President Obama appointed Ms. Colleen Bell to serve as the United States’ Ambassador to Hungary and in December 2014 she was finally confirmed by the US Senate.
Now she is in Budapest where she released a smart video message, sending greetings to the Hungarian people. Here is the video.
She also visited the Sándor Palace where she presented her appointment letter to János Áder, Hungary’s President. Later Ms. Bell laid a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Budapest’s Heroes Square, she did that in the name of the people of the United States of America.
And here came the unexpected (and pleasant) surprise. Ms. Bell greeted the saluting Hungarian military officer with Namaste, the ancient Hindu greeting, her hands pressed together and palms touching.
Kudos Ms. Ambassador for showing some California free spirit to the stiff, authoritarian regime in Budapest!
We’ll closely follow Ms. Bell’s activities in the “Vaterland”, I am sure in one thing–she will be very busy.
Colleen Bell in Budapest
