When Algernon returned to Canyon Lodge after his internship in Germany, the red sands and familiar skies of Namibia felt both comforting and somehow different. He had changed and so had his perspective on hospitality. We caught up with Algernon recently to talk about his time abroad, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he’s brought back with him. His journey began with an opportunity many dream of a professional exchange with Romantik® AG Hotels in Germany one of Gondwana Collection Namibia's global partners.
“Getting in was tough,” Algernon admitted with a smile. “The process involved a full interview and a German proficiency test. The waiting felt endless, but when that acceptance email finally landed… pure joy. It really was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” While not new to Germany, Algernon found Nuremberg to be a different experience altogether. “It’s a very family-oriented city, and the pace is slower in a lot of ways. I missed home at times, especially my family, but immersing myself in local traditions helped. The Kärwa festival, for instance it’s like a mini-Oktoberfest. That was a highlight.”
But it wasn’t all beer tents and sightseeing. Professionally, the experience pushed him out of his comfort zone. While at Romantik® Hotel Gasthaus Rottner Algernon’s main responsibility was managing the breakfast shift, ensuring the buffet was set up, stocked, and running smoothly often solo. “Serving 20 guests by myself felt impossible at first,” he recalled, “but by the end, I was doing it without much supervision. That was a big win.” Navigating workplace dynamics also came with its learning curves. “German dialects vary so much. I had to constantly ask colleagues to slow down or repeat themselves. It taught me patience and how to really listen.”
Photo credits: Algernon Van Wyk
When asked to sum up his biggest takeaway, Algernon paused before answering: “Look at the big picture. Don’t get stuck sweating the small stuff.” That mindset shift, he says, helped him adapt to both cultural and operational differences. Still, it wasn’t just the job that made the exchange unforgettable. Algernon fondly recalled spontaneous trips to museums, city carnivals, and one delightfully niche moment scoring a rare pack of limited-edition Adele-themed Haribo gummies. “It was silly, but so memorable,” he laughed. What stood out most, however, was the work culture at Romantik AG.
“There was real camaraderie very much like Gondwana. Everyone was willing to help, and they made sure I felt part of the team.” This sense of belonging extended beyond work too, with colleagues offering tips for exploring the city and adjusting to life in Germany. Algernon believes this kind of experience holds great value for Gondwana Collection and its guests. “Understanding the expectations of European travellers that insight is gold. I think we could integrate some of what I’ve learned into our training programmes. Workshops, maybe. It could really enrich our service approach.”
Nina Braun, Christa-Marie Swanepoel, Lisa Rottner-Jahn and Algernon van Wyk.
When asked what advice he’d give to others considering such an exchange, his answer was immediate: “Go for it. It’s intimidating, but the growth is incredible. It’s not just about hospitality it’s about life.” Summing up the entire experience in one word, Algernon didn’t hesitate: “Adventure.” One that tested, transformed, and ultimately reaffirmed his love for the hospitality industry. Now back at Canyon Lodge, Algernon is ready to share what he’s learned and perhaps inspire the next team member to take their own leap into the unknown.
SUBMIT YOUR COMMENT