Kalistani Major History

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HHPC Bjorn and HIM Empress Nicolette stand in ovation following one riveting film about conservation at the Skyhold Film Festival during their stay in Hutori

Artania
5. Dundorf (3 Days)- The Kalistani Royals landed on the Artanian Continent first in Dundorf, where the Empress met in a cordial ceremony with recently elected President of the Republic, Ursula Sobottka, and the returning Chancellor of the Republic Kristin Metz, both of the Center Left Governing coalition. The Empress took several official photographs with the President and Chancellor, and their brief discussions were marked by formality and kind words.

"Wir fühlen uns hier von unseren Gastgebern, Präsident Sobottka und Bundeskanzler Metz, sehr willkommen. Wir freuen uns darauf, die Beziehungen zwischen unseren beiden Nationen weiter zu verbessern und neue Möglichkeiten für Zusammenarbeit und kulturellen Austausch zu finden. Dies ist unser erster Besuch in Artania und wir freuen uns darauf, Ihre netten Leute kennenzulernen und Ihr wunderschönes Land zu sehen," said her Imperial Majesty,

in Dundorfian to the gathered audience of reporters and Dundorfian Government officials, and though her Vrassan accent betrayed her foreignness, her public attempt at Dundorfian warmed the hearts of the people of the Republic toward her Imperial Majesty. Following a public reception, the Royal Couple checked into a private rented chateau on the outskirts of Dunberg. During the following days toured around the Capital, taking in the architecture of the ancient Dundorfian city. One of the most impressive sights in Dunberg was the Odervelder Gate, an imposing structural monument in the City that commemorated peace and was actually at one time a gate of an ancient city wall that is now long gone. The Prince Consort was able to convince the Empress to take a day trip to a nearby ski resort, where he attempted to teach her how to ski, and stayed with her the entire time on the bunny slopes, though he could have easily handled far more difficult courses had be been alone. Following the brief stay in the important Artanian nation, the Royals next flew to the Kundrati Union.
6. Kundrati (2 Days)-- Kundrati has long been seen as the wildcard in Artanian Relations, but Kalistan has long gotten along with them. Upon arrival, the Empress and Prince Consort were met by President Barhulianir Manusulsky, and the two Heads of state together discussed the state of the Non-Aligned Movement. During the meeting, Empress Nicolette was asked about the role of the Non Aligned Movement, given the Altatapec Treaty, which seems to assert Seleya's position as a sphere of influence for Large Players. The Empress answered that she had ordered her government to review the Treaty to determine whether there was any upside for Kalistan.

"We want to assure our friends here in Kundrati, as well as those we associate with in the Non Aligned Movement, that the NAM is of greater importance to Kalistan than any treaty that contravenes it. NAM is widely supported within Kalistan, its terms guide our own foreign policy, and we have no intention of staying in treaties which seem to contradict it."

The Kundrati President seemed satisfied with the Empress' responses and the meeting went well between the two. Following the meeting, the Empress and Prince Consort were escorted through Kassema, where they were part of a ticker tape Parade, to their luxury accommodations. They passed a peaceful evening before heading on to Luthori.
7. Luthori (4 days)- Empress Nicolette and Prince Consort arrived in Fort William several days ahead of the Coronation of Emperor Charles and were greeted by the new Prime Minister, Alexandra Ramsay-Hayden, who represents the Conservative Party in Luthori, and has moved into the Head of Government spot following the resignation of the previous Premier. For this section, the Empress and Prince Consort were joined once more by Foreign Minister Delgado, who flew in from Kalistan. During the previous government's tenure, Kalistan and Luthori finally exchanged Ambassadors, and have at long last fulfilled the desires of two Kalistani Empresses that Kalistan and Luthori improve their relations. The Empress expressed her encouragement that the Luthorian Government continued to be helmed by capable and level headed individuals and said she looked forward to many long years of good relations with the Artanian Crown. She also noted that before the exchange of Ambassadors, a visit like this would have been impossible.

"Kalistan and Luthori have had fraught relations in the past. The willingness and foresightness of His Majesty, Emperor Albert to acknowledge Kalistan and dispatch an Ambassador has paved the way for our Visit to your Nation today, and we look forward to building on that foundation a new relationship, characterized by comity, shared interests, and a willingness to adopt innovative solutions to tackle our mutual challenges. It is our desire that Kalistan and Luthori become friends, and remain so, as long as our Reign, or the reign of our descendants shall endure."

Following the reception, the Empress and Prince Consort, joined by Kalistan's newly named Ambassador Dame Michelle Flores-Ananto, took a driving tour of the country, stopping in in little towns and visiting shops and pubs across the country side. "The Empress never posed for so many photos!" said Vespa, who travelled behind the Empress through Luthori. "Everyone in Luthori must have a photograph of them, a bunch of other strangers and the Empress and Prince Consort in it! I've taken 15 SD memory cards full of pictures myself!" The Royal Couple was back in Ft. William in time for the Coronation Ceremony, where the new Emperor, Charles Phillip Alexander James was crowned Emperor Charles the VII in the royal Palace. Most Kalistani observers noted the stark different between the simple, austere Brethrenist Cermony that accompanies the coronation of Anantos and the high ceremony, pomp, protocol and opulence of the Luthorian Ceremony. Following the reception, the Empress and Prince Consort headed south to Narikaton and Darnussia.
8. Narikaton and Darnussia (2 Days)- The Empress and Prince Consort landed in Narikaton and Darnussia for a brief stopover. "In fact, Her Imperial Majesty and the Prince Consort were invited when they were setting up their itinerary," said FM Delgado, who accompanied the pair to Bannerhafen, "and as Kalistan and the Republic have had relatively light interaction in recent memory, this was seen as a good opportunity to meet the Government of N&D and see the country." Upon landing in the Capital, representatives from the Government, led by President Armin Frittkau sat down with the Empress for more publicity photos, and briefly discussed how Kalistan and Narikaton and Darnussia can work together to improve trade and increase interaction. "The meeting was mostly positive," said Delgado. "The Empress was not asked to clarify her position on the LFR, a currency that Narikaton and Darnussia had recently fully adopted. But the Republic shares close relations with many of Kalistan's friends, and this formed the basis of the Empress' and the President's conversation." unfortunately, goings on in Dovani were top of mind for the President, and soon after the short meet and greet, he excused himself, while the Empress and Prince Consort were offered a flight to Jorgen Island, which is a recently developed resort Island. The Royal Couple spent an evening in a rented villa and were invited to a Party hosted by a well known member of the local business community, who introduced the couple to international luminaries, business people and movers and shakers. The next day, they departed Jorgen Island for Majatra.

Majatra
9. Beiteynu (4 Days)- Arriving in Yishalem Beiteynu, current center of the world's trade networks, the visiting Empress and Prince Consort were received by Prime Minister Eli Kadiyot, who serves as what is essentially a Governor General in Beiteynu, and viceroy for the new Luthorian Emperor. But make no mistake, the power of the Government in Beiteynu lies with Kadiyot. During a fairly tense two hour discussion of affairs, which is the longest meeting with a Head of Government so far on the trip, the Empress and Kadiyot had a frank conversation regarding international trade and the LFR. Though the Prime Minister grew animated on occasion, the Empress remained calm and almost taciturn as she explained Kalistan's position on a number of important issues, mostly revolving around economics and trade. "I never got the impression that the talks were adversarial," said FM Delgado. "But Her Imperial Majesty and the Prime Minister represent two very different worldviews around the Market and capitalism which would be entirely incompatible if not underscored by years of cooperation and trade, and mutual friendships in the globe." The meeting ended with a handshake, as the two posed for pictures and smiled. "I suppose it is the best outcome we could have hoped for, given Her Imperial Majesty's antipathy toward liberalism, even highly state centered capitalism like what characterizes the Neset." The following day, Empress Nicolette and Prince Consort Bjorn visited the rich cultural and historical sites across Yishelem, especially those pertaining to Hosian history. They later travelled to Amtzarhe for a few days to relax and enjoy the cuisine for which the area is known internationally before heading on to Sulucia.
10. Selucia (2 days)- Kalistan is an example of modernity, while Selucia has preserved its history in its architecture and its institutions. Kalistan's Monarchs were driven past much of that architecture as they arrived at the Imperial Seat in Selucia and were introduced to Princeps Lucius Cantius Camillus, who is Emperor in Selucia, and Cōnsul Appius Pompilius Superbus, who serves as the Head of Government. The Empress was greeted in Luthorian by the Princeps, and in him, the Empress found a kindred spirit. "The Princeps is perhaps closest to the sort of Absolute Monarch that Her Imperial Majesty herself is as anyone she has met this entire trip," said Ms. Vespa. "The Princeps appoints all offices on the national level, and is involved in most of the governing decisions of the Government. Few others enjoy this level of power within their respective realms, and it is likely that Her Imperial Majesty is one of the few others in the entire world." The Selucian capital is the definition of the Old World, and while the Empress and the Prince Consort enjoyed the visit, they decided to cut short their stay to make a detour to the far south before starting home.
13. Istalia (1 Day)- Before stopping in Selucia, the Southern Majatran Empire, Empress Nicolette and Prince Consort stopped through Istalia for an afternoon to visit the old Ananto Manor.

"Long ago, our Ancestors had very close ties to Istalia," said Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nicolette to local reporters. "Our Grandfather and their Emperor were friends, and they were among the first ruling houses in Terra to recognize the Emperor Fredrick Ananto's Sovereignty. Those days are gone now, and our home, now as you see in ruins, is gone. It is our wish to someday rebuild this Estate. It is sad that we must doubt the probability of success of that venture."

The Imperial Party returned soon after to the airport and flew on to Aldegar.

Seleya
14. Aldegar (5 Days)- The Empress and Prince Consort landed in Aldegar, Gateway to Southern Seleya, after an overnight flight. After brief introductions with several Government officials, the Empress was informed that she was to be honored with a new edition of the Maskival, which is the Aldegarian Remembrance and Progress Festival. The Empress was also invited to select a theme for the Festival, and she selected the theme "Music," as she desired an exposition of Aldegarian Music, which she feels is among the more exciting forms of music on the continent. Over the next two days, as the festival was being prepared, the Empress and Prince Consort were shuttled around Aldegar, exploring the historic sights and sounds of old Ramsāhreza, wagering on ponies in the Champagne District, and sleeping in luxury hotels. ODEN-A was on hand and provided the Imperial couple several opportunities to indulge in Aldegarian intoxicants, including Aldegarian hashish, which differs from the Kalistani hashish in the method of its production and the process of its aging and curing, as well as a substance called Khat that is chewed and provides a stimulant effect. The Empress and Prince Consort, normally straight laced and sober, both agreed that they enjoyed their indulgences while in Aldegar. On the fourth day, the Maskival began, and while it was primarily a music festival, it was also a celebration of Aldegarian culture, dancing, regalia and showmanship. The Empress thoroughally enjoyed the Maskival in Aldegar. The visit to Aldegar ended too soon, but the Empress and Prince Consort eventually flew to Gaduridos.
14. Gaduridos (4 Days)- Originally intended to be the Empress and the Prince Consort's last stop, The Royal Couple arrived in Gaduridos in time to meet President Ana Sánchez who greeted her northern Neighbors warmly. The President encouraged them to get settled in their hotel in Ciudad de Gadur, and then to prepare to be her guests of honor at the opening Ceremonies of the Annual Maratón de Neflón in the Natatorium Nacional. During the opening ceremonies, which included a Parade of Contestants, as well as several Gaduri music acts, all of whom were known to the Empress. "Kalistanis import a lot of Gaduri music," said Vespa, who was covering the event. "Of course, the largest national acts will be well known by the Empress, who herself traces lineage back to Gaduridos." Besides attending the games in Ciudad de Gaduri and the surrounding environs, the Empress and President casually discussed Pan-Seleyan affairs and ways to increase trade volume between the two close allies. "The Empress considers maintaining a healthy relationship with Gaduridos to be of paramount importance," said Vespa. "Gaduridos is Kalistan's largest trading partner outside of AESA nations, and as Kalistan gets its feet back under it in the energy sector, while laying the ground work for a more permissive investment environment, the Empire will be looking closely at Gaduridos and doing what it can to welcome the Gaduris to Kalistan, with the possible aim of making Kalistan more attractive than Gaduridos' more distant partners." For the time being, the Empress and Prince Consort stayed very close with their Gaduri Hosts the entire stay, and departed Gaduridos after 4 days to head to Lodamun.
15. Lodamun (1 Day)- Not an official stop on the trip, the Kalistani Empress wanted to swing through Kalistan's Northern neighbor to discuss the potential of increasing the number of transit links between Kalistan and Lodamun to facilitate increased volume of Trade. "Lodamun seems to be in growth mode," said Ms. Vespa, who followed the Empress to Lodamun. "I imagine that given the non-existence of barriers to movement and trade between Kalistan and Lodamun, Her Imperial Majesty would suggest increasing trade volume, especially as Kalistan begins coming out of the energy drought it has been in since before the Empress Nicolette took the throne." Discussions were behind closed doors, and there was no indication to the Press that any decision was arrived at between the Empress and representatives of the Lodamun Government.

Upon returning to Eveari, the Empress gave a brief statement,

"We have accomplished our mission of sharing a message of goodwill and cooperation to Terra, and now, we will spend the next few weeks both decompressing with our Husband, and debriefing with various agencies. We have taken copious notes of our interactions during this trip and they shall all serve Our Government as we proceed with our policies. We thank all here at home for their attention to our world tour and hope that the impression of the Kalistani People remains favorable toward those we visited and those who hosted us in their nations."

The total trip took 54 days, including eight full days spent in transit. Over this time, the Empress travelled nearly 43,000 Miles, as the crow flies, averaging nearly 790 miles a day, making her average transit speed to be about 33 miles an hour(!) While Her Imperial Majesty rarely leaves Kalistan, this around the world trip marks the most significant voyage for a Kalistani Head of State ever, and includes a number of major firsts, including the first visit of any Kalistani Head of State to Luthori. We welcome her Home, after loaning her to the people of the world for nearly two full months.