A Year of Global Adventures and Personal Growth
While 2017 brought significant global changes - from political shifts to environmental challenges - my personal journey as an expat in Germany continued to thrive. Living in Düsseldorf has been like living on cloud 9, allowing me to maintain a positive outlook despite being a news and politics enthusiast.
This year marked several major milestones:
- Visited 11 countries across four continents
- Started a new role at trivago as a Product Owner
- Moved to Düsseldorf’s historic center
- Began teaching web development to refugees
- Completed my first Spartan Race
Join me on a month-by-month journey through the highlights of this incredible year.
January: Representing trivago in Myrtle Beach
The year kicked off with a business trip to South Carolina, where I served as trivago’s spokesperson at a hospitality trade fair. The trip was made memorable by the amazing colleagues who became lifelong friends. Here’s a peaceful moment captured during a sunset stroll on the off-season Myrtle Beach shoreline.
February: A Double Dose of Adventure
Oldenburg: Where It All Began
Returning to Oldenburg, where my journey as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student began, was a special experience. I got to participate in the region’s beloved Kohlfahrt tradition - a winter celebration of kale harvest featuring a countryside walk, drinking games, and traditional German festivities.
Amsterdam: A Weekend of Discovery
Despite challenging weather, my girlfriend Britta and I had an amazing time exploring Amsterdam’s museums and pubs. The trip was made perfect when the clouds finally parted in our last 30 minutes, revealing the city’s true beauty.
March: Moroccan Magic
A week in Morocco proved to be a highlight of the entire year. From the High Atlas mountains to Fez’s ancient bazaars, the country’s diversity amazed me. Despite recovering from knee surgery, I managed to explore the mountains and cities, discovering Morocco’s rich cultural tapestry.
April: Neanderthal Valley Exploration
Just 10 miles from my Düsseldorf home lies the historic Neanderthal Valley. This region, famous for the discovery of Neanderthal remains, offers breathtaking landscapes of limestone quarries and golden rapeseed fields. The well-maintained trail network provides perfect opportunities for nature photography.
May: A Special Family Reunion
The highlight of 2017 was my mother’s visit to Germany. We spent two weeks exploring the country, including a heartwarming reunion with my German host family after 17 years. It was the first time my host parents met my mother, creating a truly special moment.
June: Austrian Adventure
trivago’s Experience Academy took us to Austria for an adrenaline-packed weekend of whitewater rafting and canyoning. While the main activities were too intense for photos, we captured the stunning scenery at Area 47, an outdoor adventure park surrounded by majestic mountains.
July: Conquering the Spartan Race
The Spartan Race was one of my biggest physical challenges of the year. This 5km obstacle course required climbing, jumping, swimming, and even spear-throwing. Failing an obstacle meant 50 burpees - a brutal but rewarding experience that I’m eager to repeat with the trivago team.
August: Mosel Valley Wine Tour
Our annual wine-tasting weekend took us to Germany’s famous Mosel Valley. While I’m not typically a white wine enthusiast, the stunning riverside scenery and perfect weather made for an unforgettable experience.
September: Nordic Cruise Adventure
trivago treated all employees to an exclusive cruise to Norway and Denmark. The experience included live music, curated activities, and even a party train! Check out my detailed account in the trivago on Tour 2017 article.
October: Italian Road Trip
A 5-day weekend celebrating the Reformation’s 500th anniversary led to an incredible road trip through Northern Italy. From Milan to Lake Como, Bergamo to Parma, we experienced the most spectacular sunset I’ve ever witnessed over Lake Como.
November: Homecoming to Kyrgyzstan
Returning to Kyrgyzstan, where I served in the Peace Corps from 2011-13, was a deeply moving experience. Attending a journalism conference marking 10 years of community media development, I spent two weeks reconnecting with friends and rediscovering why this place still feels like home.
December: Mallorcan Winter Escape
The year ended with a sunny retreat to trivago’s office in Palma de Mallorca. Taking advantage of the company’s remote work policy, I spent two weeks in a beautiful villa, exploring the island by bike and enjoying the Mediterranean climate.
Looking Ahead to 2018
2018 is already shaping up to be another exciting year, with planned trips to Ireland, Scotland, London (twice), Switzerland, and Amsterdam in the first six weeks alone. I’m excited to continue growing in my role at trivago while exploring more of what Europe has to offer.
What were your highlights from 2017? Share your stories in the comments below, and let’s make 2018 even more remarkable together!