Sometimes too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.
Over the past several months in Berlin, I’ve begun to find myself exhausted. Tired of looking at apartments, of dealing with complicated bureaucratic issues as an expat, of the free-spirited, anything-goes, playground-like lifestyle in Berlin. Living abroad has been fun, but it hasn’t always been easy.
And to keep myself from burning out, I decided I needed a break from Berlin. Even if it means missing the last remnants of a summer in Berlin…Getting away from the city seems like a good way to reinvigorate myself. So here I am, in Texas. At my parents’ house, sitting by the pool enjoying the comforts of a suburban life.
I’m only here for a few weeks, then I’m off on a whirlwind tour around North America (more details later). Lounging by the pool, walks in the park, catching up on some reading and visiting old friends and family—it’s a vacation!
Taking a break from Berlin
This little holiday from Berlin reminds me a lot of when I first arrived in Berlin nearly a year ago. Then, I was taking a break from my round-the-world trip and decided to stopover in Berlin. I wasn’t sure whether the stopover in Berlin would be an end of my travels, or a beginning of a new life. I suppose it was both.
The past year I spent living in Berlin has been full of ups and downs, exciting events and boring, restless days. During my year living in Berlin, this travel blog has evolved so much, it’s probably not even recognizable anymore to anyone who was following along years ago. Hopefully for the better. Things have changed and things will continue to change. But whenever I began to feel stressed or concerned about my future, the one thing I’ve found to help recharge is taking a vacation. Escaping from reality for a little bit and taking the time to rediscover all those things that make me happy in life—whatever those are!
So stay tuned over the coming weeks as I enjoy a little bit of “me” time. I’ll also be rediscovering my home country and having quite a bit of fun reconnecting with old friends, making new ones, and generally just enjoying my holiday. Lots of exciting things ahead. And yes, by the time my travels in North America end in the Fall, I’m fairly certain I’ll be ready to rediscover my love for Europe…and for Berlin.
Adam, Enjoy your all-American You-Time back in the U.S. I hope you’ll have a great time with family and old friends. It was great to get to see you (and cook for you!) prior to your departure, and I look forward to your blog updates, travel stories and photos… and your eventual return to the playground that is Berlin.
Thanks Justin! So glad we got to enjoy a nice meal before I left, too. See you soon!
Yay vacation! I can only recommend vacations.
Best way to escape :)
It’s always nice to take a break and relax as well as spending time with family. But I’m sure you’ll have itchy feet in no time and you’ll be dying to get back to Europe to travel some more! ;)
I have a sneaking suspicion that you’ll be right! Also: very sad we’ll miss each other in September. Will you be at WTM in London? Still haven’t decided if I’ll go but it’s highly likely.
Yes, I’ll be at WTM. I’ll cry if you don’t go. #justsayin
PS. I’m so sad we won’t get to catch up at any of the upcoming travel events. :(
Sometimes you just have to take time out to recharge; gets you to experience the good times more. I know how you feel though, having lived in Germany myself for the last year I am starting to need a break from it.
Germany is so often a great place to live, but this little holiday away has been really comfortable (and easy) so far!
Just make sure you come back :) Hope you’re enjoying being at home. Perhaps it will re-inspire your wander lust again.
Hope so!
Thanks Laurel :)
Adam, I feel you there – expat life isn’t always easy, although some days it’s a walk in the park. Take it easy at home, recharge, and then before you know it you’ll be longing to go back to Berlin I bet!
Thanks Tom. So far it’s been very relaxing!
I see your point: I’m about to book a 10 days trip to Italy (not really a trip, since I’m going home). The only difference is that I’m going there in October, when you’ll be here freezing your ass :D (but then again: my parents have no pool, I’d just melt if I went now).
Nice to hear you’re escaping Berlin for a bit! Can’t imagine being in Italy this time of year without access to a pool or near a beach—must be scorching hot…
Sitting by the pool at a place where you don’t have to pay rent sounds like the ideal way to recharge :) I’m doing that (well, minus the pool) at my parents’ house right now. Have fun on your North America tour!
You are right taking about to much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Glad you are taking a break from Berlin… enjoy the “ME” time & home. I’m taking a break from blogging and enjoying the time away so much… i’ll be back soon.