It’s surreal. Though I have the acceptance letter, the apartment is set, and I have a rough plan for moving everything. It is happening!

I’m trading the quiet of Hessen for the chaos (or at least organized chaos) of the city. My new apartment is by the Grunewald — technically Berlin, but tucked away enough that it doesn’t feel like the center of everything. It’s probably the best of both worlds: close enough to dive into everything Berlin has to offer but far enough to breathe when I need to.

Right now, I’m mostly thinking about logistics. I came to Germany with two suitcases, and I’ve somehow accumulated… more than that. My plan? Multiple ICE trips between Frankfurt and Berlin, just me, a suitcase, and a backpack at a time. Maybe one of those blue IKEA bags if I get desperate.

There’s a lot I don’t know yet. I have no idea how I’ll settle into the rhythm of the city, what my day-to-day will look like, or where I’ll find my favorite places. But that’s part of why I’m excited. I’ve been waiting for something new, and now it’s here.