The story so far
August 26, 2008, 20:20
Saturday:
Went out early to the Pergammon Museum to beat the queue for the exhibition Babylon: Myth and Truth. The exhibition was interesting as it was a compilation of Babylonian artefacts from the Pergammon Museum, the British Museum as well as the Louvre. Gave me an interesting understanding of Babylonian history and society. The 'Myth' part of the exhibition was also extremely interesting as it sought to deconstruct the popular myth of Babylon in Biblical texts as being associated with debauchery. Learnt that the Babylonian King Nebuchednazar was not as cruel as had been described. Got away with knowing how myths are generated and transmitted through the ages. I was also surprised to see Zibigniew Libera's Lego Concentration camp on display as part of the exhibit! I had written about the work during my freshman year in university as part of a class examining cuteness.
Thereafter, I went to the Egyptian Museum to view the famous bust of Nerfetiti and some mummies. As I began to feel overwhelmed with viewing ancient Greek and Roman artefacts, I decided to head on to the Martin Gropius Bau to look at the Barbara Bloom Collection, a work exploring our own perceptions and stereotypes.
Sun-Tues
Went to the American Church down the road where the preacher gave a good sermon about remembering what we need to build our lives upon. Not on what the world tells us to be, but rather on the word of God. It was a great reminder for myself to know what was important and really to discern what His will for me is and to do it.
Left thereafter to Hamburg by bus. It was a long journey. The city was beautiful, its prosperity hailing back to the days when it was a primary node in the Hanseatic League. Hamburg today continues to rely on its port and logistics sector for its prosperty. This has been particularly enhanced since the fall of the Iron Wall which opened up markets in the East accessible from Hamburg.
Was hosted to a few receptions and held consultations with business chambers which was quite refreshing after all the political discussions.
Am glad for the friendships that have been forged over the past two weeks. As one of us has said, a good diplomat should be one who is able to not only advocate his govt's position, but also be able to empathise and forge relationships. It was necessary to go beyond the superficial and establish a human relationship in order to get to know the person behind the diplomat.
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