Nikki Martinez was a travel documentary host on the Living Asia Channel. She now writes and produces calming audio content for the world’s leading wellness apps. Follow her journeys on www.nikkimartinezvoice.com
For a Cultural Deep Dive:
The Basilica Cistern Museum – Located southwest of Hagia Sofia, this mysterious underground world of ancient columns was built by Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I (527-565).
The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque – Where empires, religions, and artistry converge https://ayasofyacamii.gov.tr/
The Blue Mosque – A gem of Ottoman architecture
The Istanbul Archaeological Museums – A treasure trove of past civilizations
A Bosphorus Cruise – The best way to see both sides of the city from the water’s perspective. Email: [email protected]
For Souvenir Shopping:
Arasta Bazaar & Grand Bazaar – Labyrinths of handicrafts, antique books, and aromatic spices
For Family-Friendly Fun:
Escape Room Challenge: Escapeistanbul.com.tr
Bowling & Arcade: Karaköy District—see one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods where clustered cafes, shops and art galleries now sit.
Nikki Martinez never imagined herself living in Europe. Her heart was deeply rooted in Asia, where she grew up, and in East Africa, where she built a career and embraced the rhythm of life. But love has a way of shifting perspectives. After marrying her German husband and starting a family, she made a life-changing decision: to move to Germany and build a future for her family there.
The transition was anything but smooth. She arrived pregnant, craving the familiar comfort of rice and adobo, yet faced an unfamiliar landscape of solitude, cultural adjustments, and a language she did not yet understand. “My husband is an only child, and I am the eldest of twelve! The absence of noise in our new home was a strange adjustment,” she recalls. But through patience, perseverance, and the unwavering support of her German family, she slowly found her place in this new world.
For Nikki, balancing motherhood and personal aspirations was a long and winding journey. During the early years, she devoted herself to raising her children, taking on only small projects while her babies needed her most. “Here in Germany, parenting is very independent. But our German husbands are so hands-on, aren’t they?” she reflects with gratitude.
Now, with her children aged 14 and 11, she has stepped into her full potential as an audio producer and voice artist, lending her talents to leading wellness apps. It’s a career path she never planned but one that unfolded naturally through years of patience and self-discovery. The struggles of early motherhood, the isolation, and the sacrifices all paved the way for a creative business that aligns with her passion and purpose.
Cultural values play a significant role in how Nikki raises her children. Growing up in the Philippines taught her to find joy in simplicity and to prioritize relationships over material wealth. But Germany, with its deep-seated principles of discipline, reliability, and open communication, has given her children a strong foundation. “I hope they inherit the best of both worlds—the respect and humility of Filipino culture alongside the confidence and straightforwardness of the German way.”
Yet, life as a working mother in Germany comes with its own set of challenges. Navigating the complexities of bureaucracy, taxes, and legal paperwork—all in German—was a daunting task. She emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help in these areas, a lesson learned through experience. And then, there was the absence of a traditional Filipino support system. “Back home, there’s always someone to pass the baby to, even for a few minutes. Here, you’re truly on your own.” But she has found solace in the safety and stability Germany provides for her children, something she never takes for granted.
Despite the hurdles, Nikki has carved out a life that reflects her values, passions, and ambitions. Her advice to fellow Filipino moms pursuing their dreams abroad? “Be gentle with yourself. Prioritize self-care. Our kids are a big part of our lives, but they aren’t the only part. A happy, clear-minded, and fulfilled version of yourself is the best gift you can give to your family.”
Success, for Nikki, is no longer defined by career titles or societal expectations. It’s about purpose. It’s about the small joys—the laughter shared over dinner, the quiet moments of reflection, and the satisfaction of knowing she is raising children who are kind, confident, and deeply rooted in two beautiful cultures.
And in this season of life, success is also as simple as hearing her child say, “If you miss painting, then paint.” Because sometimes, the wisdom of a child is the reminder we need to embrace the things that bring us joy, unapologetically.
