Who?
Käthe
Where?
Cologne, Germany
What?
"I just saw you dancing. You were amazing."
How did she react?
She burst out into laughter. She cheered. Then she held my arm: "Great! Wonderful! And can I tell you how old I am?"
"Absolutely"
"I am 86!"
"Unbelievable."
"Born in Kölle (Cologne)!"
"Nice."
"And my health is A1!"
"Well, I am glad! I'll drink to that."
How did I feel?
Käthe was alive. We met at Merowinger Straßenfest, Cologne's southern part of town's block party. I was walking down the street, watching kids play in the sun, enjoying the scent of fresh waffles and finding treasures at the flea market. Suddenly I spotted her. She stood at a table with a friend and her glass. Behind her a loudspeaker boosted Schlager music. And Käthe- started dancing. By herself. Snipping her fingers and tilting her hips she swinged, a broad smile occupying her face. I passed her, gave her a thumbs up and we both laughed. Seconds later I realized she was the perfect candidate. I returned and complimented her. She was in the ultimate Sunday mood, cheering every other moment, crying "Hör ma! Isch werd jeknipst!"* when I asked her if I could take her picture. Suddenly she fell quiet. For a moment there we were silent. Then she asked: "But can I raise my glass on the picture?"
I grinned. "Sure you can!" -... And the sunshine was back on.
We didn't chat for long but the encounter was great.
Before I left I congratulated her on her good health and wished her all the very best: "You stay safe and live another ton of years."
"Rosa, Rosa, of course I will! There's no doubt whatsoever."
*"Listen up! She'll take my photograph!" with a Cologne accent
Käthe
Where?
Cologne, Germany
What?
"I just saw you dancing. You were amazing."
How did she react?
She burst out into laughter. She cheered. Then she held my arm: "Great! Wonderful! And can I tell you how old I am?"
"Absolutely"
"I am 86!"
"Unbelievable."
"Born in Kölle (Cologne)!"
"Nice."
"And my health is A1!"
"Well, I am glad! I'll drink to that."
How did I feel?
Käthe was alive. We met at Merowinger Straßenfest, Cologne's southern part of town's block party. I was walking down the street, watching kids play in the sun, enjoying the scent of fresh waffles and finding treasures at the flea market. Suddenly I spotted her. She stood at a table with a friend and her glass. Behind her a loudspeaker boosted Schlager music. And Käthe- started dancing. By herself. Snipping her fingers and tilting her hips she swinged, a broad smile occupying her face. I passed her, gave her a thumbs up and we both laughed. Seconds later I realized she was the perfect candidate. I returned and complimented her. She was in the ultimate Sunday mood, cheering every other moment, crying "Hör ma! Isch werd jeknipst!"* when I asked her if I could take her picture. Suddenly she fell quiet. For a moment there we were silent. Then she asked: "But can I raise my glass on the picture?"
I grinned. "Sure you can!" -... And the sunshine was back on.
We didn't chat for long but the encounter was great.
Before I left I congratulated her on her good health and wished her all the very best: "You stay safe and live another ton of years."
"Rosa, Rosa, of course I will! There's no doubt whatsoever."
*"Listen up! She'll take my photograph!" with a Cologne accent