When I finished my English Philology degree in Cádiz, I knew my next step had to be a deep dive into another language. So, in November 2005, I packed my bags and headed to Germany. What followed was a journey across the country—and a defining chapter of my life.
Freiburg: A New World of Language and Culture
My first home in Germany was Freiburg im Breisgau, nestled in the heart of the Black Forest. I enrolled in an intensive German course and was immediately surrounded by people from all over the world, including Yugoslavians, Israelis, and students from diverse religions and cultures. This mix opened my eyes and taught me that learning a language isn’t just about vocabulary; it’s about learning how to live alongside ways of thinking so different from your own.
Freiburg was a special place. I loved the Dreisam River, the lively university atmosphere, and the Christmas markets. Its location was unbeatable, too, just a short trip from Switzerland and France. Thanks to this, I travelled to Basel and Colmar and discovered that Germany has some truly incredible landscapes waiting to be explored.
Berlin: History, Heartbreak, and a Happy Reunion
In November 2006, I arrived in Berlin with María del Mar, who would later become the mother of my son, Quique. We worked as sales representatives, and our company rented an apartment for us in the Tempelhof district. It was there, during those six winter months, that part of my personal story was born: in that flat, the foundations were laid for Quique Jr.’s arrival, who, years later, has become one of my greatest joys.
As a history enthusiast, especially of World War II, I was captivated by Berlin. It’s a city that overwhelms and fascinates at the same time—every corner breathes history, yet it’s also a vibrant hub of culture, music, and art.
More than fifteen years later, I returned to Berlin for a travel trade show. Between meetings, I decided to visit my old apartment in Tempelhof. I took a photo for my son and, on a whim, rang the doorbell. To my surprise, the woman who answered was Heike, the Arab artist who had rented us the flat back in 2006. She was still living there! The reunion was incredible, bringing back memories and closing a circle in my life. Berlin confirmed what I’ve always felt: it never leaves me indifferent, and every time I return, it gives me something new.
Hamburg: The Venice of the North
My third German winter took me to Hamburg, a city that impressed me from the start. I lived in St. Georg, near the beautiful Alster lakes. Hamburg is, without exaggeration, one of Germany’s most spectacular cities, with a contrast that struck me deeply: on the one hand, the elegance of its lakes, bridges, and architecture that have earned it the nickname “the Venice of the North”; and on the other, the seafaring, colourful atmosphere of St. Pauli, with its port, its red-light district, and its unforgettable nightlife.
In my work as a sales representative, I met an Asturian man who had been living in Hamburg for over forty years. He told me a story I’ll never forget in his early years, local fishermen would haul in huge bags of prawns at the port, and the Germans thought they were just strange bugs, with no culinary value. He, however, knew they were a delicacy, and with his Asturian flair, he would organise real feasts of prawns that nobody around him yet appreciated.
Over the years, I’ve returned to Hamburg many times, now as Owner of my own Travel Agency, and each time, I’m more convinced: Hamburg is a city that hooks you in. In fact, if I had to recommend a cultural trip, I’d say without hesitation: Hamburg, Bremen, and Lübeck. This “northern triangle” offers a perfect blend of history, marzipan, and access to the North Sea.
Frankfurt and Heidelberg: A Tale of Two Cities
Another winter, I arrived in Frankfurt, a city of contrasts. On one side, the soaring bank skyscrapers, a symbol of Germany’s financial strength; on the other, the more traditional old town, nestled along the River Main. Though it wasn’t the most intense part of my German journey, it allowed me to keep improving my language skills and exploring the region.
What truly captivated me was Heidelberg. This stunning city with a medieval soul enchants everyone who visits. The famous Philosophenweg (“Philosophers’ Walk”) invites you to stroll while gazing at the castle and the Neckar River, transporting you to another era. Heidelberg has a unique university and cultural atmosphere that makes you feel part of something greater. It’s a place I always recommend.
Duisburg, Düsseldorf, and Cologne: Full Integration
My time in Duisburg was a coincidence. I met Ottmar and his wife Bärbel, who became like family to me. Sundays at their home watching football became a ritual, with Ottmar always telling me kindly, “Kike, put your feet up on the table, make yourself at home.” I appreciated the gesture, though of course I never actually did it. That hospitality marked me deeply.
Thanks to them, I met many more Germans. That winter was the one in which I went out with locals the most: barbecues, family gatherings, parties, and even attending an MSV Duisburg vs. St. Pauli match. Most importantly, my German took a giant leap forward. It was no longer just classroom or work German, but the German of the street, the one spoken late at night among friends.
Duisburg itself may not be Germany’s most attractive city, but it opened the door to others nearby: the monumental Cologne, with its cathedral; Düsseldorf, its rival city; and even Dortmund, which for a football fan like me was a must. That winter was a turning point: I began to feel “a little more German.”
Stuttgart: Magic Markets and Impossible Dialects
After my time as a sales rep, I spent two winters in Stuttgart, home of Mercedes and Porsche. There, I had a unique experience: working at a Christmas market. It was hard work, but it taught me an important lesson: if you set your mind to it, you can accomplish anything. Surrounded by lights, carols, and mulled wine, I learned to adapt in yet another new environment.
My boss, Frau Benda, was a local woman who spoke the Swabian dialect (Schwäbisch). For someone who had studied standard German at university, it was like trying to understand a heavy Andalusian accent when you’ve only learned Spanish in textbooks. She would say things like “Kike, mag doch da nein,” when in standard German it would be “mag das dort hinein” (“put that in there”).
At first, I thought she considered me slow, until one day I said, ‘Frau Benda, please, I need to explain something.’ I’ve studied German at university, but no matter how hard I try, I can’t understand Schwäbisch. Please don’t think I’m stupid. She burst out laughing, and from that day forward, our relationship underwent a complete transformation.
From Personal Journey to Professional Passion
My journey through Germany has taken me through many stages: discovering the language in Freiburg, living intensely in Berlin, soaking up Hamburg’s culture, feeling the university energy of Heidelberg, truly integrating in Duisburg, and working in a Christmas market in Stuttgart. Each of these cities taught me something different, and together they form an essential part of who I am today.
Now, as a travel professional, I can share these experiences with others. When I recommend a trip to Germany, it’s not just based on a brochure; it’s based on my own life:
- Freiburg and the Black Forest: Pure nature and tradition, perfect for enchanting getaways.
- Berlin: My most personal city, with an inexhaustible supply of history and culture.
- Hamburg, Bremen, and Lübeck: The “northern triangle” of seafaring culture, history, and delicious marzipan.
Germany has given me languages, work, friendships, and countless memories. It’s not just a chapter in my past—it’s part of what I proudly offer today to those who want to discover this country with the same passion and authenticity with which I’ve lived it myself.
English 
Español 
