By Masada Siegel and Stefanie Zweig, other
“Generations” is an across-the-world e-mail conversation between 30-something writer Masada Siegel and 70-something author Stefanie Zweig.
From: Masada Siegel
Date: Fri., Jan. 18, 2008 at 3:58 p.m.
To: Stefanie Zweig
Subject: Thursday’s Surprise
Hi Stefanie!
I’ve been busy trying to figure out my South Africa trip — and have spent hours looking online. I think I found a tour that would be fun — it goes up the coast from Cape Town to Durban, and then there is also a safari which goes to Krueger National park leaving from Johannesburg. I’d also like to go white water rafting down the Zambezi River and see Victoria Falls. Everyone is making me a little nuts when it comes to safety. I understand — or at least I think I do.
Masada
p.s. Here is a silly photo of me from New Zealand. I smile when I do terrifying things!
From: Stefanie Zweig
Date: Tues., Jan. 22, 2008 at 7:12 a.m.
To: Masada Siegel
Subject: Wow on Tuesday
Dear Masada,
I shall start the week by saying wow — that refers to you dropping down from the sky. Your certainly look like a nice person. Water rafting sound like torture in the third degree to me. I can hardly swim and hate water unless it is in a shower. Don’t try to see too much of Africa, and the people telling you that some parts are dangerous are right. I am having a busy week, having to catch up on my book after having a four-day visit from a distant cousin and her son living in England. The trouble with visitors from abroad — you always find yourself doing things you would never do if you were by yourself.
Stefanie
From: Masada Siegel
Date: Wed., Jan. 23, 2008 at 1:57 p.m.
To: Stefanie Zweig
Subject: Wow on Tuesday
Hi Stefanie!
I’m glad you like the photo. I keep my family and friends entertained with my adventures! I only have a little bit of your story. You left Africa — back to Germany and then what? Where did you go to school? What did you think? Did you view Europe as a strange place after Africa? Are you happy you moved back?
I actually love the water! I swim on a masters’ swim team every day. Anytime you want to, I can teach you to swim 
I also love surfing — I just learned a few years ago.
I have to tell you, years back I saw the film made from your book, and absolutely loved it! So beautiful! I remember rooting for it to win an award. How fun is life — that years later I get to meet you online! Speaking of which, my Dad will be in Frankfurt shortly — and he would like to invite you to dinner.
Masada
From: Stefanie Zweig
Date: Tues., Jan. 24, 2008 at 7:45 a.m.
To: Masada Siegel
Subject: Thursday’s news
Dear Masada,
It would take weeks to tell you my life story on e-mail. After leaving Kenya I came to Frankfurt, all in ruins and lots of famine, and tried to fathom where I was and why. I finished school in Frankfurt, having first to learn German, and immediately started off on journalism.
All this and much more you can read in my book Somewhere in Germany (Wisconsin Press). Today I am quite happy here, but when asked if I think of Germany as my home (mostly in interviews) I ask back, “Must everybody have a home?”
I have got quite a bit of work ahead. Apart from my book, I am doing readings, thank goodness, in Frankfurt or nearby. I feel too old to journey around the country. Tomorrow my only cousin is coming. Unfortunately for me, he is going back to the States in April. Due to Hitler my family is very small. I only have a nephew, his wife and their sweet five-month-old son who is training to be the next Dalai Lama. He is so very placid and content. I gather you like laughing. That’s healthy and a blessing.
Stefanie
From: Masada Siegel
Date: Wed., Jan. 26, 2008 at 3:33 a.m.
To: Stefanie Zweig
Subject: Thursday’s news
Hi Stefanie!
I must admit it made me a little sad to hear you say you don’t really feel at home anywhere. I was thinking about that during swim practice yesterday. (So yes, while I am swimming miles with my team, sometimes my mind is in other places — doesn’t much help swimming!)
Why didn’t you leave Germany and move to the States, Israel or even back to Africa? Did you not want to start over again? It is really hard to do that without family. But I must admit, I am curious.
Masada
From: Stefanie Zweig
Date: Sun., Jan. 27, 2008 at 7:23 a.m.
To: Masada Siegel
Subject: Sunday’s thoughts
Dear Masada,
As to your question: My book Somewhere in Germany has already been for sale in the USA for some years and should be available. I never even considered going to Israel, a country where I can only read the Coca Cola signs, and being a journalist I wanted to stick to my own tongue — which is German. Besides, I can’t imagine being any happier in the States or in England, and as for going back to Kenya, all the Europeans had left and there is only one newspaper and no need for a theatre critic. And as for a home — don’t be sad because I haven’t got one. That is typical for my generation, whether the people admit it not — I am talking of Jews, of course. Have a good week.
Stefanie