Report on the Reception at the City Hall

by Elzebet Venter

The City Hall is a beautiful building with a lovely exterior. The whole building is covered with hundred year old paintings and pictures. There is even a small balcony from which the Mayor greets and gives important information to the people of Tübingen. The building looks out over the market place and is really one of the sights to go see when you are in Tübingen.

Inside the building we were greeted by Herr Weimer, the Deputy Mayor. We were seated in a small room with painted walls. The walls have images on them about various Biblical figures, for example David and Goliath. The room was used as a waiting room for the people before they went to court.

Herr Weimer told us about the history of the building and the history of Tübingen. He also told us something about the justice system in Baden-Württemburg. After we had something to eat and to drink and after we sang our traditional South African songs and our National Anthem, we went to the Conference Room. Here they meet with the various representatives of the different political parties to discuss issues and make important decisions. We were then taken onto the small balcony. We held the South African flag and Barbara took some photos of us from the ground. That was a very nice gesture and we enjoyed it very much!

The reception at the City Hall was one of the highlights of the tour! The beautiful old building full of history together with the modern political system of the modern Tübingen. Combine that with a friendly Herr Weimer and you have a winner!