I traded the sun of South of France for the snow in Berlin a long time ago. I came here with no real expectation but the simple joy of being able to experience a new adventure. We somehow always associate adventure with fun, wacky people and sun.

After years now that I am here with my husband, I can definitely say it was more a challenge than an adventure. Matter-of-factly, the fun has been too sporadic because of routine, people have been busy and the sun has signed an exclusive contract with the southern hemisphere.

Immersing into the German culture has been incredibly easy so far. The reason is, we rarely are with Germans. Our entourage is international and includes for the most part Americans, some Brazilians and French people.

The city of Berlin is at the epicenter of all attention in Europe. For years that I have been here, I see the number of tourists increase every season. I love the large places, the parks, and the very character of each district. When I think of Berlin, I think home.

This blog is intended to share my experience with the challenge of leaving the comfort zone. You also took a plane with vague ideas of your future, and now you are scared you might have taken the wrong choice. Worry not, this is just the beginning of a journey that will lead you to the best destination of all times. It takes courage to change our habits. At the beginning, we arrogantly expect people to change for us. It is with time only that we realize we have more to gain to change ourselves to the new.

But there is more than that. Every time you take the chance to discover something new, you take the risk it might alter you in some way. This is what Berlin brought me so far: a new community I can rely on, a potpourri of friends from different cultures and an unexpected personal growth.

A Philosophy professor of mine once mentioned in a class : “It is always about balancing, what you gain somewhere, you will lose it somewhere else.” This is exactly what happens with life, when you dare quitting the quiet rocking-chair. You might in fact lose your tranquility, but what you will earn will help you go forward and not stay on spot for the rest of your life.

Life is a master that teaches us every single day the theory classes so that we will be able to pass all the practical exams in the future.

As my Grandfather used to say: “Did you learn something new today”?