Wander: Berlin, after my own heart.

Whenever we spoke of our travel plans to Berlin we were often told, "Berlin is great, you'll love it...but it doesn't really look like Europe." 

That last comment was always an interesting one to me. Europe is often perceived as the "old-world" and visions of beautiful and decorative early century buildings flood the mind. Did I expect to find that in Berlin? No. About 90% of it had to be rebuilt after the war due to all of the destruction it had sustained. Would that change my perception of its worth or affect how we experienced the city? Not at all! 

Those big beautiful buildings found in other major European capitals are gorgeous, yes. But there's so much more to a city for me! It's the people, the culture, it's infectious energy and promise. There's an obvious beauty to Paris or Rome, whereas in Berlin you have to look a bit deeper which is why I find it so fascinating.

At face value, Berlin appears rough around the edges with its graffitied Soviet-style architecture which graces many parts of the city. But there lies the beauty!

Given Berlin's VERY dark history, I found Berliners to be very resilient people who have embraced change. They've had to rebuild (literally) and imagine new identities for themselves to numb the memories of the past. The creative presence found on every wall, and every passerby is a testament to that change. There is a creative energy here that I have never encountered in any other city. It's rather difficult to put into words what I mean by that, except to say open yourself up to Berlin and you'll see what I mean. 

After all, Berlin is all about self-discovery. 

A few things we've learned while in Berlin:

- Berliners are very friendly and ready to chat

- it's a very international city, with ex-pats from every place

- it's not all sausage and sauerkraut

- to be curious

- bike culture is alive and well

- public transportation is easy to navigate

Wander: Berlin, Germany

Sprechen sie Englisch, bitte? Do you speak English, please?

This is our first time visiting Germany, and I suppose the first place neither of us could speak the language. So upon landing in Berlin our lack of German was immediately sobering. Tegel is probably the most chaotic airport I've ever flown into (and that includes Heathrow) - pair that with a couple of tired travellers who don't speak the language...fear certainly took over.

What we quickly learned though is most people in Berlin speak great English. As long as you're prepared to learn a few greetings, niceties, work on pronunciation and at the very least know how to ask them if they sprechen sie Englisch, they're more than happy to converse with you in English with a smile. 

We feel much braver exercising what we've learned and are inspired to look into language classes when we get home. German may not be the prettiest language but its a really fun one! 

Being in Berlin the last several days has been nothing short of amazing! The people here are great - friendly and fascinating! The sights, the food, the graffiti and the eclectic culture that envelopes you as you wander through, has an infectious effect. There's something about Berlin that feels like coming home. Especially if you're a creative person! The fashion and overall style of Berliners is exactly what I'd fill my "personal style" Pinterest board with. 

In just a short few days, Berlin has captured my heart and my imagination too. The thought of leaving makes me sad as I feel we've only just scratched the surface, but I'll forever dream of a return trip. 

And when we finally get back here, we'll be armed with a whole new vocabulary.

Ich liebe dich, Berlin. I love you, Berlin.

Ps. I'll be following this up in the next few days with a second post about Berlin.

Wander: Europe bound.

Kevin and I are headed to Europe tomorrow.

We haven't been back since 2009 and let me tell you, my body and mind has been aching for it ever since.

I grew up with European grandparents, so I've only ever felt a step away from this culturally rich and eclectic continent. Every time I'm back there, it feels like coming home.

We'll be gone a month to explore Scotland, Berlin, Lithuania (where my heritage lines lay) and Paris. I've already been to Paris, but this time I get to explore it with the husband in tow. A more romantic end to what is promising to be an enriching trip, there could never be.

I plan to share random anecdotal thoughts, daily photos and musings here throughout our trip. I hope you find it interesting! I can't wait to get started!

mk xo

(Taken with Instagram)