Last Week in Berlin
September 04, 2008, 20:47
Last Week:
Went through a two-day course on international negotiation which was very interesting. The course was conducted by a retired ambassador who had negotiated for Germany at a number of high-level meetings. Learnt about how one could strategically manouvere oneself in order to get what one wanted through negotiation and compromise. The art of negotiation involved a lot of patience and ensuring that one was able to move towards a win-win situation without compromising one's basic position. It also involved a lot of listening.
Wed:
Went to Leipzig, a city in the east where we visited the BMW plant. It was an eyeopener to see how sophisticated technology, including the use of robots, was involved in the construction of the luxury cars.
Thereafter, went for lunch at a famous restaurant in the city centre where Goethe wrote his Faust.
As the day ended, we travelled to the Park Wörlitz, an English-styled garden built in the times of the Saxony kings. The village surrounding the garden, like many in the East had been severely depopulated following the lack of economic opportunities in the aftermath of reunification. Only old people are left now. Many of the buildings had also been abandoned.
Had a reception at the Nepali Embassy where I met with some members of the community and had an interesting conversation with them.
Thu:
Went for speech writing classes today. Learnt what was important in a speech etc.
Then went to a famous chocolatier to get souveniours for home.
Going to two concerts over the wkend. Then on to Brussels.
Need to do some book shopping,cd shopping and going to walk around the city before I go back home.
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