Where were you when...

L-to-R Nadin, Henrick, Soren and Svenya

Hi All

Ground Hog Day, 2 Feb 2011

Last evening we were invited to Nadin and Soren for drinks and nibbles. Their children are Svenya and Henrich, who were up when we arrived. They are beautifully behaved and it's humbling to hear this little people speaking German one sentence and English the next... We have spent time with them poolside and enjoy them all very much.

They are both from Berlin; however, not the same part of the city. Nadin is East Berlin and Soren is West Berlin. In the course of the evening, the Fall of The Berlin wall came up in conversation. It was so interesting to hear Nadin's perspective of that time. She recalled a general unease in the city and she turned on the radio at 3:00 AM to hear a reporter interviewing an East Berlin official. The official was telling people that they no longer need a visa to cross the border. He meant to say that the government was going to work on shortening the 6 month process; however, his mis-speaking opened a floodgate of citizens demanding to cross the border. The guards were completely overwhelmed and acquessed! Upon awakening in the morning, Nadin asked her mother about the radio broadcast. Her mother was completely surprised when they turned on the television and this momentous happening and it was right down the road! The beautiful part of Nadine's story was her heartfelt joy and this happened over 20 years ago.

She said "I remember it was a Thursday and I was 15" and a lovely smile came to her face. We were so touched by her remembrance of that time. Soren, who is more reserved, wasn't quite as effervescent in his memory. Soren, raised on the "other" side of town, told of going to the East and how much their money was worth there.

Scott and I began talking about being in our first home with our two little boys. We said that we never thought the Wall would come down in our lifetimes. Then Christine said "Mr Gorbachov, Nadin jumped in TEAR DOWN THIS WALL" So, do you remember where you when when The Wall came down?

Another funny antidote from last evening was Nadin asked how we met. Picture Scott and I sitting on the loveseat and Scott is telling the story of how we knew each other in high school and then met up again 9 years later. I was adding details when Scott would look to me for a bit of help. After we finish, Nadin asked if we had ever seen the movie "When Harry Met Sally" and we admitted that yes we indeed knew the movie well. Nadin said that our story was like one of the couples interviewed throughout the movie. We all got a laugh out of that.

Living in Sas al Nakhl has been a good experience for us because of the people we have gotten to know. The night before we had gone over to Chris and Suzanna's for dinner. That evening Rudy, from South Africa, was also a guest. It was very interesting to talk to discuss race so opening with Rudy, because he is of mixed blood and just tells you so right up front. That night we had 3 continents represented. Each person we meet has a wealth of history and perspective and it has been so enjoyable talking with our neighbors.

Do you remember where you were on 9 November 1989 - Nadin does.

Love to all,

Scott and Christine