His Excellency

Yesterday, F. and I had the honour of being invited to a "Town Hall" meeting with Mr. Koffi Annan, and being addressed as bona fide members of the UN family (well, F. more so than me). The highlight, however, turned out to be when the master of ceremonies introduced the guest of honour as Secretary General of... the United States! In England most people would have giggled gently, then graciously avoided mentioning the awkward incident ever again. In DRC the room was roaring with laughter and whoops of delight for several minutes, and I have little doubt that the unfortunate man will hear of nothing else for weeks, even months, to come.