How it all started

### How it all started

Note I tried this illustrative video, which, according to the text, generated at least some illustrative visuals for you to get a better idea.

Below the video you also have the entire text, so you can choose what suits you best. Subtitles can also be set to your preferred language in the video .

Well, hell, let's do it. Let's reveal how one ordinary coffee meeting led to an extraordinary life decision that changed my life forever. Get ready for a story that will make you think about your own dreams.

How it all started:

Today I want to tell you the story of how I decided to take life into my own hands and take a big step into the unknown. It was a time when I felt like a mouse trapped in a wheel. I circled around, but I wasn't really getting anywhere. I was just the naive Vivien (27 years old at the time), and let's face it, I needed a good kick in the ass to finally swing and do something with myself.

Remember that feeling when you knew something was wrong but didn't know what? That's exactly how I felt in 2015. My life in Prague was like a well-run train, but I was sitting in it and looking out the window as the landscape passed me by. Everything was just kind of... right. But I wanted something more. For something that would make me tremble, that would give me wings. And so I decided to take a big step. When I look back, I can clearly see the moment when I decided to change my life. It was in a small cafe in Prague. I sat there and watched the people around me. Everyone was laughing, having fun, but I felt empty. And so I said to myself: "Enough!" Yes, in one of those cozy Prague cafes that I like so much (where you finally know that the coffee is worse than at a gas station, but the atmosphere makes up for it), I looked around me so thoughtfully. People around me were having fun, laughing, and I was just thinking how much I was missing passion in my life. My relationship stagnated like the old water in the backyard pool and my corporate job? Well, let's just say that if they wanted to fire me, I would probably still thank them.

And then it came. That flash of thought that hits you like a bolt from the blue (or rather like an ice shower that wakes you up at three in the morning). I have to change something and now! And so I decided to start again. Where? Well, in Berlin! " Why Berlin? Well, maybe because I wanted something crazy, full of life and a bit of that German (dis)order. And also because it's not so far away that I can't run back if my plan turns out to be a total disaster. (Spoiler: she wasn't, but more on that later.)

So I packed my five plums (and an extra pair of shoes because, let's face it, shoes are love) and set off for Berlin. Yes, it was scary, yes, it was exciting, but most of all, it was mine. My new beginning. I strongly remember the feeling of sitting in that Prague cafe and realizing everything. Everything was just kind of... right. I had a job, an apartment, a (dys)functional relationship, friends. But I was missing something extra, that real excitement. Life in Prague had become a routine for me and I longed for a change.

Berlin has attracted me for a long time. The city of freedom, art and endless possibilities. And so one day I decided. I packed my bags and left.

The first days in Berlin were like entering a completely different world. I remember wandering the streets of Kreuzberg trying to find my new rented apartment (Airbnb). I quickly gave up on the map and relied on my sense of direction, which at that moment was more like my cat looking for my ball. I finally found it, thanks to a nice lady who willingly showed me the way."My rented apartment was so small!?" I laughed. "But it had one big plus - a huge window with a wonderful view of the city. I often sat there in the evening and watched Berlin light up. It was like magic."

The first days in Berlin were difficult. Finding your own apartment in this huge city was like looking for a needle in a haystack. I ended up in a small, cozy apartment in Kreuzberg (it was good to begin with), a neighborhood full of artists and alternative shops. It was exactly what I was looking for. And then the job. I found a job quite quickly, because I got to know a bunch of people, and among them was my current boss, who was just looking for people to join his team. At the same time, I received a job offer at a pub, as a marketing assistant for Z€RO official Ltd. , everyone was very nice and I enjoyed the work, even if it was demanding. But I didn't mind. I felt alive, useful. Our boss is a total go-getter who also started from scratch in Berlin, worked his way up, and his valuable advice can be very helpful in the beginning. He put me in charge of this project, which is my beloved baby, and which I want and will spoil. can you help me :-)

One of the things that surprised me the most about Berlin was its diversity. People from all over the world, different cultures, religions, lifestyles. At first I was a little lost in it, but gradually I realized that this is exactly what is so wonderful about Berlin. I had the opportunity to meet people I had previously only read about in books. I tasted foods I had never heard of and attended festivals I would never have come across in Prague."

Berlin taught me a lot of new things. For example, the fact that it is completely normal to have a bottle in your hand on the street, eat a kebab at three in the morning or attend a techno party where you dance until sunrise. And also that I don't have to be afraid to step out of my comfort zone. I once signed up for a Thai cooking course. I discovered that I have quite a talent for cooking and that Thai cuisine is my new love. In my free time, I liked to explore Berlin and to this day I am not over how colorful it is. I walked around different neighborhoods, visited local markets, concerts, galleries and exhibitions. I discovered my new favorite neighborhood and cafe in Prenzl, where I spent hours reading and people-watching. So much positive energy all around, wow! Such a special comfortable harmony of people of all nationalities, religions, orientations... who can live together here in a wonderful symbiosis, in mutual respect and esteem. And any competitions in mammon? Forget it - here everyone really doesn't care what kind of property someone has, no one envies anyone - they cheer for each other. Snobbery is really out here. After all, where not anymore, right? Berlin is also when you can't tell in Ubahn on the platform if a factory owner or a homeless person is sitting next to you. The incredibly welcoming and open arms of free Berlin can be seen and felt at every corner. Berlin is rough and beautiful at the same time, it has its own unwritten rules and whoever tries to break them (e.g. with racism, homophobia, etc.), sooner or later the metropolis will spit them out.

You can really visit almost every corner of the world here and still be in Berlin. He gave me what I was looking for in Prague. Freedom, the opportunity to be yourself, and lots of new experiences. I learned to be independent, to respect myself and the people around me and to be even more tolerant than I have ever been, to trust my instincts and not be afraid to take risks. And even though there were times when I felt lost or lonely, I always remembered why I came here. Berlin is not just a city, it's a way of life. It is a place where people from all over the world meet, where different cultures mix and where something is always happening. And I am happy to be a part of this community. Living here is a privilege you don't want to give up just like that. You either love Berlin or you hate it. I love him. (including his mistakes). But it wasn't all fun. There were times when I felt lonely and homesick. Especially at Christmas when the smell of Christmas was everywhere and I was eating currywurst. But even these moments made me stronger. I realized that I am capable of handling everything that life throws at me.

Berlin has become my second home. A place where I learned to be myself, where I had many wonderful adventures and where I met wonderful people.

And even if I sometimes miss Prague (where I like to go anytime), I know that my heart belongs to Berlin. He accepted me and I am very grateful to him for that.

what about you Do you ever consider a change? Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Maybe an adventure awaits you that you never dreamed of.

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If you've ever thought about leaving everything behind and starting over – whether it's in Berlin, Bali or maybe just in a neighboring town – go for it. Life is short, and at the end of the day, all you'll be left with are the memories you make yourself. So why not make them worth it?

So, which one of you will join me and take that leap into the unknown? Have fun, laugh and most of all live! Please write me your stories too. I'm just a curious woman :-)

"See you" in the next installment of my (but hopefully also your) life stories. This was only a weak start. You're looking forward to it!

Vivien in Berlin

Passersby and graffiti

However, the beginnings were not easy. Looking for a job was difficult, and the language barrier sometimes made it difficult for me. But Berlin had its charm. Every day I discovered new places, met interesting people and learned how to live life to the fullest. In a cafe I met an artist who took me to openings, and soon I entered a world of creativity that I had never dreamed of before.

I dealt with the language barrier when moving to Berlin in several ways:

1. **Language courses**: I signed up for an intensive language course where I learned the basics of German. This gave me a solid foundation and boosted my confidence.

2. **Practicing with locals**: I tried to communicate with local people as much as possible. Although I occasionally made a mistake, most people were patient and willing to help me.

3. **Watching German films and series**: Thanks to watching films and series in German, I improved my listening skills and expanded my vocabulary. It also helped me understand culture and humor.

4. **Reading books and articles**: I started reading simple books and articles in German. This helped me get used to the language and improve my grammar.

5. **Apps and online resources**: I used language apps to help me practice words and phrases. They were great for learning on the go in the S-Bahn and U-Bahn.

6. **Involvement in the local community**: I participated in various events and parties where I could speak German. This helped me not only with the language, but also with making new friends.

7. **Patience and a positive attitude**: I realized that learning a language is a process, so I tried to be patient and not afraid of mistakes. Every progress, however small, was important.

I guess so, these strategies helped me overcome the language barrier and feel much more comfortable in Berlin.

Smile please

And yes, I faced several significant challenges when looking for my own home (it's a lottery and a coincidence) in Berlin:

### Searching for housing:

1. **High competition**: Berlin is a very popular city, so it was difficult to find affordable housing. I often met many (approx. 150-200) people interested in the same apartments.

2. **Language barrier**: Some ads were only in German, which made it difficult for me to understand the terms and conditions.

3. **Administrative Requirements**: The rental process involved various documents and references, which was new to me and sometimes confusing. (Schufa - so-called credit rating, document income, which should preferably be 2-3 times greater than the rent, the deposit is also usually 2-3 rents + upon termination of the lease, the landlord has a legal time of up to 6 months to return it. Massacre if you are moving from apartment to apartment, for example, after a few months, many people travel around the world and rent their apartment to you while they are away (2-6 months).

4. **Affordability**: Rent prices in Berlin are rising rapidly, so I had to look for compromises between location and price.

### Job search:

1. **Limited work experience**: I was concerned that my previous work experience might not be sufficiently recognized in Germany.

2. **Language Skills**: Many jobs required a good knowledge of German, which was a challenge for me until I learned the language better. It is possible, but also in English.

3. **Networking**: Making professional contacts in a new city was difficult. I didn't know the local people and I had no professional network.

4. **Adjustment of CV**: I had to adapt my CV and cover letter to German standards, which was new for me.

### Solving challenges:

- **Networking**: I participated in various networking events and workshops, which helped me make contacts.

- **Online platforms**: I used platforms like LinkedIn and local job portals to search for job opportunities.

- **Flexibility**: I was open to different job positions and fields, which helped me find a job faster.

These challenges were challenging, but in the end helped me become more adaptable and gain valuable experience.

Berliner Dom on Lustgarten

I dealt with the high rent prices in Berlin in several ways:

1. **Looking for shared housing**: I considered the possibility of sharing an apartment with others, which significantly reduced housing costs. It was also great for making new friends.

2. **Focusing on outlying neighborhoods**: Instead of looking for housing in the city center, I focused on outlying neighborhoods where rent prices were lower but still easily accessible by public transportation.

3. **Negotiating the rent**: When I found an apartment, I tried to negotiate better terms, such as reducing the rent or including some services in the price.

4. **Long Term Leases**: I considered longer leases, which often resulted in lower monthly rents.

5. **Monitoring Market Trends**: I regularly monitored the real estate market to understand when and where the best deals were.

6. **Savings and Budgeting**: I carefully planned my budget and tried to save on other expenses so that I could afford a higher rent.

7. **Social housing**: I found out if I am entitled to social housing or other forms of support that could help reduce costs.

With these strategies, I was able to find housing that was within my budget and met my needs.

Here are some other strategies that can help significantly reduce the cost of living in Berlin:

1. **Search for apartments on lesser-known platforms**: Instead of traditional websites, you can try lesser-known platforms or local social media groups where people often advertise rentals.

2. **Participation in housing exchanges**: Housing exchanges are regularly held in Berlin, where you can find offers directly from the owners and thus avoid queues on the stairs..

3. **Focus on short-term rentals**: If you have the flexibility, you can try short-term rentals, which can be cheaper, especially in the off-season.

4. **Reducing utility costs**: Look for apartments with lower utility costs or try to negotiate the inclusion of these costs in the rent.

5. **Considering alternative types of housing**: For example, co-living spaces or community housing can be cheaper and offer added value in the form of shared spaces and activities.

6. **Getting Subsidies or Subsidies**: Find out about city programs that may offer rent subsidies for certain groups of residents.

7. **Agreement to exchange services**: If you have certain skills (eg maintenance, cleaning), you can try to negotiate a reduction in rent in exchange for these services.

8. **Lifestyle and Minimalism**: Consider minimalism and a lifestyle that doesn't require so much space. Smaller apartments can be cheaper and still comfortable.

9. **Moving to neighboring cities**: If you can, consider living in nearby cities or towns that are well connected to Berlin and have lower rents.

10. **Focus on seasonal listings**: Watch for listings during periods when demand is lower, such as during the summer holidays when there are more apartments available.

These strategies can help find more affordable housing and reduce the overall cost of living in Berlin.

stork:

One evening I decided to visit an improvisational theater. I was sitting in the audience laughing when they suddenly pointed at me. "You're a newbie, huh?" the comedian asked. My heart pounded, but I nodded. In that moment, I became part of a community that welcomed me with open arms.

As the months passed, I began to build a new life for myself. I found a job in a creative agency, learned German and even started painting. Every day was a new adventure that taught me how to be stronger and more independent.

Today, when I look back, I know that the decision to leave the Czech Republic was one of the best I ever made. Berlin gave me the opportunity to rediscover myself and showed me that life is full of surprises if we are not afraid to take the first step. And so my new adventure began - and I'm proud of it.

What made me decide to leave the Czech Republic and start a new life in Berlin?

Several factors led me to the decision to leave the Czech Republic and start a new life in Berlin. The first of these was the desire for change. After a failed long-term relationship, I felt that I needed a fresh start and space for personal growth.

Another reason was leaving a job that no longer fulfilled me. I wanted to break free from routine and find a place where I could develop my creative ambitions. Berlin attracted me with its dynamism, art scene and multicultural environment that promised new opportunities and experiences.

In addition, I longed for freedom and independence. I wanted to learn something new, meet interesting people and experience life in another city. Berlin came to me as an ideal place where I could start over and discover myself.

I coped with the challenges and obstacles that came with the decision to start a new life in Berlin in several ways:

1. **Openness to new experiences**: I tried to take every situation as a learning opportunity. Even when something was difficult, I tried to find a positive side in it.

2. **Building a community**: I quickly realized how important it is to have support around me. I met new friends who helped me navigate the city and overcome the language barrier. We explored Berlin together, which gave me a sense of belonging.

3. **Language courses**: In order to integrate better, I enrolled in a language course. Learning German not only helped me in my everyday life, but also opened the door to new job opportunities.

4. **Flexibility and Patience**: I realized that changes take time. Sometimes I felt frustrated, but I tried to be patient and give myself time to adapt.

5. **Focus on personal growth**: I engaged in activities that I enjoyed, such as painting and visiting cultural events. This helped me keep a positive mindset and motivation.

6. **Reflection and self-reflection**: I regularly wrote a diary where I recorded my feelings and progress. This helped me better understand what I was going through and realize how far I had come.

Thanks to these strategies, I gradually learned to overcome obstacles and enjoy the new adventure that Berlin offered me.

In order to adapt to life in Berlin, I underwent several personal changes:

1. **Change of thinking**: I learned to be more open and flexible. I have accepted that life in a new city brings unexpected situations and that it is important to adapt.

2. **Improving language skills**: In addition to the language course, I tried to communicate with local people, watch German movies and read books in German. This helped me improve my language skills and feel more confident.

3. **Lifestyle change**: In Berlin I started experimenting more with food and lifestyle. I tried new restaurants and cafes, and I also became interested in eating healthier.

4. **Creating new routines**: I established new daily routines that included walking around town, visiting parks, and exploring different neighborhoods. This helped me to orient myself better and feel at home.

5. **Involvement in local culture**: I actively participated in cultural events such as festivals, markets and exhibitions. This allowed me to get to know local customs and traditions.

6. **Development of social skills**: I tried to make new friendships and build relationships. I participated in various groups and activities, which helped me meet people with similar interests.

7. **Self-reflection and personal growth**: I regularly took time to reflect on my goals and values. This gave me a better orientation in what I want from life and what changes are important to me.

These changes helped me adapt more quickly to my new life in Berlin and create my own space there.