Life & Work

In another life, I’d be a musician

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The Intercontinental Nairobi general Manager Dieter Franke. PHOTO | SALATON NJAU

Almost three months ago, the Hotel Intercontinental Nairobi welcomed their new general manager. In another life, he reckons he would be a musician or a comedian.

German born Dieter Franke is just full of energy. He walks into the room with a smile on his face, offers me a seat before ordering an espresso. Given that he is buzzing with energy, I have to ask...

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How many of those do you take in a day?

Why? Am I too bubbly? I can say they are caffeine free. No (Laughs) I have exactly one in the early morning at 7.30, then maybe one in the late morning and surely one after lunch.

You have been to Kenya before this?

I came here on honeymoon, many many moons ago…about 17 years. We have done the entire lot, stayed in Nairobi, Mombasa been to Lake Elementaita, Nakuru, Amboseli, Serengeti, Kilimanjaro. The last time we were here, we came to show the kids since we have been raving about it and then returned in April to have a stint in Nairobi to see how life here is and now we are here for good.

For good?

Assignment is relative. We are here for probably two to four years. My oldest one is in the 12th grade doing his IB which is approximately two years…that’s assuming he won’t flunk anything, I am fairly certain that he won’t (laughs) and my youngest one is in 10th grade so four years at least is what we are targeting. If we can stay longer it would be great.

How do you compare being here to visit and now actually working with the people?

It is about embedding yourself with the people. Of all the places and countries we have been, this is probably the warmest and fastest welcome we have received. The friendliness of Kenyans has not changed, I am not just saying that, I really mean it.

After working all over the world, what has been your favourite place yet?

Probably depends on the situation. When I worked in Germany, I got to know my wife so obviously that set the site for our life going forward. We had a great time in that hotel. I had a great time in Egypt, I loved Beirut…I think every place you go has positive aspects - it’s up to you to make the best out of it.

How did you meet your wife?

I was an assistant food and beverage manager at the Intercontinental in Stuttgart in Germany, and Petra, my wife, was an apprentice. I invited her for a coffee. The next time I bumped into her, she said forget about the coffee and let’s go for dinner. So that was her and that is how it started. She basically got me hooked rather than the other way round.

So she takes charge?

Absolutely. She is a German wife. You had better make it sound nice if you print this (Laughs) I am very lucky to be married to her.

How do the kids take to the constant relocation?

I am very happy to give a cosmopolitan approach to the kids. They have never really lived in Germany. They settle in very quickly in the different cultures.

Last move they said ‘look dad, we are not moving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi ‘coz I have my friends here…and this and that.’ It gets harder each time.

Growing up in Europe where the temperatures are relatively low, how did you get used to the temperatures in the Middle East?

It is awful (laughs) it is really. It just got better from year to year. The first year was absolutely horrid especially in the UAE and Muscat. You start living in air conditioning, there is not much outdoor sports for a couple of months but your body just has to adjust.

How do you unwind?

With a glass of wine… obviously I can’t do this throughout the day, I spend time with family and our new puppy out on the runs, walks and listen to music and I play golf.

Which genre of music do you enjoy?

I am a 60s and 70s guy. But I do also enjoy the 80s and 90s music, proper pop and I also like artists like James Taylor, it depends on my mood. My youngest thrives on AC/DC which I am a big fan of.

You play the guitar?

I used to be in a band. I can also play the sax. Karaoke is one of my deadly sins. Family and music are my passion. If I had not taken the hospitality route, I would have pursued music and arts.

Working in the hotel business, you look really fit. How do you stay that way when surrounded by all this food?

I like to work out, and I do walk a lot. What has helped me really keep in shape is the fact that they have detected a food intolerance which is really unfortunate. I have had to change my entire diet, I have stopped smoking, hardly drink, I can’t do gluten, lactose and egg.

You are missing out?

I am missing out on the good stuff which is unhealthy, which is a shame though. I really love eggs and bacon.

Being in an industry where it is all about image, do you ever let your hair down…put on some shorts and a t-shirt and sandals?

That’s the reason I live outside the hotel. (Laughs) Yes, I am a jeans and t-shirt guy, in cut-up Bermuda shorts, a t-shirt. I love to barbecue, play with the kids and wash the car. I do let my hair down, well the little of it that is left.

Speaking of barbecue, have you had nyama choma and a cold Tusker?

Well, unfortunately Tusker is not good for me because it does not help my allergies, but I could not resist. So I did have my nyama choma with it.

How are you on speed and cars?

I love speed and cars. I had a great BMW in my previous post. Since we are talking bucket list, my dream car is a Dodge Viper. Maybe that is something I can do in retirement. Get an old one and have it restored and drive that around.

How are you taking traffic in Nairobi?

It depends on what time you leave. I am enjoying driving here although it is on the wrong side of the road. I came from countries where the drive on the right. You have to bully your way into a roundabout. I beat a matatu to it the other day, I was really proud of myself.

You seem like you enjoy life?

You cannot take yourself too seriously in life. Fun is a crucial element.