After two years not having been back home, I finally boarded a flight back to Germany. The moment the wheels touched down, I felt a strange mix of excitement, relief, and a little nervousness. Two years might not seem like much—but when you live far from home, it feels like a lifetime.
To make the long journey a bit more manageable, I stopped in Singapore for a short break. I arrived late at night, and after debating whether to take the train or grab a taxi, I chose a Grab ride—it was affordable and convenient. After checking in at the Hilton Singapore Orchard, I was still hungry, so I went out to explore the nightlife and find something to eat. The city was alive and buzzing, and it felt good to be somewhere new again.
I spent the next day sightseeing around Singapore. I visited Little India, Chinatown, and the beautiful gardens. It was a vibrant and colourful experience, and a great way to ease back into travel mode before heading further west. Singapore is a city of contrasts. Despite its compact size, it offers a rich blend of cultures and modernity. From colonial architecture to futuristic skyscrapers, every corner feels thoughtfully designed. English is widely spoken, public transport is easy, and the city is incredibly safe and clean. I loved the vibrant food culture—from hawker stalls to rooftop bars—and the lush green spaces that seem to pop up everywhere. Spending a day there gave me a taste of the energy and order that make Singapore so unique.
Next stop: Cyprus. That’s where my mum and brother live now, and I spent ten days with them enjoying some real quality time. It was calm, sunny, and filled with slow mornings and lots of catching up. We also did a couple of trips around the island, enjoyed 3 days in a little fishing village and climbed some mountains. Visiting Cyprus at the beginning of June was a good time considering it gets quite hot in Summer. After that, I continued on to Germany to see my dad and visit friends I haven’t seen in what felt like forever. Even though it is so easy to stay connected nowadays via different channels, it is still very different when you catch up in person.
Some of my friends now have children, so their lives and focus have naturally shifted. Still, when we met, it felt like no time had passed. We laughed, shared stories, and reconnected in a way that reminded me why those friendships have lasted so long. It was incredible to be with people who truly know me.
What struck me on this trip was how different Germany—and parts of Europe—felt being in New Zealand for some time. In cities like Hamburg and London, I noticed more visible homelessness and a sense of unease that I wasn’t used to anymore. New Zealand feels more secure to me, more peaceful.
This trip was something I deeply needed. Living so far from family and close friends can be hard. As much as I love my life in Queenstown, sometimes you just need to go home, reset, and be with your people.
This time, I travelled alone—without Carlos, my partner. While I missed him, the solo journey made it more intimate and I didn’t have to translate conversations every time.
There’s something surreal about returning to a place that used to be your everyday reality. Everything was familiar, my hometown looked the same, but I realized I have grown and changed.
On my way back to New Zealand, I made another stop—this time in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I stayed for three nights and found the city incredibly exciting and full of character. Kuala Lumpur struck me as vibrant and accessible. Everything in the city centre felt close enough to explore by foot, which I loved. It’s also very affordable compared to many other major cities I’ve visited. I enjoyed trying local street food (I also tried Durian for the first time in the state of ice cream, I have to say, it is interesting, but nothing I would eat again haha), I walked through bustling markets, soaked in the mix of modern towers and cultural districts. It was a great way to end the trip on a high note, with a fresh burst of energy before heading back to NZ.
My time at home reminded me of who I am and where I come from. The contrast made both places feel more meaningful. I left Germany with a full heart and grateful for the time I had. Sometimes I wonder what I would be doing if I had never left Germany!
Being home after two years was both comforting and eye-opening. It reminded me that even when you live far away, you carry pieces of home with you. And when you return, those pieces help you reconnect with who you were—and appreciate who you’ve become.
How do you feel when you return back home after living abroad?