The Platanus Exchange

Another Linkage.

The Platanus School is a private institution in Berlin which emphasizes on the use of English and German as the main mediums of instruction in teaching. The Malaysian Embassy deemed it fit that the choir team made a debut there with the Malaysian touch.

Located about half an hour away from the city of Berlin, the Platanus private school is relatively new and its director, Doctor Karen; once working for the famous Mercedes Benz conglomerate, decides that the fees of students be paid according to the economic background of the students. That is a commendable effort to help the needy and the committee. The student population is still small and it ranges from primary to lower secondary years.

We were greeted by the lady in black ( forgot her name) who once worked in Malaysia where she taught German to interested parties. She is now attached to the school and she spoke to us with much ease as we look familiar to her !

As you enter the premise, you cannot but notice the expressive works of the creative children.

This is the popular History master who was well loved by the students; judging from the applause of approval during a quiz session.

The crowd waited patiently in anticipation of a good show piece.

On arrival, we asked for a room to prepare the team's vocals. Suzanna Saw, the music teacher was as bubbly as ever bringing the team's spirit to its height.

The boys; Zuhri, Shakir, Imran and Soo Yee; though the minority, belted out remarkably well and remained as the anchor points of the singing consignment.

They took the audience's hearts when they performed and acted in a song.

In traditional attire, the choir reflected the Malaysian mood and style singing patriotic and jazzy Malay hits. Music is universal; you may not understand the lyrics but you can surely enjoy the beat and tempo. When it is a good piece; it always remains as one; in whatever lingo. When they sang a German tune, they caught the Germans in a pleasant surprise.

The Platanus team also gave a contemporary piece with their musical instruments; quite different from ours but nevertheless still a good one.

The choir later were given an opportunity to play around with the instruments and it was a combination of east and west.

Dr. Karen thanked the ambassador for his kind visit and making it possible for the team to grace the occasion. She was overwhelmed at the outstanding performance of the Asian team.

The Principal expressed her heartfelt thanks to the director of Platanus School and hope for another exchange; perhaps this time they should visit the Malaysian counterpart.

A pact on another milestone; a new linkage for both schools ; all thanks to the timely intervention of the Malaysian Embassy at Berlin.

The students mingled among themselves before the final goodbye.

Yes, the Berlin linkage.

We were treated to lunch before we left.

But almost all of us rushed for this; the Malaysian Mee siam prepared by the team from the Malaysian embassy. Oh how we miss home.

The principal had a heart to heart talk with some of the students on their tastes and outlook of certain matters. We are not very different from them.

The Platanus Exchange.