Christian Blankenhorn, a German expatriate, has faced the challenges of living between two worlds—Brazil and Germany—with his Indian partner, Umussy. Together, they have built a family, welcoming two daughters, yet they find themselves at a crossroads as they grapple with the decision of where to settle down permanently.
For Christian, who has been alternating between the Amazon rainforest and the Bavarian town of Eichstätt, this bi-national lifestyle has begun to take its toll. "It’s becoming increasingly difficult, not just for me but for the entire family, as we constantly shift between two vastly different cultures," he notes.
During their recent visit to Christian's homeland, the family experienced the cultural shocks and joys of winter. The transition was filled with challenges, particularly for their daughters, who had never seen snow before. "The worst acclimatization phase is behind us," Christian said of their adjustment. Initially, his daughters were less than thrilled with their winter attire. "It was quite funny when my oldest called the jackets ugly. I told her, 'Better ugly than cold,'" he recalled, chuckling at the memory.
Indeed, coming from the sweltering 35-degree heat of the Amazon, the biting cold of Bavaria was quite the shock for them. Not only did they face the uncomfortable feeling of winter clothing, but they also visited the coldest point of their trip—the Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak. There, Umussy and the girls encountered snow for the first time. "We were in the mountains and saw snow for the first time; it felt magical. I had only seen it on television," Umussy shared, her excitement palpable.
But the wonders of snow were accompanied by unexpected sensations. Umussy described her initial experience with the snow vividly: "I have the impression my body is on fire, and my bones are breaking apart," she said with humor. This surreal experience opened her eyes to the fascinating world of winter.
Despite the cold, Umussy soon found joy in the snow. "It’s very cold, but it’s something special to touch it. I like it," she stated, reflecting on her delightful encounter with the winter wonderland, which contrasted sharply with the lush greenery of her home back in Brazil.
This family visit to Eichstätt highlights the intertwining of cultures and experiences as they navigate their lives. Yet, alongside the excitement lies uncertainty. The question of where the family will call home remains unanswered, creating a bittersweet backdrop to their new experiences. While the allure of life in the Brazilian jungle is strong, the comforts and opportunities of Germany tempt Christian as he weighs the decision they must face together.
So, what is next for the Blankenhorn family? Will they remain rooted on familiar soil or brave the unknown and make Brazil their permanent residence? This dynamic family is rich with love, challenges, and adventures—beyond the geographical distances lies their commitment to each other and the stories they continue to craft.