the East Coast. He built two mansions on Crescent Place NW, one for Henry White and the other for Ambassador Irwin Boyle Laughlin, that is now Mer idian House International.

The palatial home John Russell Pope he built for wealthy diplomat Robert S. McCormick at 3000 Massachusetts Avenue NW, now the Brazilian Embassy residence, is recognized as one of the finest examples of his own restrained interpretation of Beaux-Arts styling. His use of gently rounded domes, stately measured spaces and Greco-Roman columns resulted in some of the most treasured buildings in Washington, including Constitution Hall, the National Archives Building, the National Gallery of Art’s West Building, and last but not least, the Jefferson Memorial.

Donna Evers, devers@eversco.com is the owner and broker of Evers & Co. Real Estate, the largest woman-owned and run real estate firm in the Washington Metro area, the proprietor of Twin Oaks Tavern Winery in Bluemont, Va., and a devoted student of Washington area history.

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LIFESTYLES | PERFECT PITCH

FLYING SOLO

BY PAT R I C K D. M C C OY

C

oncert pianist Yuja Wang, 26, is not only turning heads with her talent, but also with her trendy way of pushing the conservative envelopes of classical music. WL caught up with the 26-year-old Chinese sensation prior to her Oct. 25 Strathmore solo recital.

WASHINGTON LIFE: It was just a few years ago that you made your debut with several major orchestras, including the NSO. Talk about your return here and what is unique about this particular performance in terms of repertoire and your personal growth as an artist?

YUJA WANG Repertoire, growth, waking up each day — it’s all a continuum. As such, every performance can vary in terms of how rewarding or challenging it is, and how each one reflects where it sits on this continuum.

It’s great to come back to a city where I know people and get a chance to reconnect, but each city is part of this wonderful long timeline, whether you play piano like me or have another profession.

WL: How does debuting in the U.S. before your native country with the Beijing Symphony Orchestra put things in perspective in terms of your life’s purpose?

YW The fact that I happened to make my debut in the U.S. before my debut in China was just a coincidence as much as anything.

And the fact that I played in Europe before any of that was also a coincidence. There was no grand plan in the beginning, and like almost everyone I began performing in public when the opportunities came up. It wasn’t until I came to Curtis Institute and was signed under professional management that a plan was put in place. If I had stayed longer in China, it could have easily been a Beijing Symphony debut before my Washington debut.

WL: Talk about adapting to American culture and the cultural differences between your country and America.

YW It was mostly a process of osmosis and happened very naturally. I didn’t feel I had to balance my Chinese upbringing with American

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culture. Adapting was, in one sense, easy.

With all my travels and performances around the world, I feel much more “world-adapted” than American-centric.

WL: You have been studying and playing the piano since the age of 4. What’s the biggest challenge in maintaining freshness and spontaneity within a genre of music that is often perceived as “traditional” or “inaccessible” for younger audiences?

Yuja Wang (Photo by James Cheadle) YW I would question why people think that classical music is inaccessible. I music I might try fashion design or writing. started at age 4 but it wasn’t a matter of my parents finding something about classical WL: Talk to us about your admiration for Maria music to make it accessible to me. I just Callas and some of the attributes of her career happened to listen to it and found it to be that you bring to your own. fascinating (particularly music that related YW Callas is sheer inspiration. When I think to dance, as my mother is a dancer). My and hear how fearless she is in expressing her parents introduced me to a piano, and I saw emotions, I find it thrilling. I love the fact that that I could play some of this fascinating this woman, who was under intense scrutiny and music on that instrument, so it was a natural pressure from many sides, still led her life and progression. To keep things fresh and made her music the way that she wanted to. spontaneous I would suggest to not overSuch strength is phenomenal. practice, and take time to go out and enjoy life away from the practice room or concert WL: If you had the opportunity to plan a dinner stage. After all, music is an expression of life, with three legendary pianists, who would they and you better make sure you experience life be and what would you ask them? in order to express it. I should also mention YW Horowitz because he was a genius. Cziffras that I listen to Rihanna as much as Beethoven so I could ask him why he made such crazy or Bartok! transcriptions. Richter so I could explore first hand what this dark soul was like. And I would WL: Often music is viewed as just a hobby.

When did you know that being a concert pianist ask them a simple question: who wants red and who wants white? was going to be a career? If you were not in the arena of music, what other professions would you have followed?

Yuja Wang performs a solo program of Albeniz, YW There was no plan in the beginning, but I Granados and Liszt Oct. 25 at The Music really enjoyed playing, so I continued from an Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, early age. Moving onto playing professionally North Bethesda, MD 20852; 301-581-5100, www. was also a natural progression. If I wasn’t in strathmore.org.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| O C T O B E R | washingtonlife.com

LIFESTYLES | TREND REPORT

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From slate to pewter, look stylish in the color for fall

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VANESSA BRUNO Silk-satin blouse ($455); vanessabruno.com RICHARD NICOLL Jacquard and leather dress ($1,275); richardnicholl.com

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SAINT LAURENT Paris suede pumps ($645); Saksww Fifth Avenue, saksfifthavenue.com LANVIN Cowl-neck wool sweater dress ($1,690); Neiman Marcus, neimanmarcus.com

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ISABEL MARANT Ivana boiled-knit sweater ($475); barneys.com

DIOR Three-tone leather “Lady Dior” escapade lambskin wallet ($750); Dior.com

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WASHINGTON S O C I A L D I A R Y Around Town﹐ VIP Grand Opening of El Centro D﹒F﹒ Georgetown﹐ Over the Moon and More!

Luciana Pedraza and Robert Duvall at the National Sporting Museum Polo Match (Photo by Tony Powell)

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The Dynamic Duo Together, Richard Sandoval and Ivan Iricanin have successfully launched four D.C. restaurants in five years and are working on three more B Y L A U R A WA I N M A N

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Richard Sandoval

Ivan Iricanin

concept and nothing like that has opened in Georgetown in the last 10 years.”

Considering that Sandoval will typically travel at least 125,000 miles a year (he’s already hit 180,000 this year) checking in on his restaurants, he has come to rely heavily on Iricanin’s judgment of when and where to consider his next project. The two have been opening restaurants together since 2009, and even though Iricanin jokes that “it never gets easier,” Sandoval and Iricanin have developed a mutually beneficial relationship based on trust.

“Ivan will say ‘OK let’s not do anymore now,’ but then he calls me a week later and says ‘I’ve got this amazing location, we have to do it.’ People think it’s all me, but it’s not,” Sandoval says.

Such was the case with Washington’s first-ever Balkan restaurant, Ambar, which

the partners opened in January. “I pushed Richard to do [Ambar] because I wanted to showcase my cuisine to the D.C. market,” Iricanin says. “I saw all these other cuisines evolving and I knew a Balkan restaurant would be such a unique concept for D.C.” So what’s next for this dynamic duo?

“By the end of next year we will have eight or nine restaurants [in Washington],” Iricanin says.

Though they couldn’t yet release all the details, they did let slip that Mango Tree, a Thai food concept in City Center, is up next followed by a casual neighborhood Mexican concept at 7th and Q in Shaw called Banga Banga.

After sampling the duo’s latest creations at El Centro Georgetown’s launch party, we can’t wait to see what Toro Toro, Mango Tree and Banga Banga will bring to the table.

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R I C H A R D S A N D OVA L P H OTO C O U RT E SY R I C H A R D S A N D OVA L R E STAU R A N T S ; I VA N I R I C A N I N P H OTO BY DA N I E L M A H DAV I A N

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ashington is and always has been a town that thrives under pressure. Its residents are the epitome of busy, managing to balance 60hour workweeks with family and social obligations. But celebrity chef Richard Sandoval and his right-hand man, Ivan Iricanin, have created a whole new level of busy. Fresh off a tour on Top Chef Masters, which involved skydiving on national television, and having just opened a new Georgetown outpost of his wildly popular El Centro D.F., the restaurateur is hard at work launching 10 new restaurants worldwide in the next 12 months, including a Washington location of his Dubai steakhouse Toro Toro, set to open in November.

Sandoval, who has now opened 30 restaurants and counting, recognizes that the team of people he surrounds himself with is “first and foremost [his] key to success,” which made Iricanin’s promotion to national director of operations in September 2012 all the more critical. “Ivan is based in D.C. and he really guides me through what will work in what neighborhood,” Sandoval says.

“We are very careful where we open our restaurants, so that we aren’t cannibalizing our own business.”

Location was paramount when deciding where to open the second El Centro. It was the first time Sandoval had opened two restaurants with the same concept in the same city, and he knew the expansion would set a precedent for future openings.

Trusting Iricanin’s innate knowledge of the city and its demographics, they decided that the customer frequenting 14th Street was not the same diner found in Georgetown, and thus the location was a safe destination.

“There is no Mexican option like we do Mexican in Georgetown,” Iricanin says.

“El Centro offers an affordable, hip new

Rep. Edward Royce, Marie Royce and Ed Henry

Zoe Feldman, Kathryn Key, Ann Marchant and Nancy Beer Tobin

Gregory and Lisa Talcott with Ivan Iricanin

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EL CENTRO D.F.’S GRAND OPENING 1218 Wisconsin Ave., NW | PHOTOS BY NICK GHOBASHI FRIENDLY FIESTA: There’s nothing like tasty Mexican fare and 200 varieties of tequila to spice up a weeknight. Washington Life helped introduce global chef/restaurateur Richard Sandoval’s second El Centro D.F. outpost (once the site of the famed Third Edition) to its Georgetown neighbors with a festive grand opening party. Operations chief-cumhost Ivan Iricanin surveyed the scene as guests enjoyed samplings of the expansive menu and sightings of Washington movers and shakers, including Fox News Channel’s Ed Henry and House Foreign Affairs Commi%ee Chairman Rep. Ed Royce (R-Calif.), who took the night off with wife Marie Royce to join in the fun.

Peter Freeman and Christopher Gindlesperger

Keri Ann Meslar and Katherine Kennedy

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Nicola Gamon, Renate Gammon, John Gammon, Martin Gammon and Amy Gammon

Kelly Lovallo, Paul Frasier and Dr. Tina Alster

Katelyn Gimbel and Nikki Schwab

Jeff Giannotto and Lawrence Carew

Hannah Arem, Pari Bradlee and Erikka Loftfield Donald and Debbie Sigmund WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Monique and Luis McSween

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AROUND TOWN

Bang-up Start The social season launches with coffee, chocolate, an anniversary celebration and a memorial for a beloved Embassy Row photographer

BY DONNA SHOR

OFF AND RUNNING: A busy post-Labor

Day week of socializing traditionally begins with Lynda Webster’s ladies-only kaffee-klatch. This year, Lynda’s pals — all Washington movers and shakers — convened to trade “guess what I did last summer” stories at the Chevy Chase Club … Next was Heart of America’s gala at the Mandarin Oriental, with 50 chefs serving delicacies and a Chocolate Fashion Show whose chef-designers featured costumes of sugar … Susie Eisinger became the first artist to receive an ACORE Award from the American Council of Renewable Energy for paintings in her “Atmospheric Expressions” show at the Arts Club … Ambassador of Bahrain Houda Nonoo invited a crowd of 60 to a dinner celebrating the life of the late Albert Mogzec, the ubiquitous “diplomatic shutterbug” well known to embassy partygoers over many decades. Fourteen of his family members were present including his grandson Jeremy, who reminisced fondly and amusingly about his grandfather. Highspirited Bulgarian Amb. Elena Poptodorova, showed guests a photo of Albert whirling her around her embassy’s dance f loor.

HARDY PARTY-ERS: Thursday of that week,

the Taiwan Civil Government Foundation celebrated the third anniversary of its Washington office with a party at the Four Seasons that heated up Georgetown.

WJLA-ABC-News7 anchor Scott Thuman introduced the group’s chairman, Dr. Kensho Sone and its secretary general, Julian Lin, who traveled from Tokyo and Taipei, respectively, to attend.

The blast began formally: the Taiwanese hosts circulated to meet their guests with warm hospitality amid a backdrop of soft music and a fine buffet. Among those seen: Nina and Philip Pillsbury, Ann Nitze, Tandy Dickerson, Juleanna Glover, John Irelan,

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Jan Duplain, Arun Ghandi, Rosa Djalal and David North at the annual 9/11 Unity Walk (Courtesy of the Embassy of Indonesia)

Jackie Rush, Roxanne Roberts, Robert Higdon, Aniko Gaal Schott, Willee and Finlay Lewis and Andrea and Marc Chafetz.

Things heated up when three men appeared in feathered headgear, one barechested and swathed in necklaces atop a feathered skirt. They exhibited some fine moves while performing Taiwanese tribal dances in rhythmic sequences with various chants punctuating their songs.

Next was an exuberant everyone-gatherround-the-piano session, with a full-throated “Amazing Grace” and both national anthems, but until you’ve heard “She’ll be Coming ’Round the Mountain” with a Taiwanese beat, you ain’t heard nuthin’.

A FINE CONCLUSION: Sunday at the ninth annual 9/11 UnityWalk, founder Kyle Poole joined 700 stalwart souls on the 30-block interfaith walk down Massachusetts Avenue.

The three-phase event began at Washington Hebrew Congregation, where South African Amb. Ebrahim Rasool, a Muslim, spoke alongside Rabbi Bruce Lustig to an audience of Buddhists, Jews, Christians, Hindus, Mormons, Sikhs and Baha’i in unifiying harmony.

Every house of worship along the avenue route held open house, with the Sikhs and the Islamic Center offering sit-down lunches.

At the Center, Rosa Djalal, the wife of the Indonesian ambassador, a deeply spiritual woman and as beautiful as any star in Hollywood, spoke on 9/11 and it’s aftermath, urging joint action to win world peace.

The Mosaic Choir (composed of members of several faiths) performed as did the D.C. Youth Poetry Slam.

The walk’s third phase concluded at 20th Street NW at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, which depicts him, walking stick in hand, just as he had traversed India for just causes.

Arun Gandhi was there to tell stories about his Nobel Peace Prize-winning grandfather.

Jan DuPlain served as the indefatigable emcee throughout the five-hour event.

Taiwanese aboriginal groups sang at the Taiwan Civil Government Foundation’s reception. (Photo by James R. Brantley)

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Sharon Bowen and Anil Lewis

Kedist Liggins, Charles S. Dutton, Ethiopia Alfred, Shawnda Wilinson, Brynee Baylor and Solomon Wilcots

Erica Ford and Brigette Gagne

Rob Piziali, Baille Gelwicks and Sidney Sillah

JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA’S ‘PINK, BLUE AND BLING’ EVENING Ethiopia Alfred Residence | PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON BLINGTASTIC: The Potomac Valley Chapter of Jack and Jill of America asked its 225 guests to don their best “pink, blue and bling” a%ire for an evening of jazz and dancing benefiting Georgetown’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and the National Center for Children and Families. Wine and cheese were passed during the silent auction as famed Hollywood actor, director and producer Charles S. Du on greeted guests. “It truly does take a village to band together and fight this aggressive disease, and this evening has made a strong statement,” chairwoman Shawnda Wilkinson said.

Janell and Larry Duncan

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Kai Parker, Claude Green and Nia Gandy

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OVER THE MOON

Sheila’s Spa, Chukkers and Grape Vines Salamander Resort & Spa opens with a V.I.P. bash, polo fans gather at Llangollen and Vintage Ridge Vineyards goes on the market

BY VICKY MOON

Sheila Johnson and William Newman with local horsemen at Salamander Resort & Spa

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or centuries, the mythological symbolism of the salamander has been associated with bravery and courage. So, it seems only fitting that Sheila Johnson adopted the name “Salamander Farm”at her 133-acre estate (once owned by Bruce Sundlun, the late Rhode Island governor and entrepreneur who was secretly known by that moniker as a B-17 bomber pilot during World War II).

Next, there’s Salamander Pictures, riding a tsunami of success along with several other production companies with the film,“Lee Daniels’ The Butler,” which has grossed more than $100 million. The ensemble cast of Oscar winners in the historical drama includes Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, Jane Fonda and Robin Williams and whispers of more Oscars fill the air.

Less than two weeks after the film was released, Sheila (like Oprah, she’s now known by first name only out here) hosted the highly anticipated gala opening of the 168-room, 340-acre Salamander Resort & Spa. (14 deluxe spa treatment rooms, horses, walking trails and numerous dining experiences.)

The 400 guests included a mix of local dignitaries such as Middleburg Mayor Betsy Davis, former Redskins Darrell Green and Charles Mann and former team president John Kent Cooke, whose Boxwood vineyard will be

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hosting Salamander guests for private tastings.

From the world of fashion came Donna Karan and Tim Gunn from “Project Runway.” CNN commentator David Gergen was a guest along with a proper mix of other media. And of course family: Sheila’s husband, Judge William T. Newman Jr., son Brett Johnson (who recently launched his own line of menswear) and former husband Bob Johnson also were spotted. Daughter Paige, an accomplished equestrian, was competing in Italy and couldn’t attend.

By nightfall, another group of guests celebrated with a show of fireworks. And, the following week, Sheila hosted several receptions for local business owners and realtors.

When the Great Meadow Polo Club presented its invitational ball, Sheila stopped by to greet the 200-plus guests, including Pam Woolley and Phil Staples, Tammy and Juan Salinas Bentley, Debbie and Alan Nash as well as Christina and Will Allison. John Gobin, manager and head professional at Great Meadow Polo, thanked everyone for a successful season and then all danced the night away.

SPEAKING OF POLO: The National Sporting Library & Museum also had a grand weekend recently. It began on Saturday with visits to several area farms, followed by tours of the stunning

exhibition of paintings by Sir Alfred Munnings.

A late afternoon reception at Jacqueline Mars’ Meredith Pavilion concluded a fabulous fall day.

A splendid Sunday afternoon polo match and luncheon to benefit the library was held at “Llangollen” in Upperville. On the guest list: Barbara Allbritton, Cathy Stevens, Jacqueline Ohrstrom, Betsee Parker, Paul Cronin, Mimi Abel-Smith and Valerie Dove. All gathered in the elegant white-canvas-covered polo pavilion to mingle, munch and stomp divots.

Event chairmen Michelle Brookshire and husband Tim Brookshire chose the party colors of orange and green, which were carried out from the centerpieces to the table runners and right down to heirloom tomato bisque and the special polo M&M’s provided by MARS! Hunt Country’s favorite Oscar winning actor, Robert Duvall, put in a late appearance with wife Luciana. Cora McGowan of Texas won the hat contest and the team from Beverly Polo prevailed on the pitch.

REAL ESTATE AND SUCH: Realtor Roy Melloni of TTR Sotheby’s International in

McLean is offering the 44-acre Vintage Ridge Vineyards in Rectortown.An exquisite residence, magnificent views, pool, tennis courts, gardens and a cavernous tasting room are featured along with mature vines of Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Petit Verdot plus all equipment and inventory.

Asking price: $3.75 million. Bottoms up!

Vintage Ridge Vineyard (Photo by Sean Shanahan courtesy of Sotheby’s International Realty)

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Joe Muldoon, Ashley White and John Gobin

Bill Ballhaus and Darrin Mollett with Anne and Bryan Jacobski

Rob and Julie Banner

Ralph and Eleanor Manaker WL EXCLUSIVE

THE GREAT MEADOW POLO GALA Salamander Resort | PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON POLO REVELERS: What be%er way to cap another record-breaking season at Great Meadow Polo than a spirited black-tie affair at the shimmering new Salamander Resort? Host John Gobin, a former captain of U.S. Polo, ushered 200 horsemen and polo aficionados into the ballroom for a raucous evening featuring a drop-in by resort owner Sheila Johnson. With Champagne flowing and a turnout of hunky Argentine polo players, the action was spirited all night. “Despite the scuffle between two players over a girl, no one got arrested and we didn’t burn the hotel down,” Gobin said with a laugh.

Tom Gorman, Jessica Rich and Phillip Miles

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Jacqueline B. Mars and Douglas Kemmerer

Tim and Michelle Brookshire

Sheila Jahan, Sheila Johnson, Ilene Tognini and Sahar Jahan

Danielle Bradley andJulie Giuliani

Elizabeth Locke, Anna Weatherley and Ann Nitze

Lynda Webster and William Nitze

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NATIONAL SPORTING MUSEUM POLO MATCH Llangollen Estate, Upperville, Va. | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL HORSING AROUND: A+er four days of activities benefiting the National Sporting Library and Museum, the horsey set turned out en masse to celebrate all that the country life has to offer. The ladies (and gentlemen) who lunch enjoyed a seated repast prior to the polo match, which kicked off with the always popular parade of the Piedmont Hounds and a performance by the Washington Sco%ish Pipe Band. At half time, guests helped themselves to a dessert buffet before working it off on the field during the traditional divot stomp. To cap it off, the judges of the ladies hat contest, Anna Weatherley, Elizabeth Locke and Ann Nitze, presented winner Cora McGowan with her hand-painted Hungarian cachepot.

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

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Martin Gammon and Amy Maniatis

Barbara Jean Allbritton and Cathy Stevens

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HOME LIFE Real Estate News and Open House I Inside Homes and My Washington Real Estate News and Open House | To come

8LI -XEPMER ;E] Italian Ambassador Claudio Bisogniero and his wife Laura Denise make diplomacy a social art

BY ANNE KIM-DANNIBALE PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

HOME LIFE | INSIDE HOMES

Italian Amb. Claudio Bisogniero and Laura Denise Bisogniero

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ince Italian Ambassador Claudio Bisogniero and his wife Laura Denise arrived in January of 2012, the charismatic couple has cut a wide swath in social circles, not only becoming reliably familiar faces on Embassy Row, but flawlessly executing one star-studded event after another at their residence as well as their embassy, culminating this spring with Opera Ball, which created a stir due to the unprecedented attendance of Vice President and Mrs. Biden.

“To work as an ambassador here you need traditional skills but you must also reach out to a wider audience,” Mr. Bisogniero says. “You need to be more dynamic, visible and active. Reaching out and doing events with Washington society becomes that much more important.”

There’s plenty of work to be done as the ambassador — a font of energy — rattles off a seemingly unending list of projects, from a study abroad program for American high school students and restoring a 1920s player organ to his government’s biggest thus far: a year-long “Italy in U.S.” cultural initiative, which last month brought Leonardo da Vinci’s rarely seen flight codex to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.The latter, the ambassador says, is one among 300 programs across the United States designed to not only encourage cross-cultural understanding, but spur economic growth on both sides of the Atlantic.

“They’ve been on top of everything from the minute they touched ground,” says Willee Lewis, executive vice president of the PEN/Faulkner Foundation, who has known the Bisognieros since the 1990s. “They entertain with such charm, grace and elegance.They have met the high standards set before them and are devoted to civic, cultural and arts events in the community.”

It helps that the ambassador has at his disposal an imposing diplomatic tool in Villa Firenze, whose majestic grand salon, dining room and sprawling 22-plus acres of grounds has played host to some of the city’s most “A-list” events.

Much about the Tudo-style mansion is already well known.

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OPENING PAGE: The great hall — Laura Denise Bisogniero’s favorite in the three-story, 59-room residence — bears much of its original Tudor features with Italian touches such as a 15thcentury Sandro Botticelli oil.

PREVIOUS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The drawing room where many social engagements have occurred was formerly blue-gray, a specific shade the original owner Polly Guggenheim Logan personally mixed. The murano chandeliers and 18th-century Venetianstyle mirrors have remained since the Italian government purchased the property in the lat 1970s. Ambassador and Mrs. Bisogniero stand proudly next to their 19th-century camera obscura. The 1920s aeolic organ was uncovered in the minstrel gallery and recently restored to playing order. It debuted in February of this year before a group that included several Supreme Court justices. The Barocci oil comes from Laura Denise’s family collection, which goes back to the 17th century.

THIS PAGE, FROM TOP: Several nooks in the salon provide a cozy corner for quiet conversation during festive evenings. The 1927 bowling alley — one of two in Washington with the other in the White House — has never been photographed.

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Its provenance as a center of glittering society parties during previous ownership by the O’Brien and Guggenheim families and its eventual sale to the Italian government in 1976 are wellrecorded highlights in history books.

Since then, not much has changed in its physical appearance. From year to year, envoy to envoy, the English architecture and Italian décor have mostly been preserved with only a few personal mementos from each new representative on display. For Laura Denise and Claudio, whose families hail from Fabriano in the Marche region and Rome, respectively, these items include a sonnetto, or wedding poem, composed by friends, family oil paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries, and a working 19th-century camera obscura — the couple’s first purchase shortly after they were married — which hints at the ambassador’s skills as a photographer.

The residence’s life as a buzzing center of society also remains the same, though with the arrival of Italy’s newest representatives it has gone into high gear. Not a week goes by when the couple isn’t hosting or planning an event. In between, they have also brought new causes of their own to champion — parks and natural spaces for Laura Denise and classical music for the ambassador.

It might seem as though it’s all work and no play, the Bisognieros manage to find some free time in between working breakfasts, luncheons and dinners.Those rare moments are spent exploring Washington, which they say has changed considerably since Mr. Bisogniero was last stationed here from 1992 to 1996 as first counselor for economic and commercial affairs. “It’s become much more interesting from a cultural point of view,” Mrs. Bisogniero notes. “In 1992 Arena Stage was only a small thing and Strathmore was not there.” Her husband adds that “Washington is much more international than in the ’90s and culture has exploded in a spectacular way.”

They’ve also kept in touch with the many friends they made all those years ago, visiting at one another’s homes for “ice cream and spaghetti,” Mrs. Bisogniero says, “in the Italian way.” As if on cue, she offers up some homemade gelato at the end of a recent interview, and as countless others have found, it’s impossible to decline the invitation.

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Greatest Hits A highlight of the Bisognieros’ most glittering events SEPT

– Opening of Leonardo’s Codex on the Flight of Birds, Smithsonian Air and Space Museum MAY – Phillips Collection Gala APRIL – Washington National Opera Ball MARCH – Elle Magazine and Gucci celebrate 10 Washington luminaries JANUARY

– Jeremy Filsell concert inaugurating Villa Firenze’s restored 100-year-old organ

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HOME LIFE | OPEN HOUSE

Real Estate Rarities Unique and extraordinary properties now on the market, some for the first time CROSS MANOR CROSS MANOR ROAD SAINT INIGOES MD

Sited on 110 acres, historic “Cross Manor� was built circa 1765 and features a main residence with four bedrooms and two and one half baths.Two one-bedroom guesthouses complete the property, with includes over 3,000 feet of waterfront on Saint Inigoes Creek. Fully restored under historic property guidelines, the house features original hardwood floors, paneling and staircases blended with modern upgrades to the kitchen and baths. Other amenities include a pier, barns, pool and lighted tennis court.

ASKING PRICE $3,945,000 LISTING AGENTS: David DeSantis, 202-438-1542; TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

WESLEY HEIGHTS

GARFIELD STEET NW WASHINGTON DC

On the market for the first time in almost 40 years, this Tudor estate is in mint condition and its in-town location is just minutes away from Georgetown. Filled with custom details, the property includes a three-story guest house, gourmet cook’s kitchen with three islands, a must-see master suite and every upgrade imaginable.Views from every room bring the outdoors in with terraces and decks overlooking the picturesque pool.

ASKING PRICE $7,500,000 LISTING AGENT Nancy I%eilag, 202-905-7762; Long & Foster Real Estate

KALORAMA ND STREET NW WASHINGTON DC

ASKING PRICE $2,250,000

LISTING AGENT: This fully-renovated, corner-lot townhouse located near the historic Jim Bell, 202Spanish Steps, offers five bedrooms, four and a half baths and a lower level 607-4000; au-pair suite complete with full kitchen and separate entrance. Stunning Beasley Real oak flooring with mahogany inlay is featured throughout the first level.

Estate The gourmet kitchen has crown molding, floor-to-ceiling cabinets, black granite countertops, a Miele refrigerator, Bosch five-burner gas range, and much more.The formal dining room has original windows with plantation shutters and custom treatments. Additional amenities include two wood-burning fireplaces and rear patio with trellis.

CLEVELAND PARK

TH STREET NW WASHINGTON DC

This Cleveland Park landmark was designed by noted architect Winthrop Faulkner in 1978 to be his family home. Its timeless simplicity of design gives it an iconic presence in the neighborhood.

The sun-filled interior has a lovely open quality with hand painted wall designs, numerous built-ins and an arresting array of textures, finishes and architectural detailing. The high ceilings, abundant large windows, and generously proportioned rooms offer views of Washington National Cathedral.

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ASKING PRICE $3,595,000 LISTING AGENT Anne Weir and Heidi HatďŹ eld, 202-243-1634; Washington Fine Properties

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HOME LIFE | REAL ESTATE NEWS

Beautiful Abodes

Black Entertainment Television CEO Debra Lee sells her Art Deco mansion, Anne Sinclair parts with a Georgetown gem, and Bradley O’Leary moves from Arlington’s Waterview Residences

BY STAC E Y G R A Z I E R P FA R R

THE DISTRICT Black Entertainment Television CEO and Chairman Debra Lee sold her Massachusetts Avenue Heights California contemporary at ROCK CREEK DRIVE NW for $4.7 million to Mary A. Mancini. The house was built in 1939 and designed by Edward Durrell Stone, architect of the Kennedy Center and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Previous occupants of the five-bedroom, six-bath property include former Redskins owners George Preston Marshall and Jack Kent Cooke. The gated residence features 11-foot ceilings, heated bluestone floors, an impressive master suite with his-and-hers baths and a secluded pool with pool house and waterfall. Washington Fine Properties’ Marilyn Charity was the listing agent; Cathie Gill of Cathie Gill Inc. represented the buyer.

Deborah Winsor , widow of Bank of Georgetown founder Curtin Winsor III , purchased DUMBARTON STREET NW from Anne Sinclair, ex-wife of former International Monetary Fund managing director Dominique Strauss-Kahn , for $3.3 million. The 4,090-square-foot East Village Federal features three bedrooms and five bathrooms and has been completely renovated to include a beautiful outdoor pool and patio, elegant main rooms, a chef ’s eat-in kitchen, and a two-story addition that includes an office. The listing agents for the sale were Washington Fine Properties’ Nancy Taylor Bubes and Jamie Peva; Eileen McGrath, also of Washington Fine Properties, was the buyer’s agent.

Zalmay Khalilzad, former U. S. ambassador to the United Nations under George W. Bush, purchased TRACY PLACE NW from Joelle Kayden for $2.6 million. Mr. Kayden is founder of Accolade Partners, a venture capital investment firm. This

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Anne Sinclair, once married to disgraced former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn, recently sold 2613 Dumbarton Street NW to Deborah Winsor for $3.3 million.

Kalorama classic features an impressive facade and mature landscaping. Many of its original architectural details were preserved during a recent renovation. The five-bedroom Georgian was built in 1929. TTR Sotheby’s Michael Ranking was the listing agent while Washington Fine Properties’ Bobbie Brewster was the buyer’s agent.

PENTHOUSE E at THE RESIDENCES AT THE RITZ-CARLTON in Georgetown broke this year’s record when it sold for $1,364 per square foot with the help of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty’s Christie-Anne Weiss and Christopher Ritzert. The pair were the only agents involved in the transaction. CLEGON PROPERTY LLC sold the unit to a private trust for $4.1 million. The custom two-bedroom penthouse boasts masterful lighting, integrated electronics, rosewood floors and onyx, marble and granite accents.

John A. Murphy sold

LEROY PLACE NW in Kalorama to the The Kenneth Marks Trust for $2,450,000. The four-level, five-

bedroom, end-unit townhouse built in 1989 boasts a formal dining room with three-story atrium, gourmet kitchen, media room, elevator, top floor entertainment room with wet bar, and parking for four cars. Washington Fine Properties’ Patrick Chauvin was the listing agent while Cecelia Leake, also of Washington Fine Properties, was the buyer’s agent.

The Republic of India purchased

U STREET NW from Rock Creek Property Group, headed by principal Garry Schlager, for $5,750,000. The new owners plan to use the property as a cultural center complete with large auditorium space on the ground floor and diplomatic offices on the second.The 12,325-square-foot former post office in the U Street Corridor was built in 1912 in the Beaux

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grounds. Interior amenities include a double living room, chef ’s kitchen with attached breakfast room, a lower level recreation space and billiards room. Washington Fine Properties’ Ellen Morrell, Florence Meers, and Matthew McCormick were the listing agents. RE/MAX Realty Centre Inc.’s Suzanne Barry represented the buyer.

VIRGINIA Another notable area penthouse sale took place at Arlington’s posh WATERVIEW RESIDENCES when Bradley S. O’Leary sold

TH STREET NORTH APARTMENT

for $3,008,000 to The Murphy Family Trust. Mr. O’Leary is a conservative The Republic of India plans to use the property it recently purchased at 1438 U Street NW as a cultural center and extra embassy offices. The selling price was $5,750,000.

Arts style. Jared Okun was the listing agent; Washington Fine Properties’ Bobbie Brewster was the buyer’s agent.

MARYLAND Katherine Feiss and Michael Barry bought

GRAFTON STREET in Chevy Chase from Francis and Patricia Glowacki for $3.1 million.

Mr. Barry is the chief investment officer for Georgetown University. Mr. Glowacki is CEO of WealthEngine, a fundraising company. The truly grand six-bedroom Colonial was built in 1893 and has been fully restored in keeping with its original charm and character. The exterior features a wraparound porch on one-third acre of manicured

columnist and political commentator. The unit, which sits above Le Meridien Hotel, includes 3,800-square-feet of exquisite finishes, entertaining spaces, and luxurious private quarters overlooking panoramic views of the national monuments, the Potomac River, Georgetown and downtown Washington. Washington Fine Properties’ William F.X. Moody and Robert Hryniewicki were the listing agents; Long & Foster’s Karen Close was the buyer’s agent.

PROPERTY LINES KENT BEAUTY: Mae and Ande Grennan listed their Kent Colonial at LOWELL STREET NW. The power couple — she is an attorney and daughter to Franklin Haney, founder of a Washington-based real estate development company; he is an entrepreneur with enterprises in the District, Nantucket, and South Florida — priced the property at a cool $4,650,000. No expense was spared in the complete renovation of the six-bedroom property built in 1939. Features include designer finishes, an expansive yard with a slate terrace and deck, a wine cellar, gym and gourmet kitchen.

Washington Fine Properties’ Eileen McGrath is the listing agent.

NEW PRICE ON SWANN HOUSE: The historic Dupont Circle mansion, currently the Swann House B&B, is

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for sale for $4,999,995 — a nearly $2 million reduction from its original asking price. Richard and Mary Ross are selling the property at

NEW HAMPSHIRE AVENUE NW, which was built in 1883, with the help of listing agent Michael Gerrior of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. The 14bedroom house with courtyard gardens and an outdoor pool is zoned for residential, private club, lodge, clinic, fraternity/sorority or museum use.

Mr. Goldberg owns the Stephen A. Goldberg Co., a real estate development firm with a portfolio of office parks and apartment complexes throughout the metro area while Mrs. Goldberg, a volunteer at Children’s since 1983, works on numerous charity committees. The 1930s Tudorstyle mansion in Wesley Heights has been completely renovated and boasts nearly 12,500 square feet of interior space that includes a large atriumlike family room, custom library, PHILANTHROPISTS POISED a kitchen with three islands, TO MOVE: Stephen and Diana and two attached garages. The Goldberg listed GARFIELD main residence boasts seven STREET NW for $7.5 million. bedrooms and seven and a half The Goldbergs are known for baths. A separate guesthouse their extraordinary $25 million- features two bedrooms and plus donation to the Children’s three baths. Long & Foster’s National Medical Center in 2001. Nancy Itteilag is the listing agent.

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ADAMS MORGAN CHIC: Gryphon Technologies CEO P.J. Braden just listed her swank industrial luxury loft at TH STREET NW UNIT R- for $2.9 million. The spectacular 3,000-square-foot unit is in a historic three-story 1917 brick building that was restored in 2006.

The three-bedroom, three-anda-half bath residence features 19foot ceilings and walls of windows with monument and Capitol views, privately keyed elevator, gourmet kitchen and deck (complete with fire pit and hot tub), terrace and balcony with more than 1,500square-feet of outdoor living space.

Washington Fine Properties’ Jeff Mauer is the listing agent.

Send real estate news to Stacey Grazier Pfarr at editorial@ washingtonlife.com.

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MY WASHINGTON Netherlands Ambassador Rudolf Bekink WHAT IS THE CHIEF CONCERN OF NETHERLANDSU.S. RELATIONS AT THIS TIME? The Netherlands and our partners in the European Union are carefully monitoring the United States’ pivot towards Asia. That’s why the Netherlands, together with Johns Hopkins University, has taken the initiative for a policy dialogue with the U.S. to analyze what a rising Asia means for our transatlantic partnership.

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MOST AMERICANS DON’T KNOW THAT OUR COUNTRIES’ TIES DATE BACK TO THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION The Netherlands was the first nation to salute the new American republic in Saint Eustatius in 1776 and was the first to grant it a loan. I subtly remind people now and then that in 1609 the Dutch were the first to build a small trading post on the Hudson Bay. They called it New Amsterdam, a place that we now know as New York.

HOW EXTENSIVE ARE DUTCH HOLDINGS IN THE U.S.? The Dutch are the thirdlargest investor in the U.S. and help support 680,000 American jobs. Major multinationals like Philips and ING as well as many of our smaller companies are successful in the U.S. market. On the other hand, more than 1,700 U.S. companies have headquarters in The Netherlands, investing more than $600 billion per year. We are in fact the largest destination country of U.S. foreign direct investment.

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SOMETHING SURPRISING THAT MOST AMERICANS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOUR COUNTRY? That the Dutch invented the first joint-stock company in the 16th century and that WI-FI and Blue tooth were created in the Netherlands. Americans use Dutch products every day, from Philips LED lights and Dutch Unilever shaving cream and deodorant to DSM’s vitamins and health products and ice cold Heineken beer (my personal favorite).

THE DUTCH ARE RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR EXPERTISE IN WATER MANAGEMENT. HOW ARE YOU WORKING WITH THE U.S. IN THIS AREA? After Hurricane Katrina, Dutch water management experts met with their American counterparts in New Orleans.

The resulting Dutch Dialogues initiative became an important element for the city and helped lay the foundation for the recently announced Greater New Orleans Urban Water Management Plan. The Dutch are also working with the Department of Housing and Urban Development to help New York and New Jersey rebuild after Hurricane Sandy. We are also working with officials in St. Louis as the city fights flooding along the Mississippi River and with Los Angeles as it looks to restore the L.A. River.

MY TOP SPOTS 1. The Phillips Collection and National Gallery of Art are two of the finest museums in the world. Both have impressive collections of European art. This month the Phillips will host Washington’s first Vincent van Gogh exhibition in 15 years, with Van Gogh Repetitions from October 12, 2013 through January 26, 2014.

2. One of my favorite independent bookstores is Kramerbooks (1517 Connecticut Ave. NW).

3. The U. S. National Arboretum is a hidden jewel. I especially enjoy the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum there.

It reminds me of my time in China.

4. The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.

Dr. King’s legacy greatly impacted the United States and the entire world.

5. The Netherlands Carillon near Arlington National Cemetery is beautiful, especially on Memorial Day. It was a gift to the United States from my country in 1954.

6. Ristorante Tosca (1112 F St. NW) is a great place for northern Italian cuisine.

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