I hope it was a good chocolate cake, but assume that he likely had better ones in Geneva.

I liken such high positions to winning the lottery and other niceties. Certainly won't begrudge them for having a good time overseas, but the timing isn't the best right now.

Both are working incredible hours. Kerry, in particular, has been working nearly non stop since confirmed - and the two short (less than half a week) times he has been vacation -while still working, the media has blasted him for going on his yacht for an hour with his grandson!

As to a lottery, the choice is anything BUT random - it is because of competence and ability shown for decades.

Both Kerry and Hagel are wealthy - neither are doing these jobs to travel to exotic places - including Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan etc. Kerry could easily live a life of so much luxury with his beloved wife that neither you or I could imagine it.

Like I said, I don't begrudge them. Any trips like that, for me, would be a very special trip and one I will never see. I am not unlike millions of other Americans.

Indonesia, and Bali, you would not spend the entire time prepping for meetings, attending meetings, and informing the President of the positions - given in the meetings - of the foreign countries. Here, they were having what was likely a working meeting over dinner at their hotel.

So, you would - in fact - NOT - be taking a trip like that, but would be taking like that, but a VACATION trip. Here is a flicker account from the state department. http://www.flickr.com/photos/statephotos/10099211594/in/photostream/ Click the > and look at as many pictures as you want. Tell me this is your idea of a "special trip"

they carry out special forces ops overseas