From California to Germany: Why One Woman Regrets Leaving the Best Place to Live in the US

Camilla Delsid moved from Germany to the U.S. in the late 1970s, finding her home in California. However, after nearly four decades, she returned to Germany but soon felt out of place.

She says, “California was my home, and in my heart, it still is.” Now living near Stuttgart, she misses the vibrant American lifestyle and the warmth of its people. “I wholeheartedly regret moving back here; the U.S. is the best place to be,” she adds.

Growing up in Germany, Camilla often felt constrained. She dreamed of exploring foreign lands. Her late teenage years changed dramatically when she met Carlos, a Mexican American soldier. She described their connection as a “dream come true.” Moved by love, she followed him to the U.S., despite family disapproval. She married Carlos and started a family.

Life in California was initially challenging. “Cultural differences were tough to navigate,” she explains. Adjusting to casual greetings instead of direct questions felt awkward at first. Americans were genuinely interested in her story, which she found liberating compared to the more rigid interactions back home.

Camilla thrived in California, pursuing education and career opportunities unprecedented in her native country. Despite a difficult divorce, she received robust support from friends and her community. With their encouragement, she transitioned from substitute teaching to earning a PhD, ultimately becoming a social worker. “In Germany, I could have never done that,” she reflects.

Over time, she deeply engaged with child welfare, advocating for families facing poverty and struggles. However, in 2020, longing for her children, she returned to Germany. Unfortunately, her move coincided with the pandemic, isolating her further.

Now back in Germany, Camilla feels disconnected. “I don’t even recognize this country anymore,” she laments. Political tensions and societal frustrations gnaw at her spirit. “I miss the friendly American way and feel some Germans struggle to respond to warmth,” she said.

Despite her challenges, Camilla admires the younger generation in Germany, hoping they’ll blend traditional values with modern open-mindedness. She learns that family shouldn’t be the center of life and reflects on the importance of maintaining her identity.

Though she appreciates her roots, she identifies more with American culture. “American people and culture are the most wonderful in this world,” she states passionately.

Her story illustrates the complexity of belonging and the search for home in the globalized world. For those navigating cultural transitions, Camilla’s experience serves as a reminder: home is not just a place but an emotional anchor deeply tied to our connections and experiences.



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