From Germany to Australia: Tanja's message in a bottle

German Tanja Kretzschmar experienced something as a child in the mid-1980s that many can only dream of: Like in a chapter of an exciting children's novel, she sent a message in a bottle on her journey — and actually received an answer, from faraway Australia. In the interview, she remembers this extraordinary story and shares her impressions. But a few questions remained unanswered back then. Thanks to the research of our SBS correspondent Barbara Barkhausen and the Internet, we are able to solve the puzzle today. Look forward to a fascinating revelation and a moving story that shows how small and connected the world can sometimes be.

Die deutsche Auswandererin Tanja Kretschmar lebt mit ihrer Familie an den Northern Beaches in Sydney. Credit: supplied

Die Antwort aus dem fernen Australien auf Tanjas Flaschenpost inklusive Anschrift der Familie und Koalapostkarte hütet sie auch heute noch.