- Gondwana Kalahari Park/ News



		News 2006News 10.10.06

From the Kalahari to the Bavarian Forest - 10.10.06
"I was welcomed so warmly that I immediately felt at home." Long after her return from Germany Maritza Swart recalls her arrival in the foreign country with enthusiasm. The assistant to the manager of Kalahari Anib Lodge spent a three-week internship at the Miethaner Country Hotel in the Bavarian Forest east of Regensburg. In the process she got particularly well acquainted with the fundamentals of professional German hospitality - the hotel is advertised as 'your home from home when on vacation in the Bavarian Forest'.

In the Miethaner family's business with 35 rooms everyone has to lend a hand wherever needed. "I was put on duty in each section of the hotel: the restaurant, room service, the laundry – I even helped in the garden. This way I got a good overall picture of things", Maritza says. At the reception, however, she always had to rely on her colleagues' support: "I understand a little bit of German, but I am at a loss when it comes to the Bavarian dialect."

The high standard maintained by the hotel and the superb training are the work of Andrea Miethaner. Since 2003 she runs the family business together with her parents Theresia and Josef. The 29-year-old completed her hotel management studies with distinction. Therefore Maritza Swart not only learnt about the practical aspects of daily routines but was also introduced to the philosophy of gastronomy. This was further enhanced by the fact that the Miethaner family showed her the sights and took her to traditional festivities. Summing up, Maritza Swart says: "I now have a better idea of the surroundings and the way of life of the German guests at our lodge – and I gained a better understanding of their expectations."

Maritza Swart, wearing a Bavarian dirndl, with her hosts Astrid (l) and Andrea Miethaner.


		- More details on our training programme at - GDC/Gondwana Concept/Training - On the Miethaner Country Hotel - www.landhotel-miethaner.de