WHY DÜSSELDORF – VANESSA MCMANN
From Washington D.C. and New York to Düsseldorf – Vanessa McMann studied marketing and business administration in the USA, worked for the Washington Post and international branding agencies and eventually met her husband, the managing director of Foto Koch, which is how she came to be living in Düsseldorf since 2014. Here, she initially founded and ran the juice bar ‘VeJuice’. Today, as a yoga, Pilates and Lagree instructor, she promotes a positive outlook on life and plenty of exercise.
What makes Düsseldorf special for you?
For me, Düsseldorf is a cool city on a smaller scale. I can cycle into the city centre in ten minutes and to Oberkassel in 20 minutes. At the same time, every neighbourhood has its own character – from posh and trendy to hip and creative. Then there are the markets, restaurants, art and culture. The city is compact, but never boring. And it’s constantly growing and changing.
Düsseldorf in three words
Home = Heart (Home is where your heart is).
Why do so many different nations and cultures feel at home here?
Because Düsseldorf is open-minded. In the twelve years I’ve lived here, the city has become increasingly international. I hear many more different languages these days. People from different cultures come together whilst remaining true to themselves. I like that. Perhaps this openness, warmth and curiosity are also characteristic of the Rhineland in general. And when your heart is open, you quickly feel at home.
Health is a top priority here because …
… exercise has become incredibly accessible in Düsseldorf. There are more and more Pilates and fitness studios, running groups and initiatives such as ‘Sport im Park’. Twelve years ago, you saw far fewer people in sportswear on the streets – today, the people of Düsseldorf are always ready for their next workout. For many, health is simply a natural part of everyday life.
Here in Düsseldorf, I feel happy …
… when I meet up with friends. There are so many lovely restaurants, cafés and places to do just that. But you don’t always have to meet up for a meal or a drink – you can simply get together, have a chat and enjoy life. And, of course, a perfect Düsseldorf summer’s day like today helps: blue skies, 24 degrees and a gentle breeze.
Here in Düsseldorf, I find inspiration …
… from my friends and from the city’s diversity. I know people from all sorts of different industries and walks of life. Then there’s art, culture and the many little encounters in everyday life. You just have to be observant. Even a stroll through the Zoopark can be inspiring when you see how people come together outdoors and enjoy life. •
Text: Tom Corrinth
Pictures: privat
