Unveiling the Enigma: My Fulbright Award Ceremony Adventure and the Tale of the Secret Door

Picture this a 38-year-old researcher, embarking on a boiling July afternoon, with the mission to attend the Fulbright Award ceremony at the USA embassy in Lisbon. As always, I'm prepared with a good dose of determination, a sprinkle of anticipation, and a talent for unexpected adventures. Brace yourself for a tale of twists, turns, and a mystery involving not just one, but two known doors, and a possible secret one! 

Stepping into the embassy grounds, I was struck by a rush of familiarity. I had been here before, after all. Confidently, I marched towards what I believed to be the "main" entrance, ready to claim my seat at the prestigious event. A firm “knock on the door”, a brief exchange with the guard, and a quizzical look from him sent a shiver of doubt down my spine. To my surprise, I had knocked on the wrong door – the wrong entrance.

 

But wait, rewind. Let me provide some context. In my mind, every embassy has a singular main entrance, plus a hush-hush, exclusive "secret" door – a plausible theory that had comfortably nestled in my imagination. I mean, it's only logical, right? Security and secrecy go hand in hand. So, imagine my astonishment when the guard pointed me in an entirely different direction – to another entrance, equally "known".

 

There I was, on a hot day, navigating my way around the embassy building. Stairs, tunnels, and even a highway became part of my complex journey, as I attempted to reach my destination. Google Maps, my modern-day compass, finally revealed the undeniable truth: my desired location was separated by that very highway. Alas, there was no action-packed leap across lanes; instead, I retraced my steps, found a safer route, and at last stood before the correct entrance.

 

And thus, the ceremony unfolded against the background of my intriguing escapade. Dressed in a newly acquired white shirt and my trusty Josefinas ballerinas – a fusion of comfort and style – I embarked on an inspiring evening. Hosted by none other than the American Ambassador to Portugal, Randi Charno Levine, and the executive director of the Fulbright Commission, Otília Macedo Reis, the event shown elegance and significance.

 

Guiding us through the evening was Penny Rechkemmer, a counselor for public affairs at the US embassy and a Fulbright Commission Board member. While my original plan was to keep the event low-key and attend solo, life had its own plans. As the conversations ran and connections formed, I found myself mingling with incredible people.

 

Amidst the companionship and the atmosphere, my "Barbie the Scientist" project made an appearance, sparking conversations that were as engaging as they were heartwarming. And yes, the evening introduced me to another new experience – my first taste of white California wine, which I must say, pleasantly surprised my palate.

 

As the event concluded, I made a phone call – to my mother. Sharing the details of the ceremony and recounting my little misadventure with the doors lined the reality that the Fulbright journey was indeed underway. And yes, the enigma of the "secret door" still lingers, perhaps symbolizing life's unexpected turns and mysteries that await us. As I reflect on that July afternoon, it's a blend of exploration and companionship that fills my Fulbright journey's pages.