Unknown Individual's Invite: Unfamiliar Host Meets Unknown Visitor
In the heart of Ulm, Ruth Fichtner recently hosted a dinner as part of the city's "Invitation from a Stranger" project. Four guests, two men and two women, were set to attend, each of them dressed summery and chic, with friendly faces that hinted at a shared sense of curiosity.
Among the guests was Dieter Held, who surprised his friends when he announced his attendance at an evening with complete strangers. As the doorbell rang at 6:30 pm, a sense of excitement filled the air.
The dinner was a three-course vegetarian meal, and Ruth Fichtner, who had signed up for the project out of her love for cooking and meeting new people, had prepared an Israeli oriental carrot salad.
As the evening progressed, conversations among the guests were lively and personal. They shared stories about their families, children, and grandchildren during dessert. Karl-Heinz Keller, one of the guests, even gifted Ruth Fichtner a token of appreciation and commended her courage for hosting strangers.
Three of the four guests brought small gifts for Ruth, a gesture that added to the warm atmosphere. The guests maintained the formal "Sie" throughout the dinner, but it was later revealed that no one offered the informal "du".
All guests reside in Ulm and have either Swabian roots or have lived there for a long time. The topic of food, vacation trips, and culture in Ulm were discussed, creating a sense of camaraderie.
The dinner lasted nearly four hours, and another bottle of wine was consumed. Upon entering, the guests shook hands and introduced themselves by last name. Eleonore Lang, who was initially meant to be the hostess, was told that guests were still needed.
Ruth Fichtner considers the dinner a successful experiment and exchanged email addresses with her guests, with the possibility of meeting again. The "Invitation from a Stranger" project in Ulm continues to foster encounters and combat loneliness, promoting openness, empathy, and understanding among its participants.
- Dieter Held's unexpected attendance at the dinner, organized as part of the "Invitation from a Stranger" project, showcased a shared desire for exploring new relationships and experiences within the community.
- As the evening progressed, guests discussed various aspects of home-and-garden life, food-and-drink traditions, and vacation trips in Ulm, strengthening bonds and fostering a sense of camaraderie.
- In the spirit of appreciation for Ruth Fichtner's hospitality, she received several gifts from her guests on that evening, symbolizing the blossoming of new social media connections and lasting relationships.
