Since announcing on Instagram that I would be moving to Berlin after 10 months travelling around the world, the question I have been asked again and again is: why Berlin?
Now that I’ve finally arrived and moved into my new apartment, I have some answers for you.
1. Why not?
First and foremost I’ve got to be completely honest with you and say that I didn’t really give it too much thought. For so long I have been living out of a suitcase that honestly anywhere would be better than nowhere. The truth is that I could honestly see myself living anywhere in the world as I will be treating my new city as a home base to stay in between campaigns and trips around the world… so I guess the purest answer I can give you to “Why Berlin!?” is, well… why not?
2. Location
Thinking more logically here, a big influencing factor on which city to live in was the location. My requirements were pretty simple: Northern Hemisphere (because so much of my work is here) and central for explorations. I figured I would opt for Europe over North America because I love exploring the region and just love the idea of hopping on a train and being in a different country within hours. Berlin is located in central Europe so it seemed like an obvious choice. Note: I also considered Budapest, Prague and even Belgrade!
3. Price of Berlin vs. Other European Capitals
Out of the above choices, Berlin is in fact, the most expensive city. But in comparison with the likes of London and Paris, Berlin is relatively cheap. Sure, prices have been on the rise in recent years… but relatively speaking, Berlin is pretty affordable.
I chose a central location because I want to enjoy my neighbourhood, walk around each day and explore, discover new eateries and all the benefits to inner-city living.
4. Startup Culture
Another reason I chose Berlin is because of the nature of my work… and the future for World of Wanderlust. Berlin has a great startup culture with startups like Sound Cloud and Better Place centred in Berlin.
There are also some really great initiatives for creative workspaces like Betahaus – so for me, it just makes perfect sense to position myself here in Berlin during such a transitional phase for WOW (keep an eye out for updates on how we’re growing + changing!!).
5. The Lifestyle
Berlin has one of the world’s most incredible music and nightlife scenes. Eating out is ridiculously affordable and somewhat of a tradition for catching up with friends and colleagues, and the city hosts some great international events. I know I’m somewhat biased now, but Berlin really is the cultural capital of the world (if you ask me, bias and all).
6. The History
I’ve admitted to this once or twice before – but in case you weren’t aware, I’m a complete history buff. After studying Modern World history and Russian history throughout my years at university, I’m slightly verging on obsessed with the history of Europe. Berlin played such a key role in shaping world history as we know it today, so I’m looking forward to exploring more of that history here in Germany, Poland, Russia, and elsewhere (the list is truly endless).
7. Learning German!
Finally – Ich werde lernen , Deutsch zu sprechen! After studying German in school many years ago (okay not that many), I have managed to completely lose my language skills after not practising the language for quite some time. Thus, I’m on a mission to learn to speak Deutsch fluently!
Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.
