So What I Didn’t Ask is “How Did You Survive Salazar?”

He was born in 1965, so was likely too young to be noticed among the revolutionary forces against Generalissimo Salazar.  Or maybe he was just studying in school and practicing foreign languages. His American English is perfect. I suspect also his British. Given his life experience, I have no doubt about his French and German.  My test for American fluency is ‘Did you get my joke?’  He got everyone.

Alvim is the first generation after the ‘Abril Revolution’ of 1974. He would have been nine years old. I was born in 1959, nine years later was 1968, as one US documentary labelled it “The Year That Everything Changed.” The Tet Offensive of the North Vietnamese against a half-million soldier build up by the United States to protect the French protectorate against Communist Insurgents from at least three countries. 

I watched the Viet Nam War from the safety of my split-level home in a new development situated in south Walla Walla, Washington State.  But two of my older brothers were overseas in action.  And at age 9 I knew what was, and was likely to happen. Also, how ridiculous the war was.  Even before Walter Cronkite told me so. Live on the evening news.  Both my brothers came home alive. Not all can say the same.

But this is about Alvim and his career service as a diplomat to the European Union (and I think the Economic Union – I don’t take notes during these spontaneous conversations.) He and I discussed extensively international politics, economics, treaties, current wars, obviously Trump and other European leaders.  Over a drink of wine that either he or the restaurant paid. I had already settled my bill.  (Shout out – Latina Grill Cascais, where apparently international diplomats eat and drink and smoke cigars.)  The only person missing was James Bond.

He clearly has an extensive and varied CV.  I got the impression that he was either retired or just ‘between jobs.’  I said he should teach in public high school or college. He said he regularly leads seminars and discussions.

I wish I had met him while I still had my own classroom.  I would have invited him in to do a multiple period seminar on world politics.  Of course, I would still collect my daily pay – assisting his interaction between the student and the expert.

Brother James.  Just back from a Filet Mignon, Garlic Mashed Potatoes and a fine mixed salad.  And a conversation with an European career ambassador.

BTW, he wore an incredibly expensive watch on his left hand.  But I also noticed two friendship bracelets on his right.  Each was from one of his two daughters.  And he never takes them off.  Even when swimming.

Brother James.      jamesmsawatzki@gmail.com   001 253 756 5785.