WASHINGTON - Would they touch, and if so how? Peck on cheek? Arms round shoulders? Chinese burn on wrist?
On a chilly day, it was hard not to speculate about the warmth of the welcome Prime Minister Jenny Shipley would get from the leader she ousted, JimBolger, now our man in Washington.
What would they say? Where would they meet?
When just last week officials did not know whether Ambassador Bolger would be at the airport to greet Mrs Shipley, it was not looking good for a happy reunion.
But as Mrs Shipley touched down yesterday at Andrews Air Force Base, Mr Bolger bounded up the stairs of the executive jet.
"Jim, how good to see you," enthused Mrs Shipley, caught a little unawares by Mr Bolger's becoming Number 13 in a full 12-seater cabin which everyone was trying to get out of.
After handshakes all round and a repeat performance on the tarmac for photographers it was off to the Bolgers' residence for dinner and another round of welcomes.
But, ah, there was the rub.
On a shining sidetable in a sparkling entrance in an absolutely unmissable spot, who were that happy foursome looking out from the large framed photo? Why it was Mr Bolger and wife Joan with President Bill Clinton and the First Lady.
Mr Bolger has been to the White House and Mrs Shipley hasn't - yet. And she is still awaiting word on whether Mr Clinton will see her.
