Welcome to Berlin

In some cities one immediately feels welcome. What is it exactly that creates this sensation? I’ve been moving around since the age of four and haven’t lived anywhere longer than two years in one stretch during my adult life. There are some places that feel like home immediately and some that never will. There are a variety of things that go into feeling comfortable in a place; living space, available activities and products (yes it’s a luxury thing), people, previous experience, and indirect knowledge or in other words - the stories you’ve heard. These facets hold true regardless of whether you are visiting a place or living there.

Berlin is described as a ‘happening’ city. There are many cultural and performative developments, young people attempting to find their way, lots of history, food and flea markets are spread throughout the city, impromptu karaoke and street performers, businessmen and hipsters zoom about side by side on their bikes, and the list goes on. Each quarter has its own character. Mitte is filled with high-rises and has a business like air. Kreuzberg’s reputation isn’t the best but it is a favorite spot of many. Friedrichshain feels like a hub of inspiration. Charlottenburg, being the home of the Deutsche Oper and various other such institutions, has an affluent yet welcoming vibe. Parks are spread out through the city and every street has a story to tell.

Thus, I arrived here in a state of excitement, anticipating these ‘traits’ of the city. Our apartment is bathed in light and is located in a so-called ‘hinterhaus’, meaning it is located behind the building along the street. It is a bubble of relaxation and ease. There are many shops and an abundance of restaurants, the people are friendly and helpful, and the cost of living is relatively low.

The fact that the weather has been wonderful for the past two weeks of course multiplied the feel good vibes. It has allowed us to explore without restraint and make the most of the few days before working life commences. We’ve biked through Tiergarten, gone to the movies at Sony Center (the only English movie theatre in the city), and walked around Mauerpark on a bright Sunday afternoon.

Each day brings new adventures and challenges. Starting with creating a home and the ‘simple’ question as to what room I should be placing my books in – by now they have been spread around the house. Their numbers are too great and, honestly, who would limit the joy of books to just one room?

More challenging than domestic arrangements is getting used to and working with the German beaurocratic order. For example, one must have an account before you can apply for a phone number, but one needs a phone number in order to apply for an account. We got around this with a couple of phone calls to the bank. However, it does not end there. Every document required must be sent by post. Answers to questions (also when emailed) arrive by mail. Any action has a corresponding letter. Having just left behind the Netherlands (a country quite far down the line in digitizing the amount of paper and time that go into getting organized here is new to us.

We are slowly finding our way. There is no one definition of a ‘Berliner’. You can be both an outsider and an inside at once. I am new to the city yet I feel like I am already weaving my way and being woven into its fabric. There is an ever-changing cityscape that absorbs and expels elements with ease. So for now, as we enter, Welcome to Berlin.

#Berlin #Newtothecity