( At left ) The Carifolk Singers in performance at the German Day of Unity reception. ( At right ) Enjoying wine at the German Day of Unity reception are (from left) Dr. Ava Seiter, Dr. Marjorie Vassell-Davidson, her husband Danville Davidson and Tracy Voelk. - PHOTOS BY WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
I'VE ALWAYS liked the German national anthem maybe because it sounds like "Glorious things of thee are spoken", an old Christian hymn.
The thing is there is plenty to like about a country whose people, having been divided for so long, literally tore down the walls that had divided them 15 years ago.
The German ambassador to Jamaica, Volker Schlegel, hosted his first German Day of Unity reception on Monday, and it was clear that it was a special occasion for him.
He was brief in his statements but very sombre as he reflected on his nation's transformation.
HUGE CHALLENGE
"The 15 years have been a huge challenge. It is important to listen and understand and at times to forget standards we once believed," he said.
The links between Jamaica and Germany are bigger and deeper than just BMW motor cars. Ambassador Schlegel joked that in the recent German elections, the coalition formed share power had the colours of the Jamaican flag. Using Germany as the example, he pointed out that positive changes were possible for every nation. The timing of that message for Jamaicans is uncanny.
But there cannot be talk of Germany these days without mention of the World Cup. The ambassador seemed as excited as anybody.
"We welcome all to a pleasant and enjoyable competition. Come ... and see that this Germany is full of ideas," he remarked before raising his glass to toast his guests. To add a Jamaican flavour to the evening, the ambassador invited the Carifolk Singers to perform
vintage local selections.
October 3 is to Germans what August 6 is to us (or used to be). While some Jamaicans may know more about the wild and crazy activities of Oktoberfest, there is more to the Germans than drinking beer and eating sauerkraut.
For those activities, then later this month is your time. But for Monday night's reception, diplomatic colleagues would spend the night chatting by poolside, listening to chamber music.
