With Mr. Wopke Hoekstra becoming European Commissioner for Climate Action in October 2023, previously Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Finance 2017-2022, the Dutch cabinet needed a replacement. With Hanke Bruins Slot (CDA political party) a military veteran was chosen for this high office.
Mrs. Hanke Bruins Slot, born Apeldoorn in 1977, studied state and administrative law at University of Utrecht and 2005-2007 post academic study at the Royal Military Academy at Breda. Amongst others she was a platoon commander at Tarin Kowt in Afghanistan in 2008 ending her military career as Artillery captain in 2010 when she was elected to the Second Chamber of States-General (parliament). In parliament she was the CDA spokesperson for defense, domestic governance, medical-ethical issues and sports policy.
In 2019 she left Dutch parliament to become a member of Utrecht Province executive board (Gedeputeerde Staten) in charge of nature, agriculture, soil and water, sports, recreation and tourism and administration.
Three years later – January 2002- she was called to the government to become Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations in the Cabinet Rutte IV. As Kingdom Relations minister she dealt with the partnership with Curacao, St Maarten and Aruba in the Caribbean. As of 5 September 2023 King Willem-Alexander appointed Mrs. Hanke Bruins Slot to Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Hague, 30 August 2023 – The Ambassador of the Republic of El Salvador in the Netherlands Agustín Vásquez Gómez, presented his letters of credence to His Majesty King Willem Alexander of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Ambassador described the ceremony as momentous. Officers of the Embassy of El Salvador attended the presentation ceremony.
Ambassador Agustín Vásquez Gómez is not new to the Netherlands Diplomatic Corps. In November 2017, he presented his credentials to HM King Willem Alexander.
Following the presentation ceremony at the Noordeinde Palace, Ambassador Agustín Vásquez Gómez held a Vin d’honneur, celebrating the presentation of his letters of credence. Attendees included Ambassadors and diplomats of various Embassies and a Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative.
In a brief statement Ambassador Agustín Vásquez Gómez, a career diplomat and former Lieutenant, expressed his gratitude for representing his country in the Netherlands. He lauded El Salvador’s achievements namely in the fields of crime fighting. Vásquez Gómez will perpetuate the excellent cooperation between the Republic of El Salvador and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
We wish Ambassador Agustín Vásquez Gómez, a successful tenure.
Presentation of Credentials – Ambassador Agustin Vasquez Gomez. El SalvadorFollowing the presentation ceremony at the Noordeinde Palace, Ambassador Agustín Vásquez Gómez held a Vin d’honneur, celebrating the presentation of his letters of credence.
In an ongoing effort to strengthen the relationship between the German Federal States and Malta, Dr. Vanni Xuereb, Malta’s Ambassador to Germany, continued his series of official visits by travelling to the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein.
On August 29th, Ambassador Xuereb was warmly received at Hamburg’s City Hall, where he engaged in a productive dialogue with Almut Möller, the State Councillor and Plenipotentiary of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg for the Federal Government, the European Union, and Foreign Affairs. The conversation encompassed crucial topics, such as the post-pandemic landscape and Russia’s war on Ukraine. Economic dynamics within both Malta and Germany were also thoroughly explored. Central to this exchange were shared concerns, particularly the unique challenges faced by smaller nations and the pivotal role of renewable energy in shaping a sustainable future.
The following day, on August 30th, in Kiel, Ambassador Xuereb visited the renowned German Naval Yards. During his visit, he met with Rino Brugge, the Chief Executive Officer, and other senior officials of the company. Ambassador Xuereb received a comprehensive briefing on the shipyard’s endeavours and had the privilege of a personal guided tour of the facilities. This immersive experience provided valuable insights into the shipyard’s operations, unveiling futuristic projects aimed at enhancing renewable energy capacity through wave power harnessing. Through the well-rounded presentation, the Ambassador gained a deeper understanding of the shipyard’s commitment to innovation and sustainable energy solutions.
Ambassador Dr Vanni Xuereb & State Secretary Dr. Almut Möller – Picture by Hamburger Senatspressestelle
Later that day, Ambassador Xuereb was received by Daniel Günther, the Minister President of Schleswig-Holstein. The discussions were marked by a shared enthusiasm to cultivate a meaningful partnership across various sectors, with a specific focus on education and renewable energy. Ambassador Xuereb highlighted Malta’s unwavering dedication to providing world-class education to students worldwide, emphasising the island nation’s role as a sought-after hub for language learners. Beyond the classroom, Malta’s rich cultural heritage and hospitable environment offer immersive experiences that enrich the educational journey.
As the meeting concluded, Ambassador Xuereb reiterated Malta’s steadfast commitment to a more sustainable future, showcasing ongoing initiatives that exemplify the nation’s dedication. Recognizing Schleswig-Holstein’s commendable progress in the realm of renewable energy, the Ambassador emphasized the potential for a robust partnership that would mutually benefit both regions.
Ambassador Xuereb was accompanied by Mr. Johann Stefan Reith, Honorary Consul responsible for Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, as well as Mr. Mark Abela, Deputy Head of Mission.
Every time when passion for excellence and hard work meet, the result is an exceptional product. Kaandorp Cheese is certainly one of that.
A family business since 1929, with its 3rd generation (2 brothers, Matthijs and Stefan Kaandorp) now in charge, this cheese company expanded from a traditional local Dutch wholesaler to an international company. The cheese is left to ripen into the hands of specially equipped companies, and then a special attention is given to cutting and packaging. Responsibility for expanding distribution is in the hands of Carla Bos (Commercial Director Europe) and Humphry van Hesse (Export Director Overseas).
Mr. Humphry van Hesse talked to Diplomat Magazine about Kaandorp Cheese history and its future prospective.
‘Customers feel at home at our organization due to the orientation towards service. The words ‘family business’ say it all. The two owners, two brothers, give everything for this company. Through their way of leadership, they take their staff with them in their love for their profession but also in their pursuit of perfection. In other words, everyone is on the same page, and people step in where necessary. There is no thinking and working in boxes; that is one of the secrets of this well-oiled machine’.
Humphry van Hesse, Kaandorp Cheese’s Export Director Overseas.
Mr. Van Hesse talked about the variety of cheese and how it may be accompanied by the right kind of wine, in order to enhance its given pleasure. ‘Each type of milk gives the cheese its own taste and adds diversity to the total cheese shelf.
Cow cheese has by far the largest share. The other variants are also considerably more expensive in terms of price. For people with cow milk intolerance, it is a Godsend that there is also goat cheese, for example. In the last 10 years, however, we have seen the sales of goat cheese in particular rise enormously.
A dinner can be accompanied by various wines: white, red, port, etc. Different kinds of meat go well with different wines. It works the same way with cheese. A cheese board is often served for dessert at dinner, accompanied by a selected glass of wine’.
You can certainly feel the passion for his job in his words. He just loves what he does!
‘Gouda cheese is a typical Dutch product in which no concessions are made. However, there are possibilities to adjust production processes in order to give the cheese the predicate of Kosher, Halal, or Organic, for example. By adding certain herbs, a taste can be created that is accessible or widely used in certain countries. Organic cheeses are an important part of Kaandorp Cheese’s organization.
Kaandorp moves along with the changing world. Certifications such as IFS (last year, Kaandorp had that and achieved a score of 97.71 %.), SKAL (organic), Halal, FDA, Cifer, and BPOM are part of its expertise now. All audits have been successfully completed. We are always very cautious about sharing information about innovative products and new markets.
The basic selection is always based on the highest demand worldwide. The difference between processed cheese and naturally ripened cheese is something we like to explain in order to get a better idea about taste, shelf life, and food safety. As real cheese connoisseurs, we know what people like. The real Gouda cheese is praised all over the world’.
Kaandorp Cheese’s export brand: Pure & Passion.
In recent years the company expanded worldwide and is now present on markets far away from the native Netherlands.
‘Because I already had a reasonable network from my international advertising and marketing background, I was able to contact and negotiate our entry on the Chinese dairy market. The expansion to Florida was a test phase for Kaandorp, in which it was able to test brands and concepts on a small scale. Based on these findings, the company is now on the verge of rolling out these concepts. COVID has caused some delay, but this also had some advantages. The time we have gained has given us some new contacts and relationships with the prospect of long-term commitment’.
Mr. Van Hesse clearly has a very good eye for business. ‘As export director, I am always looking for new ways to bring our products to other local markets. I often work with embassies in order to find out more about the corporate culture of each country in advance and to be able to reach the right people. Sometimes embassy members even join me on my first economic trip to a new country. Because I have been visiting the various embassies for years, it is therefore not surprising that we are present at such diplomatic events, as ‘Diplomat after Summer Party’ organized by Diplomat Magazine at Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague. We wish to present our products and have them tasted by those who are not yet familiar with them. People can also visit our website or stay in touch through our regular newsletters’
And for sure, people will definitely want to follow more of the Kaandorp Cheese story, after first tasting their marvelous varieties of cheese.
Vietnam Trade Office in the Netherlands organized a booth to promote Vietnamese agricultural products and foods at the Embassy Festival on September 2, 2023
The Embassy Festival is a prestigious cultural event organized annually by the event organization Prooost in collaboration with the city government of The Hague at Lange Voorhout Central Park, The Hague.
This year, the festival, by chance, is held on the occasion of 78th anniversary of the National Day of Vietnam, 2nd September.
At this festival, the Vietnam Trade Office in the Netherlands in colloboration with LTP Import Export BV, Vietnam Food Europe BV (Miss Linh) and Linsan Imex to promote Vietnamese agricultural and food products such as fresh, canned fruits, regional confectionery, snack products such as dried and soaked cashews, canned desserts, and dried foods for special Vietnamese dishes such as vermicelli, noodle, rice paper, seaweed and many kinds of spices.
Vietnamese brand coffee beans, powders and instant were also introduced at the festival and enjoyed by many visitors. In particular, for the first time, fresh coconuts and green pomelos were promoted and introduced at the festival.
Many visitors were surprised at the fresh, delicious coconut with a sweet taste, very convenient to use, came from Vietnam.
Enjoying Vietnam- fresh coconut.
Dutch visitors even did not know that Vietnam has a big grapefruit with green skin, juicy red-pink flesh, sweet and sour taste, completely unlike the yellow-skinned pomelos imported from China that they have ever eaten.
The Vietnamese Pavilion also attractted lots of visiotrs because of the “Vietnamese brand” dishes such as “nem ran”, “bun cha”, “banh my” … In addition, non-food products environmentally friendly, meeting EU green standards such as straws, cups, plates and coffee filters are also introduced by Vietnamese businesses at the festival.
Introducing Vietnamese green pomelo.
This year, Embassy Festival welcomed the largest number of visitors ever, thousands of visitors came to enjoy food, ethnic music, traditional costumes, dance, martial arts, fine and crafts which presented and introduced by the Embassy and businesses from more than 50 countries.
Diplomat Magazine’s publisher Dr. Mayeline De Lara, visited Vietnam Pavilion here with Ms. Vo Thi Ngoc Diep,
Commercial Counsellor – Head of Trade Office of Viet Nam in the Netherlands.
H.E. Mr. René Miko was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in August 2023. Ambassador Miko also represents Czechia in other multilateral organisations based in The Hague, including at the International Criminal Court.
He presented his letter of credence to H M King Willem-Alexander on 6 September 2023.
At Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Miko acted as UN Deputy Director, 2011-12 and 2017-19, to become UN and Global Issues Director in 2019 for four years. He co-represented the Czech Republic at UNESCO in Paris 2013 – 2017 and previously served at the Czech Embassy in London having the portfolio of British foreign and security policy, 2005 – 2009.
He was formerly private secretary to various deputy foreign ministers in charge of a number of security and bilateral policy issues.
H.E. Mr. René Miko of Czech Republic.
A lawyer by education at Charles University in Prague, Ambassador Miko did his post-graduate diplomatic studies at St Antony’s College, University of Oxford.
In his previous capacity he chaired a number of interdepartmental working groups on various topics, including gender, and co-chaired the Czech National Commission for UNESCO 2017 – 2023. He was appointed the national Responsibility to Protect Focal Point in 2011 and re-appointed in 2017.
H.E. Ambassador Fernando Simas Magalhães is the new ambassador of Brazil to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
He presented his Letters of Credence to HM King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands on the 6th of September 2023 at Noordeinde Palace, The Hague.
Ambassador Simas Magalhães is an experienced and internationally awarded diplomat. He is married to Matilde Simas Magalhães and together they have three children.
Born in Mexico City (DF), on October 16, he first concluded the Basic Engineering Cycle at Pontifical Catholic University (RJ), (1976-1978). He continued his studies with the Diplomat Career Preparation Course (CPCD) at Instituto Rio Branco (IRBr), between 1979-1980 and then the Diplomat Improvement Course (CAD) also at Rio Branco (1984). Later in 1998, he finished his Higher Studies Course (CAE) at Rio Branco Institute with the thesis: ‘The 1994 Summit of the Americas: Brazil’s negotiating role in search of a hemispheric agenda’, while also adding an International Relations Theory Course at Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences (FLACSO), (in Ecuador, 1998).
In Brazil, he held various functions and positions, most recently as Undersecretary General for Multilateral Political Affairs, Europe and North America (SGEAM), 2016-2018; Secretary General of Foreign Affairs (equivalent to Vice-Minister), 6/4/2021 – 12/31/2022; Board of Directors of Itaipu, Counsellor, 9/6/2021.
Also held various postings from New York, Moscow, Washington to Madrid or Quito. He worked as Ambassador in Quito, between 2010-2015, and at the Permanent Mission to the Organization of American States (OAS) as Permanent Representative, between 2018-2021. He is currently performing his diplomatic mission in The Hague.
Besides his many diplomatic roles and overseas postings, Ambassador Simas Magalhães also completed other foreign missions and assignments, attending international events such as: the Ministerial Meeting on Limiting the Use of the Veto in Mass Atrocity Situations, New York (09/30/2015) as Head of Delegation; Leaders’ Summit on Refugees, New York (9/20/2016), as Head of Delegation; VI Brazil-European Union High Level Dialogue on Human Rights, Brussels (04/27/2017), as Head of Delegation; 30th Meeting of Consultations of Ministers of Foreign Affairs/II Meeting of the Organ of Consultations of TIAR (Bogotá, 03/12/2019), as Head of Delegation; 28th. Ibero-American Summit/ Meeting of Chancellors, São Domingos (11/26/2021), as Head of Delegation; 12th WTO Ministerial Conference, Geneva (12-16 June 2022), as Head of Delegation; United Nations Security Council, Annual Debate on Children and Armed Conflict, New York (7/19/2022), as Chair; 52nd. OAS General Assembly, Lima (October 5-7, 2022), as Head of Delegation.
He published ‘The Impact of East-West Confidence-building Measures on Global Security: a view from the South’, in ‘Disarmament – United Nations’ (volume XIII, number 1), 1990 and ‘Brazil and the International Protection of Refugees’, Revista Intereste Nacional, year 10, number 39, November 2017-January 2018.
Let’s give a cordial ‘Welcome’ to the Ambassador! Best wishes for your stay in the Netherlands!
Mrs. Sonia Meijer, the Honorary Consul of El Salvador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, had recently given us an interview, about her role and actions, promoting her native country.
‘As honorary consul, I personally have dedicated myself to promoting trade, opportunities as well as attracting investment to different sectors. While searching opportunities for Import-Export, I founded the Binational Chamber of Commerce El Salvador – Holland, to help Salvadoran entrepreneurs of all sizes export their products to the Netherlands. The launching of the Salvadoran Chamber was a success. 70 Dutch companies were present. The launching was only possible after eight months of continuous hard economic research’.
Four times a year, newsletters in both English and Spanish are sent, to share news and information and to maintain a constant connection with companies in both countries.
‘Apart from the Board I have a hand full of honorary members, experts who contribute to developing of the Chamber, giving the right regulations to enter and advice, if needed, to the Salvadoran companies’.
Sonia is a very active and busy woman. She organizes many events for the diaspora and the Salvadoran community in the Netherlands. She just finished a Coffee Cupping event, now preparing for a Coffee Tasting, with organic coffee from Buena Vista Coffee Forest Farm and soon, also a rum tasting by Rum Guazapa, an outstanding rum from the mountains of El Salvador.
As President of the Organization of Salvadorans in the Netherlands she organized charity events to raise money to help children, as well as to help the elderly to have a dignified life in their old days. For the flood in Nejapa, she collected money to buy food for the victims.
‘In these initiatives I must mention our career diplomat, ambassador of the Republic of El Salvador to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Agustín Vásquez Gómez, who offered his full support, participation and contribution’.
‘As Honorary Consuls, we are a support figure to an Embassy and country. We are committed to transmitting and enhancing knowledge and actions carried out by the government. We move forward with concrete actions to achieve objectives according to the possibilities. There are advantages of being a native Honorary Consul, as I understand best the habits, ways of interacting and culture’.
Sonia recently participated to a congress in El Salvador, where 48 Honorary Consuls accredited from various countries on 5 continents attended, at the invitation of Salvadoran President, Nayib Bukele.
When asked about him, she said warmly ‘What a special moment, what a special President. He brought safeness into the country and is very dedicated to his country and people.
It was more than wonderful to have the unique opportunity to meet him. The time he had to greet all Honorary Consuls one by one was too short. I would like to thank President Nayib Bukele for this marvelous opportunity to meet the other Honorary Consuls of El Salvador from all over the world. We listened to each other’s experiences and had the chance to see the New El Salvador impressively transformed. El Salvador is ready for investors and more tourism’.
About the important event, she adds: ‘this Congress has given us tools to continue performing and better representing our country. Through our diplomatic representations we get instructions and receive support. If I talk about protocol, El Salvador has it all. I would like to thank our Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chancellor Alexandra Hill, a wonderful, very talented and warm person, as well as our Vice Minister, Ms. Adriana Mira and Ms. Cindy Portal for strengthening our work capacities, so that El Salvador is promoted worldwide through wonderful projects. The government prepared all technical, cultural, trade related, touristic and investment information about El Salvador, we met the other Ministers who were speakers and we had such wonderful and informative tours at Cubos, Surf City, Caja Marca, National Theatre, National Palace and so many other places’.
Returning to the Netherlands, she has so many plans and goals. As the Netherlands is home to many Salvadorans, friendship and cooperation between El Salvador and the Netherlands is essential. One of her goals is to foster good trade between the two countries and to continue to strengthen the bilateral economic relations.
‘El Salvador has great potential to drive dynamic and resilient economic growth, it has low labor costs, so it could be attractive to European manufacturers; it has two modern harbors, so we could start a flow of trade from Central America to Europe and vice versa’.
The economy of El Salvador is growing, and, as Sonia says, ‘President Nayib Bukele is committed to lifting the economy of El Salvador and he is a man to keep his promises’.
So we may see a bright future when it comes to relations between the two countries!
Verbunt Verlinden is a leading modern Dutch wine importer, representing a global range of top brands to the Netherlands. Since 2010, it has become part of the Salentein Company, owned by the Mijndert Pon family.
With wines from the more affordable ones to the leading wineries, from the traditional to the innovative and quirky, Verbunt Verlinden supplies various customer groups in the Netherlands, different wine merchants, independent liquor stores and wholesalers as well as the catering industry. In addition, Verbunt Verlinden supplies wines to various large parties with national distribution.
Bodegas Salentein
We recently talked to Mr. Peter van Houtert, managing director of the company. Mr. Van Houtert emphasized especially on the attention that the company pays to quality of its products.
‘Verbunt Verlinden focuses on wholesale, catering and independent wine specialty stores, called Wijnkring, a select group of wine specialists. There are approximately 110 Wijnkring stores spread throughout the Netherlands, as being the largest and oldest wine retail concept in the country, a partnership of independent liquor stores and wine merchants, who distinguish themselves by a wide and high-quality range of wines from all parts of the world. In The Hague you can find our wines at Jansen Wijnen, Willem Royaardsplein 6, 2597 GS Den Haag, or by www.wijnkring.nl’.
Mr. Van Houtert continued telling us about the company values ‘corporate social responsibility (CSR) is also very important to us. We try to choose wineries that are committed to CSR, with focus on organic or biodynamic and vegan viticulture and/or following (regional) rules, thus obtaining certificates regarding sustainability and Fair Trade. Meanwhile, Verbunt Verlinden strives to transport the greatest possible amount of wine at the lowest possible mileage. To minimize our impact on the environment, we have as many wines as possible delivered via the Barge tunnel in the port of S’Hertogenbosch, via inland shipping instead of road transport’.
Verbunt Verlinden also complies with certain specified qualitative requirements relating to the business, such as quality of purchased and delivered wines, transport, environment, purchasing and food safety. This is stated in the license conditions that the KVNW agrees with each Registerd Wine Merchant, following high international standards such as HACCP, BRC, IFS and ISO 9001/22000.
When it comes to the special connection to the diplomatic world, Mr. Van Houtert says: ‘I am also President of the Royal Association of Dutch Wine Importers. We have a very good relation with the diplomatic community in The Hague, especially related to the wine producing countries. That is why sometimes we have meetings hosted by the official residences of the Ambassadors of South-Africa, Germany, Australia or Argentina. For them it is an excellent opportunity to inform our members about new developments is their wine businesses’.
Mr. Van Houtert adds that, among others, because of Bodegas Salentein, the company has a special relation with the embassy of Argentina. Verbunt Verlinden was the supplier of some of the most exquisite wines for the New Year Diplomatic Reception at the Peace Palace and the 10th Diplomats Welcome After-Summer party. ‘We regularly support the embassy with our Argentinian wines for special occasions. We will, if possible, continue to do so also for the same event, next year’.
Our distinguished guests could not be more pleased and are certainly looking forward to discover more quality wines from Verbunt Verlinden!
I never met her in real life but I feel like I’ve known her for ages. Our online conversations were always nice and funny; her posts on social media are carefully thought out, delicate and sensitive, just like her. She does not want to disturb, she is attentive to words and image… she knows that in the 21st century communication is important, but in a certain way. First lesson of diplomatic conduct was well learnt.
Mariana Bakici was born in the Republic of Moldova, a small country in Europe, where she spent her childhood and which beautiful shaped her character. A Business Administration graduate, with specialization in Tourism and Hospitality, she worked as an English translator for different projects.
‘Mostly, my career has been shaped during the years I’ve worked for the International Department at the Civil Aviation Authority of the Republic of Moldova. Those were years filled with lots of unforgettable experiences, different projects and the remarkable people I met, people that believed in me and helped enhance my professional and also personal abilities.’
But, as in all the diplomatic stories that I discovered over the past few years, life had other plans for her. Once she met her husband, a Turkish diplomat, she embarked on a journey around the world, which has taken her so far from Moldova to Türkiye, Brunei and very soon to their new diplomatic posting, in Lithuania.
When asked about where HOME is to her, she tells me: ‘living a nomadic life makes you think for a while. Home is where my family is. Today it can be in one corner of the world, tomorrow in another. There is this nice saying, which comes now to my mind “A house is made of walls and beams; A home is made of love and dreams”. Our home is where love and our dreams are.’
Indeed, I remember I was given the same advice years ago, before starting my own diplomatic journey.
Our family is our ‘HOME’ and we take it with us, no matter where we go.
Of course, everyone knows the tolls that this kind of life has on our families and especially our children. She also mentioned that, but with the same delicacy and sensitivity that I feel in any of our interactions. ‘Although many believe that children adapt everywhere easier than adults, I would say the opposite. Children have to change schools, leave their much loved friends behind and must start all from the beginning. That is why I think, for someone living a nomadic life, like me, the successful adaptation of the child to a new environment marks one of the proudest and most important moments.’
We all dread the first days in a new country, we wonder how easy and quick we will adapt, how long it will take, but we are much calmer and at peace when we feel that our children have succeeded and feel good about their new ‘country.’
‘Diplomatic life is a world of complexity and diversity. It offers chances to meet new cultures, new people, to learn about their identity and aspirations and thus widen your own horizon of knowledge. I would say that the constantly changing nature of diplomatic life is a benefit and challenge in the same time. It is a great exercise which eventually strengthens your resistance to change. We are expected to follow the ethical standards and codes of conduct set by the diplomatic customs.’
Mariana and one of her cakes
Diplomatic life is complex and often you need years to figure out its steps. She delicately also points out that:
‘sometimes we are seen just as the spouses, being omitted that we all have our own personalities, experience and education, skills and specific qualifications’.
Accepting the extra working hours, the boundaries between professional and personal life are also common challenges for diplomats.
Usually, people look just from one angle and think that we live as tourists and tossing glasses at diplomatic receptions. It is a big privilege to see different corners of the world but this comes together with many challenges, not easy ones. Diplomatic missions can be all over the world, including front lines of different conflicts. I also think that, in most cases, being a diplomat is a job for two, as the spouse is the biggest help for the diplomat, sharing the same stressful life. By nature, diplomatic communities are closed groups and this leads up to more misconception. The best way to change that is to communicate insightful and informative pieces about our lives, to as many readers as possible.’
In recent years I also admired and observed her hobbies, born from passion but carried forward with skill and perseverance. She says that ‘hobbies are not just activities to relax; they are a must when living abroad. When everything is new around you, your own hobbies make you feel home and safe.’
Mariana exploring on the bike
Accepting the extra working hours, the boundaries between professional and personal life are also common challenges for diplomats.
She likes spending time in nature, practices yoga. ‘While living a nomadic life, one has to reinvent and find the personal ”ikigai”. Being passionate about baking, I’ve started to deepen my knowledge about the pastry world. It just makes me and people around me happy. Another work- in-progress is writing. Both areas invite me to artistic creativity and increase the capacity for learning, which I believe should never stop.’
True. The human mind must always be active, but I would say that our way of life, always in motion and constantly in need of adaptation, keeps us that way. Diplomatic life is not easy for anyone, but it is important to keep the optimism, energy and, as Mariana beautifully says ‘be kind to the world!’
