Hi from Berlin—Kreuzberg, to be specific. Don’t ask me to pronounce it; I had to Google it just to spell it.
I’m having a flat white—my first one today, my first one in Berlin, and, come to think of it, my first one on this trip.
The weather is lovely—warm, windy, and a bit cloudy, adding to the charm of the eclectic surroundings.
The neighbourhood exudes peaceful vibes, even amidst the ongoing traffic.
Apartments with open windows and hanging flower pots surround us. The stacked houses all look somewhat similar, yet each has its own distinctive character. There’s a fruit and vegetable stall, an artisan popcorn shop, and one or two cozy cafés. We’re sitting outside one of them, a detour from the original plan of the Mitte branch.
A German girl sits at the table beside us, reading a book with a bright red cover and no title. Her bike leans casually against the railing.
I’m trying to recall my memories of Berlin, but not much comes to mind.
Did the city fail to leave a strong impression? Then why did I want to come back here with Fafa? What did I see last time that made me think Berlin was a city worth revisiting? Was it the fond memories with my cousins? Or the privilege of having an unofficial local guide show us around? (Hi, Mita!)
The caffeine from the flat white is kicking in. I paused to tell Fafa that travel nourishes me in ways nothing else can. It’s not easy to travel when you live at the bottom of the world—with conflicting priorities, adult duties (adulties — I am TM-ing this), limited annual leave and *insert own personal dramas*.
Yet here I am, feeling recharged and alive, soaking in new experiences (and the devil juice) far away from my never-ending to-do list and responsibilities.
If you’ve stumbled upon this post, let this be your takeaway:
If you are lucky enough to have travel as an option, then choose it. Even when, at times, it feels cumbersome to plan and overwhelming to experience.
It might be worth it.
Follow me on Instagram @KultureKween for more recent updates.
