Hi,
So here I am. In Berlin. If you read the random update from a few days ago, you must know by now that I was starting to look for a way to live in Belrin. And you know what? I’m mostly there! In fact, the reason I wrote that last post is because I was feeling kind of low. I’d just ended a too-short visit with my parents and a lot of things have been going through my mind for the past few months.
So, after being left alone in Berlin with this idea of moving here for a month, I naturally panicked. I’ve been abroad a long time, and I’ve definitely been anxious to find a place to call home…at least for a little while. So I spent two days frantically looking at apartments, all the time switching hostels in search of the cheapest deal, and it all started to add up. I started doubting myself. What was I thinking? How could I live in Berlin when I don’t speak a word of the language? What am I even going to do here? Can I honestly afford it? What if I don’t make any friends?
The thing is, I’ve done this before. When I visited Israel last July, I basically fell for the place as well and decided to stay longer. (Read Slow Travel: Two Months+ in Tel Aviv) And maybe because that was near the beginning of my trip, it was a bit easier. I was excited, but less anxious. This time, in Berlin, I’ve also been incredibly excited since deciding to stay longer, but much much more anxious. I suppose that’s because I’m not at the beginning any longer.
Anyways, I was needlessly panicking. After no more than two days of searching for a room to rent, I found exactly what I was looking for. A nice, comfortable bedroom in one of the trendy areas of Berlin, and with cool, sociable roommates—all at a decent, affordable price as that. Maybe I’m lucky, but really in just two days time I had exactly what I was looking for. Mixed in with a few good (errr…exceptional) nights out and meeting several people, I’m beginning to feel quite comfortable. This city is definitely for me.
A new beginning
I’m excited to spend a month here, maybe more. After my four months in Tel Aviv ended last October, I wrote a few quick words on how to live abroad successfully. Looking back at it now (go ahead, you should have a look, too) I realize I’m doing the exact things I suggested for successfully living abroad in a completely foreign country. Good to know that I’m consistent, at least! I’ve got a plan for how to occupy my time, a bed to sleep on and I’ve already met several people here in Berlin. And though I don’t want to sound too optimistic, I think I’ll have an easier time of making friends here than in Tel Aviv.
So with all this on my mind, I’m pretty freaking happy. Last night, what with meeting friends for an 11pm happy hour, cheap wine, trying to find a club hidden in the back of another club, dancing to Joy Division, and coming home after 5am, I really can’t complain. And today, after waking up hungover and with my contact lenses still in, I managed to get outside while it was still warm & sunny. Figured if I want to really make it in Berlin as a hipster, I better stock up on some new clothes from H&M, notably underwear & socks. Berlin, I’m ready for you.
Expect more posts about my summer as a hipster Berliner :)
Hey sounds good, I was in Berlin for two weeks last October and then after six months in India I went back for three more weeks. The city has a lot to offer and of course a great transportation system. Spending time in the Ter Garden park is wonderful.
Awesome that you came back here after Berlin! It was my first stop after months in Southeast Asia and I can’t have imagined a better place for the transition.
Also – TierGarten – you weren’t nude sunbathing were you?! Everyone keeps telling me about it in the park there. This city is crazy!
Good to hear that you’re enjoying it! I was considering staying in Berlin this summer but instead decided to live in Riga for 1.5 months. Yay for slow travel!
Yeah, I was in definite need of a place to stop for a bit. And honestly I’m not sure I could’ve found something more perfectly suited for what I wanted and needed.
Here’s to slower travel! :-) Enjoy Berlin — a few days there weren’t enough for me and I’ve love to go back.
Hey Heather!
Yeah Berlin is awesome and I keep hearing from a lot of people that they want to come back. I also met a ton of people in several of the hostels I was staying in who were planning to stay longer and cut other parts of their trips short. Definitely worth it!
Good luck with your new adventure Adam! Berlin sounds super cool and the room is very pretty. I’m sure you’ll have a great time! Can’t wait to read about it :)
I’m really excited! First time in a long while I’ve felt really comfortable living in a place and I know it’s only just the beginning of something exciting here!
Nice digs! Can’t wait to hear some Berlin stories!
Oh man have I got stories already! But they’re not suitable for print.
Nice, and I have to say, I’m TOTALLY jealous! I’d love to live in Berlin.
Yup. One thing I’ve learned is that you just have to do the things you want to do them…when you can.
Nausia kicking in right now, I ♥ Berlin, planning on moving there after my stint in Oz, have you checked out Yaam yet?
yay!
Haven’t been to Yaam yet – is it any good?
It’s an experience mate, a community of Jamaican vibes and reggae rhythms mix with a riverside beach (yes with proper sand), completed with deck chairs and a cool beer in the sun ..ah bliss – it’s my favourite place in Berlin – please visit and report back!
Awesome! I’m on it. Thanks for the tip :)
Nice! :) you’re lucky!! Have fun!
I was there two years ago and i was impressed. Unfortunately i had no time to visit it very well because i was there for only two days, but i hope to visit it again very soon. I recommend this place, it is very nice.
Sounds like you are settling in quite nicely! Enjoy and looking forward to more from Berlin.
Hahah! thanks. Sleeping on bunk beds in hostels was good preparation for a loft bed :)
And I wouldn’t roll over too much on that loft bed. It’s looking a little precarious :)
[…] A few months ago when I decided to leave Vietnam and fly to Europe, I didn’t really know what was going to happen. I had some suspicions and some secret plans in the back of my mind, but I was trying to be flexible and open-minded with my travel plans and my future. And after a few weeks backpacking (Berlin, Prague, Vienna), I came to the conclusion that I was done with traveling. At least for a little while. […]