The marines themselves take the event very seriously. This is a public relations exercise which matters deeply to them. It’s less fun for the guests as they have to sit through some very stilted ceremonies to do with flags and cakes (yes, they have to cut a cake with a sword and give a slice to the Ambassador), which is accompanied by lots of awkward marching and saluting.
Anyway, deciding that we can sit out the formalities if there are drinks in hand, and in the try-anything-different spirit, we decide to go to the Marine Ball in Kinshasa, 2010.
The invitation was priceless. Tremendous concern was obviously felt by the author of the invitation to explain the momentous events that would take place, and, above all, to ensure that people understood the rules and the need for SECURITY.
We ask all guests to show up a few minutes before 1730 (5:30PM) to avoid getting stuck in traffic and to have more than enough time to be screened. This will preemptively pacify a long wait process to enter in to the room (Le Salon Lubumbashi) where cocktails will be taking place.
The screening process will be before entering the ball room. . . ** Note: All personnel will be screened prior to entering the cocktail room (Le Salon Lubumbashi).**
Animism was alive and well in the text. “Phones and cameras will be allowed to enter in to the room”, and objects are able to serve multiple functions “the doors will be opened back up for smoking and bathroom use”
But the most serious concern was the welfare of children:
**Note: It is understood that we will have a number of family member’s daughters/ sons attending the ball. We want to ask parents to be mindful that even though we are in Kinshasa, the Marine Corps does not condone underage drinking. We can let the bartenders know this information but they may not gain the concept that is known to our society. **
The sense of being in a country where things happen which are not “known to our society” was confirmed by the souvenir tumblers in front of each place setting. They carried the image of a cross-looking gorilla, clutching the Marine emblem above his head, and looking as if he wants to crush it. The menacing nature of the image is confirmed by the slogan written beneath the picture:
“IN THE HEART OF DARKNESS”.
Might the Marines be a bit homesick, or is it a joke? One must wonder.
The screening process will be before entering the ball room. . . ** Note: All personnel will be screened prior to entering the cocktail room (Le Salon Lubumbashi).**
Animism was alive and well in the text. “Phones and cameras will be allowed to enter in to the room”, and objects are able to serve multiple functions “the doors will be opened back up for smoking and bathroom use”
But the most serious concern was the welfare of children:
**Note: It is understood that we will have a number of family member’s daughters/ sons attending the ball. We want to ask parents to be mindful that even though we are in Kinshasa, the Marine Corps does not condone underage drinking. We can let the bartenders know this information but they may not gain the concept that is known to our society. **
The sense of being in a country where things happen which are not “known to our society” was confirmed by the souvenir tumblers in front of each place setting. They carried the image of a cross-looking gorilla, clutching the Marine emblem above his head, and looking as if he wants to crush it. The menacing nature of the image is confirmed by the slogan written beneath the picture:
“IN THE HEART OF DARKNESS”.
Might the Marines be a bit homesick, or is it a joke? One must wonder.
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