From bar shifts to beer tents, Christa-Marié’s cultural exchange journey with Romantik Hotels was one of growth, gratitude, and unforgettable lessons. Returning from Germany after a three-month exchange, Christa-Marié described her experience as challenging, enriching, and humbling. Adapting to Namibia’s relaxed work pace after the fast, structured environment in Germany took patience, but it also opened her eyes to the power of combining kindness with leadership.
Initially hesitant to apply for the programme, she decided to leap outside her comfort zone and hasn’t looked back since. Adapting to Germany’s punctual, efficiency-driven culture wasn’t easy. “Germans don’t do small talk the way we do,” Christa-Marié laughed, recalling a grocery store cashier telling her, “I’m not your friend,” after she asked how her day was. Yet these differences sparked self-awareness and deepened her understanding of communication styles across cultures.
One standout moment? Experiencing a Kärwa a lively neighbourhood festival complete with traditional dress, live folk music, and beer tents. “It was like a mini-Wika for every suburb,” she recalled. “Being outside of your comfort zone teaches you who you really are,” said Christa-Marié. She discovered her strength under pressure and the importance of empathy in leadership. From navigating language barriers with Google Translate to finding support in her colleagues, the experience helped her see challenges as opportunities for growth.
Christa-Marie alongside Algernon Van Wyk during their time in germany. Photo credits: Christa-Marie
Among the most memorable? Leaving her phone in a shopping mall bathroom and returning to find it still there hours later and walking 10 km home one night after missing the last subway train reassured by five different police patrols along the way. Working at the family-run Gasthaus Rottner, she rotated between bar service, food running, and waitressing quickly learning the importance of efficiency, communication, and upholding European hospitality standards.
“At Romantik, everything is structured and fast-paced. You follow instructions to the letter,” she explained, “unlike Gondwana Collection, where open teamwork is encouraged.” Christa-Marié credits her time abroad for improving her stock management, upselling skills, multitasking, and adaptability under pressure. She’s already applying these lessons to update Standard Operating Procedures at Damara Mopane Lodge and empower her team.
Nina Braun, Christa-Marie Swanepoel, Lisa Rottner-Jahn and Algernon van Wyk.
Her time in Germany reaffirmed what makes Namibian hospitality truly special: its heart. “We create a sense of belonging our warmth is unmatched,” she shared. While German systems impressed her with their structure, she realised that excellence could take many forms and that Namibia’s strength lies in its community. “To anyone considering an exchange be humble, stay open, and lean on your support system,” Christa-Marié said. “The grass isn’t always greener it’s how you grow where you are that matters.”