Berlin, ich komme!

Berlin, I'm coming! I feel somehow confused and even becalmed about having to leave all my friends and loved-ones once again behind and heading towards Germanic adventures.

I have already started packing to avoid last minute mistakes (such as leaving my pass to the library copy machine, which happened last time just that I was moving out of the country). I am using a packing list that I also used for Paris and Lugano. It helps me to decide easily which things are necessary and useful this time without having to go through it every time I move. It is difficult to decide what to take with me since there's never enough space for everything you'd like to take. I already stuffed my ukulele on the bottom of the suitcase to make sure that I won't leave it behind. In Finland I don't really have time for it but it has been a faithful friend abroad when I get a sudden burst for musical expression. This time I promised myself to take with me something homely. Last time in Lugano I felt a little bit cold in my IKEA-furnished study room. Now I decided to take an old magic lamp in which I can burn incense in. Maybe the djinni inside will make my stay here in Berlin marvelous. I do hope so!


Three months abroad feels this time long time for some reason. On the other hand it is not. It might be the time when my culture shock is about to begin after few months of Berlin euphoria. This time I won't think that the time abroad will go smoothly and quickly. I won't think about it. Just like at work: the better and faster it goes the less you look at the time. I don't want the time to go faster - no way. I just want to feel the new environment and live in the moment. Cliché but true.