Not Barbara

As I mentioned in a previous post a Bush is forcing me out of the hotel. It is Tuesday night now and tomorrow sees the arrival of George W's wife. Nobody here seems to remember her first name, so I just refer to her as 'not-Barbara'. She must be the most unknown US presidents wife in recent history! Everybody knows Hillary, Barbara and Nancy, but what's her face?

The fact that not-Barbara is coming has been noticeable here for the last few days. The hotel has slowly been taken over by gringos ('US Americans' for those of you not familiar with Latin American slang). Most of them security. That basically means that the hotel bar (normally a civilised place where guests enjoy a conversation and drink before retiring to their rooms) is now a room packed with badly dressed meat-heads making sure everybody else gets to 'enjoy' their conversation. Yes, it is loser-fit Gap jeans, plaid shirts, college sweaters and large white sneakers (with white socks of course) that now define the hotel fashion trend.

The purpose of not-Barbara's visit is to check up on how US funds donated for the purpose of fighting AIDS have been allocated. Apparently, apart from being presidents wife, she's now also a financial auditor.

Well, we all know what happens during these visits. Some flag waving and anthem playing at the airport, a welcome speech by the local president, the mandatory visit of a children's hospital, some more handshaking, followed by a dinner attended by the local captains of industry (and whomever is a relative of someone important). Then the usual speech saying how impressed she is with the progress she's seen and a promise of some more funds or goods.

Don't get me wrong! I think it is great that western countries invest and contribute to local causes and I will always support this. This is just me having a bit of fun presenting a cynical view on the ceremonial part.

But forget about this whole AIDS thing! The real issue of course is that I have to check out for one day. So Wednesday I have to check out because the hotel has been fully booked by the US embassy and Thursday I can check in again. Life's a bush!

By the way, her name is Laura...

PS: Sorry guys, the twins are not coming, so you can keep your Tequila shot glasses in the cabinet.

PS2 (added on thursday): Below a quote taken from a local newsletter regarding not-Barbara's visit...

LAURA BUSH ANNOUNCES MONEY FOR FIGHT AGAINST MALARIA
Maputo, 27 Jun (AIM) - The First Lady of the United States, Laura Bush, announced in Maputo on Wednesday a grant of 17 million US dollars for the fight against malaria in the central Mozambican province of Zambezia. During her short visit Laura Bush, accompanied by the coordinator of the PMI, Admiral Timothy Ziemer, was received by President Armando Guebuza, visited the Maputo Central Hospital, and a mosquito spraying centre in the outlying suburb of Machava.