Get off to a good start

WILD WANDERER – « Ich liebe Berlin » V2.1

This time, every clock is on time, every route is on road, I even have my printed and stamped ticket.

I didn’t miss my bus, even though it almost did miss me. At least for a stretch. Back to school’s fault. But, fortunately, my lucky star protected me and the autobahn ran in front of me to bring me back to Berlin despite almost failed delays and connections.

I therefore got off to a good start and arrived in a good mood (for lack of the right time) under a very berliner rain. Not to say a very autumnal rain. Since I have longed for fall since spring. Since my own spring is made of fall according to my new favourite German word: herbstfreude. Fall was then early after such a heating summer. At least for a few hours before it turned back into its blue sky and shining sun. But it is another story. It is another adventure.

I walked into my own “old” steps, from the one I was 17 months ago. Without getting a fine this time.

My opening line is less aggressive. The metro ticket machine collaborates with my credit card. Berliner ticket inspectors have other subjects than me. I won’t get, in a few months, a German letter holding a grudge in my French mailbox holding a fight.

Even my shy German dares some tries without making a drama out of my failures. « Ich kann ein bisschen deutsch sprechen* ». I don’t think my German is far better than last time, but my goals are realistic and reasonable. I won’t be able to read Goethe in German, but I can check if my vegetarian kebab sauce is not too spicy.

I then left in a good mood and was safely delivered. This new Berliner adventure as the new version of me is officially launched.

* I can speak a bit of German.

Justine T.Annezo – August, 30th-31st 2026, from Toulouse to Berlin – GTM+2