Now in my fourth week of working in Sweden, I had the chance to take a short break and travel outside the country for a long weekend in Berlin, Germany. The contrast between the calm, nature-filled pace of Sweden and the gritty energy of Berlin was striking in the best way. As soon as I arrived, I was struck by the sheer amount of history packed into the city, from remnants of the Berlin Wall to the grand Brandenburg Gate, it felt like every corner had a story to tell. It was surreal to walk along the East Side Gallery, with its powerful murals stretching for over a kilometer, each piece capturing a slice of history and emotion.

I stayed in the Mitte district, which made it super easy to explore on foot or by bike. I visited the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, which was incredibly moving, and spent time at the Topography of Terror exhibit, which gave me a deeper understanding of Germany’s complex past. Berlin does an incredible job of presenting its history with honesty and depth, and I found myself deeply reflecting on what I saw.

One of the highlights of the trip was exploring Berlin’s art and café culture. I wandered through independent galleries in Kreuzberg and stopped at local spots for espresso and currywurst. One night, I ended up at an open-air techno club along the Spree River, something totally different from the quiet evenings I’d gotten used to in Sweden. Berlin’s nightlife was wild and welcoming, and I loved how spontaneous the city felt.

Returning to Sweden after Berlin, I appreciated how refreshing it was to jump between such different environments. The trip gave me a jolt of energy and reminded me how lucky I am to be based in Europe, where so many cultures and cities are just a short flight or train ride away. It also deepened my appreciation for the calm, green spaces in Sweden, especially as I got back to work. I have already booked solo trips to Estonia, Norway, and Amsterdam, so I can’t wait to share my experiences with those locations as well!