Montevideo......Tomorrow

You probably don't know this but Uruguay was created by the British as a buffer between
Brazil and Argentina.
Our day was filled with culture. First, a talk by a former Ballet Director and close friend of
Princess Diana, who provided some insights about this famous gal and her life that hadn't
been revealed till now. Particularly how she raised her children, trying to make sure that
they were treated like ordinary kids, something that didn't fly well with the royal crowd.

Photo journalist, Phil Beye gave an exciting firsthand account of the 1991-2003 Gulf wars
from the viewpoint of a foreign correspondent in Baghdad. He showed a remarkable film
of the Shock and Awe campaign as well as on the ground meetings with American troops
as they entered the City in the 2nd Gulf war. He managed to get into areas that were
devastated by the bombing from Cruise missiles early in the war and was able to film
on the spot interviews with the local people immediately afterwards.

We also listened to a talk by former Ambassador Howard Walker who discussed the Rise
of China, India and regional powers in South America, Africa and Middle East. I was
particularly interested in his comments about the economic rivalry between the US and
China which he felt will come to a head in the next decade.

While strolling on the deck after lunch this noon, I thought of all the things I wanted to
say to some people but let the moment pass by so I am dedicating this verse
to all our children and grandchildren:

Begin Anew

Think not of where you've been
Of sights you've seen or haven't,
The deeds you did or failed to do,
And words expressed or shouldn't.
Tomorrow begins another day
When one's life can start anew,
To do the things you wanted to,
But somehow thought you couldn't.