The VP visits Munich

We got word that Vice President Biden planned to attend the annual Munich Security Conference, and Mission Germany mobilized, sending officers from Berlin, Frankfurt, and Hamburg over to Munich to help out. Christy ended up supporting the visit as the Motorcade Officer for the VP's motorcade. It's a tiring job (starting at least 2 hours before the first scheduled event, remaining with the motorcade the entire day between movements, and at the end of the day sorting things out for the next day). But, I did get to see the VP's arrival and departure as well as take part in the Consulate meet and greet. Munich was swarming with VP's--we had 3 Congresswomen, Henry Kissinger, Ambassador Holbrooke, the Deputy Secretary of State, and the National Security Advisor, among others. Also scheduled to attend were 9 senators including Kerry, McCain, and Lieberman, but they cancelled at the last minute in order to be in Washington for the vote on the stimulus package.


The Arrival-- at 2 a.m.! It was cold, and foggy.
waiting for the plane to arrive

Air Force 2

Vice President Biden exiting the plane

zoom

about to get into his car (then I had to race back to my vehicle as the motorcade takes off rather quickly)

entrance to the Bayrische Hof, where the Security Conference took place

at the Consulate Meet and Greet-- our Charge introducing the Vice President

Vice President Biden giving remarks

Our CG, Charge, the VP, and Ambassador Holbrooke

Christy did get to shake the VP's hand, although unfortunately didn't have a picture opportunity.



The Departure

The departure was during the day at least, and while it was cold and gray, it had stopped snowing by the afternoon.

We heard traditional Bavarian music.

Two children freezing in their traditional Bavarian outfits

But they got their picture with the VP....


The Vice President bidding Munich farewell from the steps of AF 2

It was a good experience, but Christy was very happy to be back home on Monday night with David and the Moe cat. The diplocat was happy to cuddle on the couch with Christy and watch 24 on Tuesday night (we get it a day late on AFN).

The suitcase isn't going back to the storage unit yet.... Friday we depart for Athens!