On the Road with Hillary and Chelsea

Last week Hillary Clinton concluded a 12-day tour of North Africa. The visit, she told reporters, was intended to “increase the understanding” between Americans and Arabs. To advance this message, NOTEBOOK brings you A First Lady’s Guide to the Region:

TIP 1 Don’t overpack The First Lady’s jet was delayed an hour due to excess cargo weight. And she brought only three press secretaries!

TIP 2 Keep the camels happy From an official memo: “Try to keep the noise down to a minimum so that people and camels can get their rest. Camels are known to be ornery, and we would like them to get all the rest they need.”

TIP 3 Loose lips ruin trips Only a handful of White House reporters was allowed to accompany the Clinton women–and only on the condition that all private goings-on were off the record.

TIP 4 Camping’s fun; CNN’s better Not far from the First Lady’s desert encampment were R.V.s equipped with showers, toilets and TVs. Coca-Cola machines were also provided, courtesy of Morocco’s King Hassan II.

TIP 5 Try to blend At a banquet, Mrs. Clinton donned an ahrouy, a type of robe, and tahrouyt, an ornate shawl. Chelsea wore a more modest shepherd’s robe and head wrap.