Germany and Europe in the New CenturyA variety of briefings and visits were conducted including at the German Foreign Ministry with diplomat Mr. Daniel Kriener responsible for trans-Atlantic relations; Dr. Michael Stürmer, chief correspondant of "Die Welt" newspaper; Rabbi Chaim Rozwaski of the Jewish Community of Berlin; Ms. Anke Hacker, International Relations Officer and Mr. Andreas Wurff, Head of City Planning Department at the City of Dresden and Ms. Iduna Böhning of Raskolnikoff art gallery in Dresden; and Mayor Hep Monatzeder with the City of Munich, Ms. Sabine Krieger and Mr. Jens Muhlhaus, Council Members of the Green Party, Mr. Christian Kalinke, Director of BMW European Union Finances, and Mr.Rüdiger Löwe, Mr. Alf Rist, and Mr. Peter Erwand, representatives of the Cincinnati-Munich Sister City. Through interaction with Germans, visits to historic and contemporary sites, and experiences of the cultures of these three cities, the participants have gained insight which will strengthen their teaching, research, and understanding of international relations and cultures back home. Professors from Heidelberg College, Ohio Northern University, University of Findlay, Taylor University, Thomas More College, and Wittenberg University participated. They and Global Center Member participants are putting together a program about their experience to be presented in early 2008. We recognize and thank those individuals in Germany, mentioned above, who gave of their time to create an informative and meaningful experience. We also give a special thank you to A.M. Kinney III, President, Cincinnati-Munich Sister City Association and Richard Schade, PhD, Honorary Consul of Germany and Professor of German Studies University of Cincinnati for their help in desiging the tour, connecting us to arrange briefings and visits, and orienting participants prior to departure. Contributed by: Deborah Kittner
Our trip was certainly an educational experience! We will also be sharing this information with the classes we moderate (teach) at the University of Cincinnati's Institute for Lifetime Education (ILE).
The overview tour of Berlin helped us absorb some German history, which for those of us with German heritage, is our history as well. We need to absorb some history before we can look to the future.
We were warmly welcomed at the Federal Foreign Ministry, where diplomat Herr Daniel Kriener emphasized that whatever Germany did, the European Union had to be considered and also the rest of the world. Their concern was a peace policy along with globalization. Also their objective was a sound economic policy and promotion of cultural dialogue in an efficienct, flexible and approachable way.
On the visit to Humboldt University, we noticed a strong international feeling. Student exchanges aare being encouraged as it changes their outlook on life, giving them a look into international affairs.
Frederick the Great's Sanssouci Palace was certainly an example of Germany's rich cultural heritage. Museum collections worldwide as well as royal residences and their exquisite gardens offer some of the most priceless treasures in existence.
The restoration of Dresden was remarkable, showing the resilience of the German people. Out the tower windows, we could see the stark contrast between what is now rebuilt and the photos of the aftermath of the destruction posted there. We were impressed with the models and maps presented by Herr Wurff, Head of Dresden's Planning Department and the walking tour afterwards, showing us restored as well as new areas.
In Munich, J. Peter Erwand, the former chief manager of Munich's Export Club, made connections with me since my former employer, General Electric and those with whom he was allied were doing much of the same types of research in solar and geothermal energy and aircraft engine efficiency. It was encouraging to find out that Germany is very environmentally conscious.
After a very informative tour of the BMW auto assembly plant by Mr. Landgraf, and their emphasis on customization and quality, we understood their slogan "The Ultimate Driving Machine"! The BMW executive Christian Kalinke was optimistic about the auto industry, pointing out some things need to be globalized while other things must stay unique.
As the result of our trip, hopefully there will be more "grassroots diplomacy" in the future!
Contributed by:
Harold & Fae Audre Rice
Contact: Deb Kittner at 513-322-7159 or dkittner@globalcincinnati.org
DRESDEN
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German's efforts to energy conservation - Bike Paths 
Monument commemorating the Fall of Communism
Deb Kittner and Iduna Bohning - Good Symbol of new beginnings and the global outlook of young East Germans 
