CHAPTER ONE

Hi, I am Nelly. I’ll be taking you on a journey of a lifetime. We will laugh, cry, and learn together. As the title suggests, my life is a unique blend of two completely different continents, cultures, and societies. What does that mean?

Well, imagine being born in Germany, a country known for its precision, efficiency, and rich history, but growing up in Ghana, a land vibrant with colour, music, and deep-rooted traditions. My childhood in Ghana was filled with the warmth of family, the rhythm of music, and the aroma of waakye and jollof rice. Yet, my German roots always whispered to me, promising a different kind of adventure. These two worlds, so distinct yet both a part of me, shaped my identity in profound ways.

Whether you’re here to read about my journey from Ghana to Germany, my life as a student, my experiences working menial jobs, climbing the career ladder to a corporate position, or navigating the nuances of relationships, marriage, or motherhood, you’re in the right place. Each chapter of my life holds a story—stories of joy, struggle, success, and invaluable lessons.

So why am I putting myself into the ether? After almost ten years in Germany, I’ve come to realise that we’re all at different points on this wild, winding journey called life. Some are just starting, eyes wide with wonder and anticipation. Others are somewhere in the middle, navigating the twists and turns with a mix of confidence and uncertainty. And some are wandering, lost in the fog, unsure of where they stand or where they’re headed. Do I have it all figured out? Natürlich nicht.

I’m still very much a work in progress, each day adding another stroke to the canvas of my life. Sometimes, I worry I might be smudging the paint or choosing the wrong colours, but deep down, I hope I’m creating a masterpiece that will one day shine brightly for the world to see. My life’s journey has been a blend of laughter and tears, triumphs and setbacks, all contributing to the vivid, complex picture that is uniquely mine.

This book is my way of sharing that picture with you. My only goal is to touch and inspire anyone who comes into contact with it, to add a little colour to their own life’s canvas. So whether you’re contemplating a move, already living abroad, or simply curious about the life of a German-born Ghanaian who grew up in Ghana and now calls Germany home, you’re in for a ride.

Well then, without further ado, let’s take the first step through the tapestry of a German-born Ghanaian.