About me
My Heart Beats in Kythira: Between Mannheim and the Ionian Sea
About me – While my daily life is rooted in Mannheim, my soul found its second home long ago in the far south—where the Ionian, Aegean, and Cretan Seas meet. It all began for me in 1983. When I first stepped foot on Kythira, I had no idea that this visit would shape my life for the next four decades.
What started as a single holiday evolved into a lifelong passion. Over the years, I have built a deep personal connection with this island, its rugged beauty, and, most importantly, its people. To ensure this connection remained meaningful, it was vital for me to master the language. Today, I speak Greek, which opens doors that often remain closed to the average tourist—whether I’m researching in local archives or sharing a coffee and conversation in the village plateia.
My Motivation: Passion Over Profit
I am often asked why I invest so much time into my web portals. The answer is simple: it is a pure labor of love. My commitment is entirely private and independent. I want to provide independent travelers with an honest, authentic picture of the island—far removed from glossy brochures and mass tourism. My websites are my way of giving something back to the island and its inhabitants.
How I Discover and Share Kythira
I don’t see myself just as an author, but as an explorer and a guardian of the island’s stories:
- Treading Ancient Paths: My greatest passion is hiking. I have made it my mission to systematically explore Kythira on foot as a pioneer. I have scouted every gorge and goat path; I share my GPS tracks on platforms like Wikiloc so that others can safely discover the island far off the beaten path.
- Immersing in History and Myth: For me, Kythira is a living history book. Everything fascinates me—from the Minoan era to the myth of Aphrodite, who is said to have risen from the sea foam here, to gripping tales like the shipwreck of the Mentor. It gives me great joy to bring these backgrounds to life for my readers.
- Keeping the Pulse of the Island: Even from Mannheim, I stay in close contact with the local community. I regularly report on island news, whether it’s the Greek Easter celebrations or the latest local publications such as the “Kythera Summer Edition”
My Digital Projects
On my websites, I consolidate all the knowledge I have gathered over more than 40 years:
- kythira-info.de / kythira.info: This is my primary work—a comprehensive guide for everything worth knowing about the island.
- kythira-griechenland.de: My blog for those who wish to dive deeper into its history and culture.
- wandern-kythira.de: My personal invitation to active travelers to share in the silence and natural beauty of the island.
Kythira has become more than just a destination for me—it is a part of who I am. I look forward to sharing this enthusiasm with anyone who sets out to discover this very special island.
