The author's journey began long before her actual move to Germany, spanning a remarkable 15 years and one month filled with dreams, plans, and ultimately, decisive action. Daria Globina, who now calls Berlin home, reflects on her long-held desire to immerse herself in a new culture and lifestyle. However, the daunting task of immigration loomed large in her mind, with 193 countries to consider, languages to master, and the myriad of logistics involved in such a significant life change.

Throughout her twenties, Daria fantasized about a European lifestyle, even making a whimsical promise to her beloved cat that he would someday enjoy the Parisian life, gazing over balcony ledges above cobblestone alleys. Her commitment to this dream was evident as she took the time to learn Spanish and French, and embarked on a budget backpacking trip across Europe for three weeks, visiting major cities that she hoped would one day become her home. Yet, despite her extensive preparations, she found herself caught in a cycle of indecision and inaction.

The turning point came in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. With lockdowns forcing couples to spend more time together, Daria and her partner found themselves having deep conversations about their future. They pondered the possibilities of relocating abroad, and Germany quickly emerged as a compelling option. Not only was the country home to a thriving job market, but it also issued 72% of the EU's Blue Cards, which are akin to US Green Cards. The couple began to explore the idea seriously, with her partner contemplating a significant career shift, updating his LinkedIn profile to reflect his new ambition of securing a job in Berlin.

What followed was a whirlwind of events. Within just three weeks of actively pursuing a move, her partner landed a job offer. This rapid progress was astonishing, particularly as they were navigating a world where international borders were largely closed. Soon, they found themselves in Chicago, applying for the necessary visas while simultaneously packing their belongings and bidding farewell to friends and family through Zoom calls.

On Inauguration Day 2021, they boarded a plane bound for Berlin, marking the start of a new chapter in their lives. Arriving in Berlin, they settled into a temporary furnished apartment, which provided a safe haven as they began to orient themselves in the bustling city. Daria adjusted her consulting schedule to align with Central European Time, while her partner started his new job. They embarked on an apartment hunt, ultimately striking gold with their first choice in a newly completed building. They were fortunate enough to move into an even better apartment later on, benefiting from the citys rent control laws that allowed them to lower their cost of living, a stark contrast to the current market where rental prices have skyrocketed.

As they reached the four-year mark of their adventure in Berlin, the couple decided to adopt a cat, solidifying their sense of belonging in this vibrant city. This new pet was a symbol of their commitment to making Berlin their home.

However, the transition was not without its challenges. Daria experienced significant culture shock when moving from Chicago to Berlin, often finding herself in humorous situations. For instance, she quickly learned that nudity is a norm in many of the citys famous spas, where clothing is strictly prohibited. In the summer months, its not uncommon to encounter sunbathers enjoying the openness of public parks. Daria's first visit to an OB-GYN underscored the cultural differences when she was surprised to find that no smock was offered.

Moreover, the infamous German bureaucracy presented its own set of hurdles. Daria was unprepared for the modern need to have access to a fax machine, as paper documents still reign supreme in many processes. Adding to the peculiarity, her partner was unable to collect her packages from the drop-off center without a power of attorney signed by her.

Despite the hurdles, there were moments of joy that made their experience worthwhile. Daria found that locals were excited to learn she hailed from Detroit, often regarded as a sister city to Berlin in the techno music scene. She was amused by the sight of a man dancing on a moving e-scooter, Bluetooth speaker in tow, embodying the lively spirit of the city.

Berlin has embraced Daria and her partner wholeheartedly. The universal healthcare system has alleviated the stress of managing health issues, and she is even contemplating pursuing a doctorate since tuition is virtually free aside from a nominal administrative fee. The couple also relishes the freedom of not owning a car, opting instead for rental services offered readily through apps just a stone's throw from their home. The citys abundant green spaces serve as perfect gathering spots, where people congregate for barbecues and celebrations, even in the colder months.

As she reflects on her journey, Daria acknowledges that the extensive preparations she undertook prior to the move were largely unnecessary. She had not conversed in German before relocating, nor had she pursued a student visa. The act of packing for this major life change felt remarkably similar to moving apartments: keeping some belongings, giving away others, and storing what was left. Stepping onto the plane en route to a new life felt almost casual, as if it could have simply been a vacation. In hindsight, she realizes that the years of anticipation and planning were where the real challenges lay.