I recently moved back to my hometown, Kiel [keel], in Northern Germany, right on the Baltic Sea. Most people, at least in Germany, have a certain disbelief in their voice when they hear about my move: “Really???? KIIEL [keeeeeeel]??!!”

Well, it’s true that Kiel is a bit remote. But if you like to be woken up by the song of the seagull – which in reality is a shrill scream, and it’s always more than one seagull – and if you like the sea and beaches, small ships and big boats (or is it the other way round?), Kiel has a lot to offer.

Here are some examples of how cool Kiel can be:

• When you go to a concert at Kiel Castle – which is literally a two-minute walk from my front door – you can see members of the orchestra walking down to the harbour. And they might allow you – like they did me – to take a picture. Afterwards, they will play Strauss’ “Zarathustra” just brilliantly!
• And then there are culinary highlights like the fish bar @fischbar_kiel, with great, locally sourced fast-food fish dishes. The “Seebar” offers delicious cocktails and a refreshing dip in the Baltic at the same time. A “Sandbar”, on an old pontoon with lots of sand and cold drinks is due to open soon as well.

I will keep you updated on what else is happening in Kiel!