Welcome to our unaccompanied tours (UT) blog, Foggy Bottom Rambles! We can share information, programs, and resources quickly with you and since blogs are a two way street, we (and the other readers) can hear from you. What's in a name you say? This blog reflects how we (back here in DC, Foggy Bottom area) provide information (rambles) to you. Find websites and information, upcoming webinars, programs and events. FLO does not endorse organizations or companies linked-to in this blog, the views they express, or the products/services they offer. Let us know what you think: contribute to the blog or email us at FLOAskUT@state.gov.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Cheers to 2012!


Are you missing your family on New Year’s?  Here are some ideas to still have fun and ring in the New Year with a smile. 
  • Put together a New Year’s Eve party for others. Gather your closest friends who are in the same boat and enjoy the celebration together.
  • Call an old friend or your family. Spend some time talking on the phone, watching New Year's Eve specials together, and reminisce on the year gone by and discuss what's ahead.
  • Cook a great dinner. Just because you're alone doesn't mean you have to dine on bad food. By cooking a swanky meal, you can enjoy the holiday and put a little spectacular into the everyday.  Consider combining this cooking experience with calling an old friend/family via Skype. 
  • Indulge in your favorite hobbies or interests. If you're a reader, curl up with a novel. If you're a film buff, have an all-night marathon of your favorites. The possibilities are endless - just enjoy yourself.
Also, check out these funny New Year's superstitions.  Did you know that one superstition says the first person to enter your home at the stroke of midnight will influence the year you are about to have?  Preferably, *the superstition says*, the person should be a dark haired, tall, good looking man – bearing gifts….hmm…interesting.
 
Happy New Year!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Home for the Holidays

Thank you to everyone who attended Diplomacy and Home for The Holidays and we hope you all had a great time.  Sherri and I really enjoyed meeting everyone!  We hope to be receiving additional photos soon, but here are a few shots FLOsters Liz and Lycia took for us.


A glimpse of the beautiful hors d'oeuvre table


One of the most impressive gingerbread houses I've ever seen...


Frosty!


UT Team saying goodnight and handing out Hallmark Recordable Storybooks

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Today's Event: Diplomacy at Home for the Holidays

Today, The Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, will host Diplomacy at Home for the Holidays for 350 unaccompanied tour family members.  For those who are able to join us, we look forward to seeing you today.  For those who are unable to join us, we want to invite you to take part in some of the exciting virtual opportunities offered by our partnership with Skype and the Department of State.  If you have any questions about how to join via Skype please contact FLOaskUT@state.gov

You can learn more about starting to use Skype at http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/support/user-guides/start-skype/. You can also find more info about making video calls using Skype at http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/support/user-guides/video-calling/.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

'Tis the season to...

...be stressed!  Being apart from loved ones during the holidays isn't always easy.  Take a look at this website with five tips about how to manage stress from separation and stay positive during the holidays.