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International Embassy and Cultural Events in Washington DC (May 22nd - May 28th)

Embassy Life in DC Newsletter #14

“Traveling — it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”

-Ibn Battuta 

The Week in Review (May 15th - May 22nd )

This week was intense from the “Man in A Suitcase” performance at the Embassy of Sweden to the 2023 Fiesta Asia Street Fair. Sadly, we are fast approaching the end of Passport DC which is the month-long journey around the world celebrating DC’s international diplomatic community and culture. However, have no fear, for the bastion at the Embassy of Life DC newsletter will remain strong to report on any future international events.

Event Highlight: The “Man in A Suitcase” Performance at the Embassy of Sweden (Wednesday, May 17th)

“What does the suitcase mean?” I asked the chorographer Lidia Wos as she rested in a chair alongside a performer of the Company E dance group.

Giving a cryptic look, she stood up from her chair silently as she advanced towards me across the room. Her movements were poised like a trained ballerina as she almost glided across the space between us.

“What does it mean to you?” Lidia asked as her eyes bore an intense expression.

The room, already depleted from the crowd within, turned in silence as one as everyone seemingly regarded the both of us in conversation. I shifted my weight in thought as my REI bag containing all my stuff from the work day was getting heavier by the minute. Eventually, after some pause, I opened up my eyes to deliver an answer.

“I think the suitcase is a metaphor of sorts… It represents the mental anguish and pain that we all carry in our daily lives. Is that correct?” I responded in a curious tone.

Instead of mocking the answer, Lidia simply turned to the now present dancer who had been at her side before as if seeking an answer. The dancer, a young woman with black hair, simply shrugged as if she did not know. Finally, after what seemed to be a couple of minutes of silence, Lidia broke the ice with a warm smile.

“That is a great answer!” she laughed merrily as I gave a confused look.

Lidia explained that there is no definite answer for what the suitcase represents. Instead, the suitcase is your answer whatever you decide for it to be. The group of dancers had been performing both inside and outside of the embassy on various levels showcasing their flexibility with a grace only attainable through rigorous training. A brownish suitcase had been carried throughout all acts of the performance, however, it was only carried by two performers in particular!

So tell me, our dear reader, “what does a suitcase mean to you?”.

Photo 1: The flags of Sweden and other European countries standing tall.

Photo 2: A closeup of the Company E dance group performing in the House of Sweden.

Photo 3: The U.S., Swedish, and European Union flags on the bottom level of the embassy.

International Events List (May 22nd - May 28th)

Check out the following international embassy and cultural events happening from May 22nd - May 28th below! As a reminder, here is the color scheme for this week’s issue:

  • International Club of DC = Orange Highlight

  • Things To Do DC = Green Highlight

  • Eventbrite/Other Sources = Red Highlight

  • Passport DC/Other = Blue Highlight 

Monday, May 22nd, 2023

  1. Risk and Resilience in the face of Russian Interference in Europe & Eurasia Lecture (FREE!)

  2. How Peru Is Adapting Its Legal Regime to the Influx of Venezuelan Migrants Lecture (FREE!)

  3. Book Launch: South Korea’s Survival Strategy – Nakyon Lee’s Initiative (FREE!)

  4. Colorful Ukraine in Expressive Paintings of Volodymyr Patyk (FREE!)

  5. Film Screening : "Jappeloup": A Show Horse's Tale ($5 - $10)

    • Time: 7:00PM - 9:00PM

  6. Rooftop Film Screening: A Serious Game ($8)

Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023

  1. Philippine National Security Updates Lecture (FREE!)

  2. Sélène Saint-Aimé & Band - Jazz Concert at the Embassy of France ($15 - $25) (SOLD OUT!)

Wednesday, May 24th, 2023

  1. French Wine Exploration - Wine Tasting Class ($110)

  2. Rooftop Reception in Support of Ukrainian Refugees in Moldova ($100 - $250)

  3. Rooftop Evening at the Embassy of Bahrain ($64)

  4. Out of the Sugar Factory by Dorothee Elmiger with Jessi Jezewska Stevens (FREE!)

Thursday, May 25th, 2023

  1. Farm Subsidies and International Trade Rules (FREE!)

  2. The Pilecki Report Film Screening (FREE!)

  3. French Embassy Concert and Wine Reception: Voices Of Spring ($65)

  4. An American Manzoni: The New Translation of I Promessi Sposi (FREE!)

  5. Tango Classes at the Embassy of Uruguay (Class 2 of 4) ($75)

    • Time: 6:00PM - 7:00PM

  6. Quinteto Latino Concert ($30)

  7. Smoke & Mirrors - The Magic of Brice Harney ($40 - $75)

  8. America Yanay, at Bossa! ($18)

Friday, May 26th, 2023

  1. United States (U.S.) Institute of Peace Open House (FREE!)

  2. IN & OUT | Guided Tours (FREE!)

Saturday, May 27th, 2023

  1. IN & OUT | Guided Tours (FREE!)

Sunday, May 28th, 2023

  1. IN & OUT | Guided Tours (FREE!)

  2. Spy Tour of Embassy Row ($38)

  3. Shoto DC: Chocolate Making with Wine and Sake Pairing ($130)

Final Notes

  1. Questions? Send us an email at [email protected] 

  2. Comment down below if you enjoyed the issue or you have suggestions!

Sincerely,

Embassy Life in DC Team

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