A German AI Wizard Moves to Cyprus

We’re thrilled to welcome a new addition to the Talent Hacks team, Mathias Maisberger. As a developer and AI engineer, Mathias brings a wealth of experience and creativity to our projects. While we’ve collaborated before, it’s exciting to now have him on board full-time. But Mathias isn’t just joining us professionally. He’s also made the bold decision to uproot his family and move from Germany to Cyprus. This leap has brought him face-to-face with a whirlwind of changes, and his reflections offer an insightful lens into the contrasts between his life before and after the move.

Van to Villa: From Freedom to Routine

For several years, Mathias and his family lived as nomads, traveling across Europe in a converted van. Every day was an adventure, waking up to new scenery, from mountain peaks to coastal cliffs. That life offered a freedom few get to experience, but it came with its own challenges, chief among them, the lack of stability.

Now, settled into a villa in a quiet Cypriot town, Mathias describes their new life as “stable but experimental.” Stability comes from routines they couldn’t maintain in the van, like joining a local jiu-jitsu class that the whole family loves. The villa provides the space to plan their days more consistently, but the adjustment to being rooted still feels like uncharted territory for a family so accustomed to movement.

Indoor vs. Outdoor: Gaining Space, Losing Horizons

Living in a van meant that nature was their constant companion. Their “living room” could be a forest one day and a beach the next. Transitioning to a villa, while luxurious in terms of indoor space, has brought a sense of separation from the great outdoors they once called home.

Mathias shares how the villa’s spacious kitchen has become a hub for family activities. Everyone can pitch in, cooking together and experimenting with new recipes. But with three young children in the mix, this often means a kitchen explosion of ingredients and utensils, a far cry from the simplicity of outdoor grilling by the van. “The indoors are amazing,” Mathias says, “but sometimes it feels like our outdoors have shrunk.”

Socializing: Redefining Connections

In their nomadic days, socializing was an integral part of the lifestyle. “When you’re living in a van, you find where the people are: campsites, communal spots, and you go there,” Mathias explained. “You make friends wherever you stop.”

Now, with the villa as their home base, the dynamic has shifted. The focus is on fostering relationships with neighbors and the local community. While this requires a different kind of effort, Mathias is finding value in these deeper, more consistent connections.

Food: A Mediterranean Awakening

One of the most delightful surprises of moving to Cyprus has been the food. Mathias and his family have been captivated by the quality of local produce: fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs that elevate even the simplest meals.

Mathias has also begun experimenting with Cypriot cuisine. His first attempt at αυγολέμονι (avgolemono), a traditional soup made with egg and lemon, involved a German twist that earned mixed reviews from his family. But his favorite meal so far has been the traditional meze, a feast of small dishes that highlights the rich diversity of Cypriot flavors. “Every dish feels like a story,” he remarked, “and every story tastes amazing.”

Small Shops, Big Cities: The Best of Both Worlds

Cyprus offers a unique blend of convenience and charm. Cities like Limassol and Paphos provide everything from 24/7 bakeries to modern office spaces, while the quieter towns and villages offer tranquility and community.

Mathias enjoys being just a short drive away from bustling urban life while living in a serene rural setting. “It’s like having the best of both worlds,” he said. “You can choose whether you want the buzz of the city or the calm of the countryside.”

Conclusion: An Experiment in Normalcy

For a family that thrived on the unpredictability of van life, settling into a villa in Cyprus represents a step outside their comfort zone. The van remains their safe space, a nostalgic reminder of the freedom they once had. Yet, this move is more than just a change of scenery. It’s an experiment in discovering what normalcy looks like for them.

As Mathias continues to adapt, he’s proving that bravery isn’t just about venturing into the unknown; it’s also about building something new in a place you choose to call home.