German food, culture and dancing were an absolute hit at Rand Aid’s Ron Smith Care Centre’s latest armchair travel series.
RSCC residents thoroughly enjoyed their armchair travel adventure on 17 and 24 March, when the care centre went all out to ‘transport’ them to the beautiful, scenic country that’s renowned for Albert Einstein, Boris Becker, Beethoven, BMW, eisbein and bratwurst.
Lively oompah band music, usually played during Germany’s Oktoberfest, greeted residents in the recreation centre, which was decorated in black, yellow and red, the colours of the German flag.
They enjoyed their kinderpunsch welcome drink – a traditional non-alcoholic German-mulled hot drink made with hibiscus tea, fruit juices, honey, cinnamon, cloves and star anise, and garnished with an orange slice – and got to taste various German sausages, including bratwurst, knockwurst and chicken.
Residents also enjoyed watching a video about the most scenic places to visit in Bavaria, learnt how to speak a few German words, and took part in a quiz which tested their knowledge of people, places and things that Germany is renowned for, including food, drinks, cars, sports stars, science, movies and politics.
“Everyone had great fun and were proud when they were able to recall the answer to certain questions,” says Debbie Christen, Rand Aid’s manager of recreational programmes. “Oh man, I know this one,” was heard often!
Residents also took part in a lucky draw. The resident who drew the card with the picture of a woman wearing the traditional dirndl outfit and the resident who drew the card with the picture of a man wearing lederhosen each won a prize.
The event was rounded off with tea, coffee and delicious apfelstrudel with ice cream, followed by dancing the polka and waltz, much to residents’ delight.
“Many of our residents have visited Germany, so they really enjoyed reminiscing about this beautiful and culturally rich country,” says Debbie.
RSCC resident Tilly Bryant agrees. “Thank you so much for a lovely morning. This event brought back happy memories for me, especially about my time in Munich,” she said.
To view all the photos, click here.
