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In the section „Café con leche with...“ CBM meets interesting expats who share their story on the Costa Blanca. This time, Hellmuth Krüger talks to Marina Uhde, an immigrant who has lived in picturesque Villajoyosa for 25 years - and originally only planned to take a short break. In this interview, she talks about her beginnings, the challenges and we explore the question of whether she would ever go back to Germany.
Hello Marina, thank you for the opportunity to meet you here in Villajoyosa. A place that you have called home for 25 years now.
That wasn't the original plan, was it?
No, not at all. I actually only wanted to come to Spain for three months to get some distance from my ex-husband. My aunt lived here, so I thought I'd stay with her for a while. The three months turned into 25 years.
So this was neither a holiday nor a planned emigration?
Exactly. I never intended to emigrate. It was more of a kind of time-out that simply lasted longer than expected. And suddenly this was my home.
You came here with your six-year-old daughter and brought her up on your own. That certainly wasn't easy.
It wasn't always easy, especially at the beginning. There wasn't much support and it was also difficult financially, but my daughter settled in very quickly and was speaking fluent Spanish after just three months. That made a lot of things easier.
You soon found a permanent job, which you still do today, right?
Yes, I found a job that I've actually been doing for 23 years now. I was really lucky, because without this permanent job it would have been much more difficult to gain a foothold here.
How do you feel about the development of Villajoyosa over the last 25 years? Has the city changed a lot and what makes it still worth living in for you?
Yes, unfortunately. It used to be an insider tip, quiet and idyllic. Today, mass tourism has also found its way here. The beach is still beautiful, but in the summer months of July and August it is very crowded and noisy. Nevertheless, there are still corners, especially in the old neighbourhoods, where traditional life goes on.
I like the Vileros, the many small boutiques, the sometimes excellent restaurants, the famous colourful houses and not forgetting my favourite landlord Pablo.
Do you still have a close connection to Germany?
Yes, absolutely. My family lives in Germany and I still have a lot of friends there. We visit each other regularly and I could also imagine going back one day if things don't work out here. Germany is still a beautiful country for me.
Would you say that you have ever regretted the decision to stay here?
No, I have never seriously considered going back. My daughter grew up here and feels more Spanish than German. I have always had a strong bond with Spain through her.
Thank you very much for the interesting interview, Marina. Your story shows that you can also put down roots in another country unplanned and
can lead a fulfilled life.
You're very welcome, Hellmuth. I enjoyed sharing my story.
Hellmuth Krüger
