Germany - Our Home
Willkommen in Deutschland! Welcome to Germany, a land of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes that we call home.
Germany is not just the place where we grew up but it's a place where we have family and friends, making it a place where we feel safe, comfortable and home. Our house in the northern suburbs of Hamburg serves as the base for all our projects. It's often filled with love from family members and laughter from gatherings with friends and celebrations with colleagues.
Germany is a beautiful country, located in the heart of Europe. Our country is known for its diverse geography, from the sandy beaches of the North Sea to the rugged coastline of the Baltic Sea, from the rolling hills of Bavaria to the majestic peaks of the Alps. Germany also has numerous charming towns and cities, each with its unique character and charm. Whether you are wandering through the winding streets of metropolitan Berlin or admiring the Hanseatic architecture of Hamburg, you will find something to love about each place.
One of the best things about Germany is its people. We are generally hardworking and can come across as serious or even cold, but the further North you go, the more you realize that this might have something to do with the climate. The "rougher" the weather, the "tougher" the people seem to be. However, once they open their heart to you, you'll find that Germans are friendly and welcoming to visitors from around the world and can make loyal friends. Whether you are sipping a beer at a traditional beer garden or enjoying sweets at a local bakery, you will always find someone willing to strike up a conversation with you.
Family is at the heart of our lives, and we cherish the close relationships we have with our loved ones. It's not uncommon that our families live relatively close by which is a real advantage when we need a helping hand, be it a babysitter or a dog-sitter for our beloved pug, "Balou." The convenience of having our children's schools and, in earlier years, kindergartens within walking distance, makes our location even more attractive, especially for regular playdates with classmates. We value the importance of creating a tight-knit community that helps each other out and supports one another. Living in a neighborhood filled with families gives us a deep sense of security and belonging. We find comfort in the knowledge that our children can grow up surrounded by friends and caring neighbors. As we watch our children play and learn, we are reminded of the importance of creating a supportive community that helps us all thrive.
Germany has long been recognized for its exceptional education system, and it's no surprise that we place a great emphasis on our children's education. Our universities consistently rank among the best in the world, providing a wide range of courses and degrees across various fields. However, as much as we value our home country's education system, we also recognize the importance of constantly improving and adapting to new standards. While our education is recognized and respected globally, we acknowledge that there is always room for growth and innovation. That's why we love to travel the world, exploring new educational systems and methodologies and bringing back fresh ideas and perspectives to our own teaching and learning. By broadening our horizons and expanding our knowledge, we are better equipped to provide our children with a well-rounded education that prepares them for a diverse and rapidly changing world. We are great believers that we can create a brighter future for ourselves, our children and the world at large.
As nature enthusiasts, we take great pleasure in exploring the stunning landscapes that Germany has to offer. Although living close to the city affords us the opportunity to savor diverse global cuisines when we're not in the mood for cooking, we find the most relaxation and serenity by immersing ourselves in the natural surroundings. In every season, whether it's the beauty of spring blooms, the warmth of summer sun, the golden hues of fall, or the tranquility of winter snowfall, we take time to unwind and destress by taking leisurely walks along the nearby streams or going hiking in the nearby forest. Moreover, our location is ideal for getting away to the coastal regions, as we are just a short drive away from both the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. Here, we can take in the breathtaking ocean views, breathe in the fresh sea air and rejuvenate ourselves. Another benefit of our location is its convenient proximity to the airport which makes travel a breeze. Whether we're jetting off on a family vacation or exploring new opportunities, we appreciate the ease and convenience of being able to travel with minimal hassle.
In case you ever come to visit, here are a few destinations we recommend you to experience for yourself:
Hamburg with the Elphi, international restaurants and musicals to choose from. Our kids also love to visit Hagenbeck’s Tierpark and Aquarium.
the North Sea, for example St. Peter-Ording (beware of the strong tide!)
the Baltic Sea
Berlin with its rich history, multiculturalism, museums and Zoo. Several family members of ours live there so the metropolis holds precious memories for us.
the highland area Harz is good for hiking
the Black Forest where we lived a few years after our studies and before the kids were born
the Alps for hiking and many other sports
One question we often get asked is about the differences between East and West Germany. Although responses to this question can vary depending on who you ask, we can only speak from our own personal experiences: as someone from East Germany, Andrea is quick to recognize if someone else is from the East, and many people from there would tell you that there are still significant differences between the two. However, Alpay may not notice these differences as much. For us, the past is an essential part of our identity, and we honor and respect the history that has shaped our home country. At the same time, we embrace the present and look towards the future with optimism and enthusiasm. That's why we have intentionally chosen international names for our children rather than typical German or Turkish names. We feel like we are an example of unification and embody the joint desire to make Germany a better place for ourselves and future generations. Our unique blend of experiences and perspectives is what makes us who we are and we believe that it is this diversity that makes not only our home country stronger.
In conclusion, Germany is a wonderful place to call home. Whether you are here for a short visit or planning to stay for a longer period, you will find a warm welcome, a rich culture, and countless opportunities. We look forward to welcoming you to our country and showing you all that Germany has to offer. Herzlich Willkommen in Deutschland!
