Kalistani Major History

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Empress Visits Dolgava on Holiday
Informally Visits with Empress Konstanja lll of Dolgava
Aikums, Dolgava
April 30, 5473


Her Imperial Majesty Empress Nicolette I Interviewed by local TV Host Andrejs Bērziņš

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nicolette took a short two week holiday to The Empire of Dolgava this month, her first outing away from the Empire. "Her Imperial Majesty felt that she should take this opportunity to visit Kalistan's neighbors before everyone around Kalistan became engulfed in war," said Maria Wilson, personal secretary to Empress Nicolette. "Dolgava is preparing for war, but the Empress hoped to visit before that happened. It has long been a goal of hers to get out and see neighboring states. She will look for additional opportunities in the near future, but with war looming all around us, it may be a while before this can happen."

The Empress flew a chartered AeroKal flight with a small retinue of security to the Northern Empire. She intended to travel incognito while in Dolgava, but was immediately recognized by the Dolgavan population and was met by admirers every where she turned up. On her first day in country, she was interviewed by nationally famous cultural reporter Andrejs Bērziņš, who asked her all kinds of questions about Kalistan and what she hoped to see in Dolgava. Following the interview, which was carried on the Evening News, the Empress set out to see the Dolgavan Capital. Taking several days to tour the Capital, Her Imperial Majesty reportedly found its architecture, nightlife and culture very enjoyable. "The Empress visited art and history museums, and with the help of a local interpreter who she hired, learned quite a lot about Dolgavan history and culture," reported Wilson. She even got in a few frames at one of the Capital's many bowling allies.

Empress Nicolette boards a bus to see a local concert, invited by school children

The Empress then rented a villa in neighboring Kirzon Valley. "Empress Nicolette took in a popular spa, sampled lots of Dolgavan food, and met with school children, who invited her for a night out at a concert where a local hard rock band played. The Empress was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet with Dolgavan people, and enjoy cultural events." The Empress even had the opportunity to participate in a Brethrenist Meeting while in Kirzon Valley. "She noted the similarities between Kalistani and Dolgavan Brethrenist practices, and was informed that Brethrenism is still such a tiny faith in Dolgava, but there are more than 300 members of the Dolgavan Yearly Meeting, about half of whom attend a monthly meeting. The Empress noted that the Dolgavan meeting was considerably shorter than her own Kaliburg Meeting."

Following her relaxing week at the spa, the Empress returned to Aikums for a few days where she was invited to meet with Empress Konstanja lll of Dolgava. "The Meeting was an informal tea at the Imperial Palace," said Wilson. "Cameras were not allowed at the meeting, but the two Monarchs enjoyed spending time with one another and getting to know each other. Konstanja mentioned that the next time The Empress visited Dolgava, she should not come incognito, but should make a formal State visit of the entire affair, but Empress Nicolette politely responded that she wanted to have the opportunity to see the country and meet the people, and that goal would have not been served had there been all sorts of pomp and circumstance surrounding her visit."

Konstanja reportedly asked Empress Nicolette about her opinion concerning the war, and the Empress answered that Kalistan seeks only peace, and has no position on the matters leading to the war or on the conduct of the war. "Her Imperial Majesty told the Dolgavan Empress that Kalistan stood ready to assist in any humanitarian, peaceful service that Kalistan could play that does not involve hurting or killing, but focuses on helping and rebuilding. Kalistan will help all parties, but naturally, she hopes that Lourenne will find a way to make peace, as she fears for the men and women of Lourenne who will have to fight in the war. She also reminded the Dolgavan Empress that Indrala has offered to mediate the conflict, and this would be something that Kalistan would be interested in assisting with if at all possible."

Empress Nicolette meeting with Dolgavan Skaters in Aikums

Following the afternoon's informal meeting the Empress Nicolette took her leave, and visited a local skatepark where she met some teenaged skaters. She talked with them about how they felt about peace, and about music, and what they wanted to do with their futures. The kids were surprisingly candid with Her Imperial Majesty, and said that they really enjoyed Kalistani music, but preferred Dolgavan music. "The kids stated that they thought the Vrassan was too difficult to understand and Kalistan hasn't produced a lot of good music recently, so naturally they prefer their own nation's music. The Empress said she understood that sentiment." After some pictures, the Empress bid farewell, and headed to the airport to return to Kalistan.

"The Empress thoroughly enjoyed her trip to Dolgava and hopes to return following the war, to more completely explore the country and formally visit the Empress. Meanwhile," Wilson added, "She hopes to begin regular correspondence with Empress Konstanja."

So much for the Empress' first international trip.