An expat in Hamburg

More Hamburg isn’t possible: Elena Ghinda from Moldova works for a shipping company in Hamburg. Her office windows have a view of the harbour and the Elb Philharmonic Hall. In the afternoon she likes to fetch a herring roll from the fish market. The 28-year-old Moldavian fell in love with a Brazilian eight years ago during her year as an Erasmus scholarship student in Bielefeld. Together they have built a life for themselves in Germany.

Why did you choose Hamburg?
I had never been even once in Hamburg before I moved here. We just wanted to live in a big city again and really everyone I talked to told me that Hamburg was incredibly beautiful and worth living in. They were right [laughs].

What do you like about the city?
It’s just super international. Nobody even notices when my boyfriend and I speak English on the street. Hamburg is also a dream for foodies like me. I could try a different international cuisine here every day. And everyone must at least once in his or her life try a matjes roll at the fish market here. The city offers a perfect combination of water, food and ships. At sunset, Hamburg is now pretty quiet, a nice contrast to the crowded and noisy mornings. I feel particularly at home at the harbour.

How do you make friends quickly in a German city?
There’s a really big expat community here. We’ve also taken part in a few events via InterNations and made friends from all over the world – from Mexico, China, Italy, Brazil and of course Germany. That would be my tip for other expats: say yes to everything, plunge into the community and get active. There’s the right event for everyone: you can go bowling, network professionally, or just have a coffee together. Even during the coronavirus pandemic, digital services can help you can find friends easily.

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