Where would you take a visiting head of state?
President Bush is taking Japanese Prime Minister and huge Elvis fan Junichiro Koizumi to Graceland. It makes sense. The Japanese PM has sung Elvis' songs to world leaders, sung duets with celebrities and even released a CD of his favourite classics.
It's Friday, and let's all pretend that we're the head of state for a day taking a visiting dignitary around. PM Koizumi obviously had a place he wanted to go, but where would you take a visiting VIP to show them the best of your country or possibly something off the beaten path that you think represents your nation, your people. I'm getting a round up of the World Have Your Say team to get their suggestions. Leave a comment and tell us where you would take an important visitor.
Personally, I was struggling a little bit. As an American, I am a bit like Roberto, who have left a comment on where he would take a VIP. It's a big country with lots of great things to see and do. However, I think I've finally settled on it. I grew up 90 miles west of Chicago, and I'd take a visitor to the neighbourhood on the North Side. Why? Not just because it's my namesake neighourhood, my grandfather being Swedish. No, I think it represents some of the best of the US. While it was originally very Swedish and is the best place to get in Chicago, just down the street is my favourite Persian restaurant, . Some great Hispanic shops are around the corner. A world tour in three blocks. If we had some time, I'd fly a VIP out to one of the great national parks.
is getting a master's degree in journalism and is working with us this summer. Here is his suggestion:
I would take a visiting dignatory to the west coast of Lewis (Outer Hebrides). Rugged, unspoilt and stunning scenery made all the better by its sheer inaccessibility.
If you've never been to the Outer Hebrides, here are that might whet your appetite. And Paul has just sent me his .
David would take a visiting VIP for a swim in the ponds at .
Rabiya's suggestion:
I would take Jack McConnell, the First Minister of Scotland, to watch the first game England play at the new and refurbished Wembley Stadium, (when's it's finally completed!). Would be even sweeter if it's after England win the World Cup!
Oh, and to get a sense of how big of a fan PM Koizumi is, here is a clip of him singing an Elvis song:
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