From Greg Milam, Sky News Europe Correspondent
So this is what the Romanians are paying for.
Millions of their hard-earned euros were splashed out on a 'reception dinner' for the 3500 journalists. I have never, ever, seen so much food in one place.
It was somewhere between your worst nightmare of a wedding reception and a minor royal banquet.
A folk band with a, clearly well-known female singer, opened up with rousing "Working For The Yankee Dollar". You know the one, Andrews Sisters, 1945:" Drinking rum and coca cola... Working for the Yankee dollar."
The irony wouldn't have been lost on the assembled masses, if they hadn't already tucked into the gallons of wine, beer and spirits.
In the chandeliered-splendour of the Senate Foyer, AG Weinberger, yes the 'Transylvanian Guitar Man', had also been booked to keep the crowds happy.
I still don't understand why organisers of summits like this feel the need to drown visiting journalists with a one-night nosh fest.
Let me say that Romanian hospitality is exceptional. They are doing what seems to be expected of summit hosts.
But why? Is it about making us feel warm and tingly about NATO? About Romania? About force generation in Afghanistan? Will it change a word written or spoken about the big issues facing NATO?
Still there were plenty of people happily quaffing (and I admit to a small kebab and a glass of fruity white myself) so maybe it doesn't matter.
The country of Romania, when it sees the bill, might think differently about better ways to spend the money.
So far I could not understand what is better: the meals offered on this occasion or boiled cabbage and polenta!! Nothing can satisfy you people! I can proudly say that any Romanian will offer all the best to its guests, regardless poverty.
I am not going in detail, it does not matter who’s rich or poor. What matters is that once again we proved that under the ‘damaged Romanian’ image we have dipper and strong abilities and capabilities. We respect, give and not just take!!!!!
With respect with this people visiting Romania on this occasion, I strongly recommend that you should not attend the dinner (nor criticise) if you can’t stand (understand) our hospitality.
Posted by: Cris, Manchester Apr 3, 2008 2:03:37 PM
You would have complained if there was no food at all,but,as there was plenty of food and drink,and by the way,the spirit is called palinca,you are still complainig.For what?For being too entertained?And you call yourself a journalist?!I would call you a professional complainer.And all this because this summit takes place in Romania!!!But Sky News is affliated to THE SUN and everybody knows that both you and that so called newspaper wouldn't say anything positive about Romania.,if your life would depend on it.
Posted by: A ROMANIAN CITIZEN Apr 3, 2008 11:34:10 AM
Having spent many a life cycle amongst the [Faboulous Thunderbirds], the closest I have got to such banquets has been to [Wrap It Up].
Naturally differing banquets will emerge, however as we have just started, why worry about finishing?
Posted by: Khalid Apr 3, 2008 6:02:25 AM
I'm envious.. I attended a conference in Romania once and all we were fed was boiled cabbage and polenta.
On another note, Romania would do better in organising such a banquet for its own population, many of who are living below the poverty line.
Posted by: Christine Apr 3, 2008 2:22:06 AM