Consul General Anne Hall invited friends of the U.S. Consulate to her home on January 8 to say their farewells to U.S. Ambassador Victor Ashe, who is leaving Poland in early February after serving as U.S. Ambassador to Poland for four and a half years. In a brief speech to guests, Ambassador Ashe talked about some of the most memorable moments of his time in Poland. He mentioned how moved he was by the Polish reaction to Pope John Paul’s death in 2006, saying how people here lost a brother and father, not just a church leader. Ambassador Ashe said he has visited over 160 cities and towns during his time as U.S. Ambassador and was impressed with the warmth and hospitality of the Polish people during his travels throughout the country.