Evenings at ver.di

They can be rather long and fun! On thursday, an exhibition was opened up, with free jazz and free drinks. The artist Ulla Walter was there as well, so we had lots of chances to talk about her pictures and life as an artist in the GDR and later. Bärbel Mann did the speech - I had worked with her in the late 90s when I was the trade union official for artists in IG Medien.
With her the series of meeting old friends and collegues this evening started. Whom did I see in the ver.di entrance hall but my dear old favourite head of a ver.di region, Holger Malterer! We know each other since more than twenty years now, it's great to work with him, he almost managed to talk me into joining his team in Kiel, but I refused. Sigh! Now we still meet at least twice or three times a year in Berlin or Kiel for a drink and a talk. Whenever I need the advice of a true friend in matters when a man and a collegue is asked for, he's my choice.
When I left the company of my collegues, and walked through the warm summer evening (in April!), another one of my old friends called. I hadn't heard of him since ages. Nice to chat again on the phone after such a long time.
Yesterday the second long evening at ver.di started at 4 pm with celebrations: Marina Ries leaves ver.di in Berlin and goes to Munich. We will all miss her. The party on the terrace was still on when I left at around midnight. The good mood and atmosphere allowed lots of talks and new ideas on work. Hartmut, my new boss, and Bernd, my dear collegue from Internet editorial staff, were joining my brainstorming. That's the way of working I like best! :)
I took a taxi back home, and was lucky to meet a friendly driver who offered spicy tea and good chat. He told me he had been drawn towards me in the street because of my positive and strong vibes. Will I believe that? Yeah, why not! It's always great to hear you are as well. :)