What is the Homesick Project?
Whether you’re an international or not living in a different city or a different country the transition can be tough. There are aspects of your home you wish you could have right here with you. Friends and family you wish you could bring with you. Now whilst moving away from your home country is an exciting adventure, it also comes with its challenges.
We’ve decided to talk with internationals living right here in Frankfurt about their experiences. Asking questions like, how they found settling in to this new city, learning the language, what they miss about their homes and what they love about their new home? We are excited to bring you a new story each month!
We also want to emphasis that being Homesick is not necessarily a negative feeling, but also a feeling of nostalgia, love and hope. Namely remembering all the good things.
Carolina Terraza-Kreuch
Our first guest is Carolina Terraza-Kreuch. Carolina is from Mexico and owns Caro‘s Blumen. She designs the most beautiful floral bouquets around. We are very excited to share her thoughts with you.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF? WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND?
I come from Mexico and I am madly in love with flowers. I am mother to Clea Graciela, a lovely 8 month baby and my forever flower.
Also, I love being surrounded by my family and friends while sharing delicious food.
Meeting new people is something I truly enjoy. I would describe myself as a very empathic person and meeting people inspires me.
I have a Bachelor Degree in International Commerce, 10 years of experience in the Logistic Industry, Customs and Customer service. Before moving to Germany in 2012, I was happily working in Mexico and becoming an entrepreneur. However, having my own business was a dream. I had the perfect example at home, my Dad. An enthusiastic and creative person throughout his working life he owned a business for more than 40 years and was always passionate about starting new projects. There is no doubt I got this entrepreneurial spirit from him.
WHEN DID YOU START YOUR FLOWER BUSINESS AND HOW DID IT START?
I have always been interested and loved everything about fashion and interior design and flowers always caught my attention. There’s no doubt that flowers play an integral role in a graceful way in both industries.
It was 2008 when I signed up at a Floral Design Institute in Monterrey. When I had finished my course in 2011 I felt ready to start Caro’s Blumen. I was working and also running my own business in Mexico but everything stopped after moving to Germany in 2012.
When I had arrived in Frankfurt I began doing florals for friends and family. I wanted to start my business again but it wasn’t until 2017 that I finally overcame my fears and decided to get the registration of Caro’s Blumen as a small business.
Career satisfaction doesn’t come from what you do, it comes from who you get to be while you are doing it, and the beauty is who you get to be Is the real you
HOW HAS MOVING TO FRANKFURT CHANGED YOU?
The love of my life found me while studying in Monterrey in 2010 and two years later in 2012 I took the important decision to move to Germany and as many do left everything behind.
I have proved to myself that I am able to adapt to new situations and that living in a country completely different from mine is actually possible.
I am more resilient. I value my country, culture and traditions more than before. I don’t take them for granted anymore. I am grateful for discovering my culture and I keep it alive within me.
I am also more creative and I am so grateful for it.
WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU FACED SINCE LIVING HERE IN FRANKFURT? WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF YOUR VICTORIES?
Obstacles
- Learning a new language ( still ), adapting to a new culture totally different from mine, getting used to a new lifestyle and the most terrible weather I have ever experienced in 2012, now is getting better lol.
- Job interviews in German and all those speaking mistakes that made me develop low self-esteem.
Victories
- 2014 I started to apply for jobs in Frankfurt and I got my very first job in Heidelberg. I became an expert in traveling by train when I was working in that beautiful city.
- I worked for almost 5 years for two companies and had the opportunity to improve my German. I am not afraid of having a job interview in German anymore, lol.
- Working as a Florist in a foreign country
- I got my driving license and passed the test ( all in German ).
- I feel happy and complete!
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE JUST MOVED TO FRANKFURT?
Learn the language and practice a hobby in German. It is good to meet new people and make new friends. This helps to extend your social and career network while you improve your speaking and listening skills.
Do not be afraid of speaking and be patient.
WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE SPOT IN FRANKFURT?
I love walking around the Schweizer Strasse, Oderweg and Berger Strasse.
I visit Tía Emma, a small concept store from time to time and have a coffee there. I just love it there, one will always find something to buy. It is beautiful.
I also enjoy visiting the Kleinmarkethalle. I buy my Mexican ingredients there.
FOR FRIENDS VISITING OR THOSE NEW TO FRANKFURT WHERE WOULD YOU TELL THEM TO GO?
To my women, I will suggest joining the Facebook group Gone Girl Frankfurt, I love it and I have met very interesting and lovely ladies.
Enjoy the parks in the Frankfurt area, have a walk in Sachsenhausen and try the German Restaurants, l love german food.
Visit the summer festivals in Frankfurt, they are pretty good.
Visit the Kleinmarkethalle, worth it!
Visiting the surroundings of Frankfurt: Eltville and Bergstrasse are very pretty.
WHAT DO YOU MISS ABOUT MEXICO?
I miss my family and close friends, the traditions, the colors and the huge food and flower markets (Jamaica Market for instance).
Buying food and snacks on the streets, like in every corner of Mexico, you will find the most delicious food ever.
Sundays in Mexico, the Sun, the Sea.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS MISSING HERE IN FRANKFURT?
My family. I wish I could have them here.
IS THERE A PLACE HERE IN FRANKFURT THAT REMINDS YOU OF HOME?
When I visit some friends in Frankfurt or they come to me, we cook together Mexican food. This makes me feel at home.
Listening to Natalia Lafourcade, Cafe Tacuba, Ely Guerra, Zoe transports me to Mexico!
Also going to La Taqueria Bulli Burrito or Tacohaus, it feels good and the taste is awesome.