It was one of those last-minute invitations that was too intriguing to pass up: A cookout at a marina on the north bank of the Arkansas River. All to welcome an international delegation of government officials from (deep breath) Bosnia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Italy, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom, along with a State Department liaison. Hey, we could have a soccer tournament!
Wait a minute. Government officials? Sometimes these things sound like stuffy, self-important, over-dressed affairs.
So much for stereotypes. The all-male entourage turned out to be youthful, engaging, informed, funny, and very much interested in American culture, policy, and politics. And what's not to be interested in? Especially these days. And, while most of them had only vague knowledge of Arkansas before this visit, they seemed genuinely happy to be here. (A Bosnian journalist from Banja Luka noted Little Rock was approximately the same size of his hometown.)
While enjoying pre-dinner adult beverages and snacks, the group talked about everything from the marina's view (spectacular), to other stops on their itinerary (Washington, Austin, San Francisco), to observations on matters of importance to Arkansans (including agriculture, local issues, and coming elections). We even got around to talking about the Clinton Presidential Center, Hot Springs National Park, and Arkansans in general.
Their visit is part of the International Visitors Leadership Program, a professional exchange intended to provide firsthand knowledge about U.S. society, culture, and politics in order to foster relationships, hopefully lasting ones. The international guests seemed to relish the effort needed to forge those relationships. And they gave as good as they got.
A recurring remark from many of them, met with agreement from the locals in attendance: We are living in interesting times.
Editorial on 06/27/2018