The Wichteriches' love affair with Jamaica
Published:Saturday | October 27, 2012 | 12:00 AM
Dave Lindo, Gleaner Writer
MANDEVILLE, Manchester:
AXEL AND Andrea Wichterich are two lovebirds who for years have shared a never-ending love for each other. They also share another love - the beautiful island Jamaica, which they fell in love with just over 10 years now.
The Wichteriches are from Colon in Germany, where Alex was working as an architect and Andrea was in the real-estate business.
They met in 1986 in the Colon carnival and instantly connected. They tied the knot three years after. "I was just impressed with how she was and how she still is," Axel said with a big laugh.
After living in Germany for a while, they migrated to the United States in 1995 and operated a property- and vacation-rental business.
The 'extra-marital affair' with Jamaica started in 2001 when Andrea returned to Germany to visit her mother and Alex decided to take a vacation to the Caribbean island. "I landed in Montego Bay and I thought Montego Bay was not my cup of tea," Axel said. "Then I got a travel book and I saw Treasure Beach. I asked about it. I was told it was not much, but it's nice and quiet."
NEW-FOUND LOVE
Jakes in Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth, was recommended to Axel and he stayed there on his first visit.
"The taxi driver didn't know where to drive, and after three hours, we reached," Axel said.
While at Treasure Beach, he met some good friends. One was Perry Henzel, famous Jamaican screenwriter, who gave him a lecture on Jamaica and in particular the Treasure Beach community. He was encouraged to relocate to his 'new-found love'.
Speaking on what grabbed him about Jamaica on his first visit, he said, "It's the people. We love them because they are all honest, very straightforward. No messing around - just say what you think in a nice way. Also the people in Treasure Beach are real nice. They look out for each other. It's like a big family."
RETURNED TO ISLAND
Wichterich returned with his wife and they bought a waterfront property where they built the initial Marblue Villas the following year. They have since expanded on it.
Marblue Villas has since built a big reputation and is a favourite of both locals and tourists with their sumptuous dishes and relaxing atmosphere, right beside the Caribbean Sea.
The couple is also an item at Marblue. Guests enjoy chatting with the loving couple and hearing their countless stories.
Axel has blossomed into a master chef and delights his guests with his many dishes from 'Axel's kitchen', many of which were created by him.
As to their secret in staying in love for so many years as if it were yesterday, "TLC (tender loving care) - I think it is everybody taking care," Axel said. "It's a two-way street, not a one-way street, otherwise it cannot work. The important strings have to be pulled together. Also, everyone needs a little freedom. You can't lock the person in."
Well, for the Wichteriches, Jamaica is where the heart will always be. "The love affair with Jamaica is never broken. It still has the oohs and awws, never broken," Axel said.