A Colombian Perspective on Life, Culture, and Connection in a New World
I arrived in Geramy / Frankfurt, I felt like I had landed on another planet. Everything was so different, so opposite to what I knew. It was a warm and sunny afternoon, filled with golden light, and the welcome I received from my hosts was deeply special. I could feel the love—there was a kind of magic in the air.
As a Colombian, I’m used to spontaneous hugs, lively conversation, and sharing coffee as a ritual of closeness. So I was surprised that my welcome here felt so familiar, so warm, almost like home. I expected something more distant or formal—this was my first surprise.
Between Salsa and Structure – The Rhythm of Two Worlds
that moment on, everything I thought I knew about urban living began to shift. The contrast between Colombia and Germany is immense. The quiet, the slowness of daily life, the punctuality—these are purely German traits.
It’s a society that feels profoundly respectful, organized, and safe. People gather to enjoy the outdoors, sipping wine or beer, chatting and smoking in the small town squares. Everything looks idyllic. In Colombia, we also find any excuse to get together with friends, but the rhythm is completely different—fast, loud, and infused with Caribbean energy.
Horseradish and Magic – New Flavors, New Perspectives
And then there was the food—a whole new world waiting to be discovered. Endless varieties of bread, cakes, sausages… so many flavors to try. One thing I quickly learned: German taste buds are highly sensitive to spice. But then I encountered something truly unexpected—Meerrettich, or horseradish.
Oh my God. The first time I tried it, my brain went into overdrive. It was so spicy—nothing like the chili or pepper I knew from back home. It hits you in the throat, with a rush of vapor that clears your sinuses and catches you completely off guard. Of course, I had taken far too much for a first try! But strangely, it became one of the flavors I now miss the most.
The greenery in Germany is another quiet treasure. It’s something many locals may take for granted. I couldn’t find a single village that wasn’t surrounded by forest. Trees are everywhere—lining roads, filling corners, tucked into every plaza. The most noticeable sound is birdsong, and the colors and shapes of flowers seem endless.
Reflections from Abroad – What Germany Taught Me
time in Germany taught me so much: to value structure, to appreciate small details, and to believe that things can work when everyone respects the rules. I see now that both cultures—Colombian and German—have so much to offer. But deep down, I wish Colombia could adopt more of Germany’s sense of cooperation and civic trust. It’s a whole new level of social harmony.
Germany didn’t just change me—it transformed me. It allowed me to grow, to see the world from a new perspective, and to build bridges between two very different cultures. And yet, they’re not so far apart when you look closely. They both have heart.
If you’re thinking of visiting Germany, I encourage you to come. It’s a special place, full of surprising warmth and quiet innovation. Of course, like anywhere, it has its highs and lows—but it’s always evolving, always seeking new ideas, especially in technology and environmental awareness.
A piece of my heart now lives in Germany. And I’m grateful every day for what I’ve learned from it.
— Nair
