Visiting Berlin has always given me a weird feeling ever since I lived there in 2022. The first few times I came back after moving away, I cried. But the funny thing is that I used to feel sentimental about Berlin on the day I arrived — and happy and relieved on the day I left.

I just feel like my time and connection to Berlin are over. I’m in a different stage of my life now, and I value different things. The main issue I noticed about Berlin is that it somehow blocks my creativity. While I was living there, I was working in a field that had nothing to do with my actual purpose or talent. When I went straight from Berlin to Croatia and stayed in the Mediterranean nature for a week just to create, I could truly feel the difference.

I know many people say that an impulsive and diverse city like Berlin inspires them and fuels their creativity. But in my case, I need space. Space to feel connected to something that isn’t made or built by humankind.

Even though I don’t see myself ever moving back, I would never want to miss out on the time I had there. I experienced and learned so many things that brought me closer to who I am. I can also see the beauty of Berlin. Visiting friends gives me the chance to focus on the city’s pretty sides. And I mean — any vibrant European city in summer is just VIBE!