Here to stay
Ralf Greven has a unique perspective on Görlitz and its inhabitants. In this interview, he explains what fascinates him about the city, why he will soon be leaving the Lower Rhine region for good, and which places he particularly appreciates.
Where are you from and how did your journey lead you to Görlitz?
We come from Mönchengladbach. My wife first visited Görlitz years ago and has been raving about the city ever since. In November 2023, clarinetist Giora Feidman performed at the Luther Church, and we spontaneously decided to come. That was my first visit to Görlitz, and I was immediately captivated by the city. Since we also used the concert as an opportunity to visit an old friend, we learned many fascinating background stories, which naturally gave us a completely different perspective on the city and its inhabitants.
What do you like about living (and working) in Görlitz?
Aside from the city's beauty, there's an incredible sense of optimism and new beginnings here. We get the feeling that things are done rather than overthought. The people have a down-to-earth, practical approach that we really appreciate. We've rarely met friendlier and more interested people than here. No matter where we've been so far, always
We were welcomed with open arms, and people always showed genuine interest in us, a curiosity that was anything but unpleasant. We were completely surprised and overwhelmed by the willingness to help we received when we opened our branch here in the spring. Relocating our entire lives to Görlitz was certainly a pipe dream at first. But with each visit to the city – I now spend a week here every month to look after our Görlitz clients – it became more concrete. We've now decided that we're going to pack up our personal lives in Mönchengladbach and move over, lock, stock, and barrel – just in the opposite direction to how it's usually done.
Do you have a hidden gem to share in Görlitz?
Personally, we really like all the small, lovingly run shops, pubs, and restaurants. That's why we don't have a single recommendation. Lake Berzdorf is undoubtedly the most beautiful open-cast mine I know.
Photo: private
