Delegation hosts Henrike en Paulina – Duitsland

16-12-2021

Holding the German flag in the air on the Maasboulevard in Rotterdam, in front of the war memorial De Boeg: Henrike and Paulina don’t feel completely comfortable with it. “Germans don’t own flags,” they explain. “We are careful to be proud of our country through our history.”

On the other hand, they can express their pride in Rotterdam well. Paulina has lived in the port city for almost four years now. “I love the international and young atmosphere here.” She is happy that Rotterdam is now getting a world stage, through the Eurovision Song Contest.

Henrike studied in Rotterdam for five years and is now back in Hanover. As a mega fan of the Eurovision Song Contest, she naturally had to participate in this edition. Rotterdam is still in her heart. “I immediately fell in love when I came here. The water, the bridges: it is a special city.”

Text: Anne Klapmuts

Photo: Joyce de Vries