journey through a year

Every year is an adventure, is a new journey in your life.

Some years have more to give to you, then you'll expected it. 

Some years are less dramatic and others have many changes on the way.

My year was literally a journey to different places, old and new ones and also in making decision where and how to go on. 

Starting with a new job in sight, I flew to Thailand to visit a friend and to discover a new and different country. I went from Bangkok to the South coast and then through the whole south from near Malaysia up to the "James Bond" Island, over to Phuket and then with the plan high up to the North and landed in Chiang Mai and took the bus down again to finally be back in Bangkok. 

A fantastic journey where I not only got to see wonderful places, but also met new people and tasted food I never eat before. But this you can read and follow from my post from this year after January. http://one-thing-to-remember.blogspot.de/2015/02/thailand-journey-part-1.html

Then back in Berlin, Germany I discovered that things went another way then planed. The job as a teacher would not become true yet, as the whole school did not open. Seemed the boss got cold feet about the financial challenges. So starting searching for a new job as I have just left Sweden. 

So starting again was not my problem as I did this several times. You know I always believe that you have to go your way and it will bring you to the places and experiences you need and want to go. Sometimes time is ready, sometimes you are not. So it seemed in this case that I won't be lucky in Berlin and so I went back to Sweden and there I was very lucky. Just there was again a promising job or two in Berlin. Now it was time to think and write down what to do and how. Finally I decided for Berlin as it did look better. Turns out the job they wanted to give me is different then what they told me. http://one-thing-to-remember.blogspot.de/2015/03/up-and-down-back-again.html

I declined but then was without a job. Starting all over again.  

Now many people would feel that everything is going wrong and whatever you do, you seem to choose wrong, but I believe there is a lesson in everything and one is to believe and have patience. 

While searching again I worked at my personality. Things which I wanted I did and some things I wanted to change, I went to people who could help me. You know sometimes you need other people to look from another angle. 

I also made another interview and wrote a lot this year on my blog. http://one-thing-to-remember.blogspot.de/2015/04/jan-bo-vinter-poulsen-interview.html

That did indeed help. And I had -like it seems - the universe also working for me. A love came into my life and two people left my space. 

I still think about them, but less now and let them go there way. Though we did not parted the nicest way and a misunderstanding led them away, but sometimes you just have to let it go. People have to make their own experience and must always pay for what they do. You can't always safe or change or make it better. Sometimes you have to trust and which the best inside you for them. 

This is also a journey.

Then I discovered my own town again. Like a tourist. Strange in a way. 

http://one-thing-to-remember.blogspot.de/2015/04/berlin-walk-secret-way-with-me.html

Finally having my new job and getting also the experience that working as usual is never again the solution, I began a new chapter and also started to go to university again. Well, not again, the first time and will do so the next three years, next to my job. 

In the same time I missed my Sweden and therefore I flew back to meet my friends. 

http://one-thing-to-remember.blogspot.de/2015/09/make-break.html

When I came back again to Berlin, I realized that my love affair with Berlin is over. Also I already moved another time (the sixth in one year) and started living in an area I have never been much before. It's a nice area and quite. 

Now living with my love is something new for me, as I always lived alone at my very own place but it is nice and wonderful, thought a challenge for both of us too. 

But like in the last years I have become a traveler. 

Manchester was it in autumn and London. Something new and something old- like the saying goes. 

That was exciting, beautiful and lovely. 

http://one-thing-to-remember.blogspot.de/2015/11/manchester-united-or-visite-in-red-town.html

Now that the year has nearly gone I have worked at my new working place a while and had a lot of challenges. A lot stress and a lot to think about. A lot to deal with and try to figure out how to do best, as I lead a team and manage the quality and also doing nursing. Quite a lot and then I have to keep in mind there is a dog home, a love and then my friends. Stay tuned to what they do and how they feel is something I try to fix as good as I can, while learning and doing everyday things which have to be done and also christmas presents will be bought and wrapped. 

To get christmas feelings is something I still wait for.... It is not really coming up..  Am to much bussy. Very much like in the last years it takes  a while. But don't worry, the spirit comes along...always. 

http://one-thing-to-remember.blogspot.de/2015/12/the-holy-family.html

Yes, this year also had its dark political effects. The racism came back into open field and the hate, the gun shootings have become kind of everyday thing and the bombs inside our heart have tried to destroy our faith in democracy. The results of mistakes come to real danger now as one of the mistakes was to keep people stupid in many ways. But also we had many light hours, hours of hope and courage and people seem to awake from a coma they have been or getting away from being blind to being more the seeing eye. 

Sure next year is a leap year but also a year for decisions. Again, we face important times and the decision we will make will more then ever lead the way for the next future. 

So what future do you want?! 

Meaning, it is time to stand up and even when we fear one or two things could go wrong or go a way we don't like. But let's be true, a change never leaves you without the question what to let lose and give up. A change is only possible if you leave things behind and that means also things we are used to. Sometimes we have to free our self from things to get free and to be able to do the next step, even when we fear the future, because if we don't we come to the point where we must and then it won't be that easy, that nice, that way you like to have it. Now you still can decide and go the way, find your way easier then later. 

That is also why christmas is a god start to be grateful and think about what you have as most of us are really rich, and some are rich for the wrong reason and others believe them self poor for the wrong reason. 

Many things come a bit later then we believe or should I say expect, but they do come true if you hang on. I can tell you from my own experience. Many things come when the time is right, when you are ready and the situation is as it is needed. Therefore have patience and go on the way you want to. Keep your goal in mind and do all on the way which gives you what you need and want. A bit planing is also good and then be flexible. That way you can react and catch what you need and come along the way you desire. Make your own path. It's true, it is the only you'll become happy. Which does not need we can go together, cross our ways, but just remember, you have to walk alone on your own way. 

That means sure not to care to much what people say, but listen to them is necessary. It gives you the information you need to reflect yourself. 

Now, let me send you some love and light and which you a merry christmas. Whatever you do, wherever you are, make the best of it. I will be working most of the holidays but am happy anyway. Be happy, be grateful and try to shine and let the sun shine in your heart. Make yourself some beautiful moments, just because YOU deserve it. Do it all for you, instead for the others. Do what makes you happy. Do what you like.  If it is just to give a smile. 

LOVE & LIGHT

Do they know it's not christmas yet?

Could not deny to make this title up as I just hear the german version of the classic -Do they know it's christmas-. A charity song and so many more came but the question remains- can this be all? What does this mean? Well, this is a question for you to discuss: I better write now about christmas markets. First this year was for me in Manchester, but home back in Berlin we also have quite a lot. To be true, around 300 all through these december days until the new year eve arrives. 

One christmas market which is still young, as they opened first time around five years ago is today the topic. You maybe know I have lived in Sweden and worked there too. It's a important part of my life and in my heart. Just one year ago I was in Gothenburg and had my life there including christmas time and markets. So what would be better to visit the Lucia Christmas market in Berlin. 

We have actually two- one is much older and comes from the Swedish church in Berlin, the other has been build up from private people. Thought I heard Ikea now has also its own christmas market. Should check out this for this year. 

Now Lucia is a very important tradition in Sweden and best to follow in churches there, thought Swedish people are not much a believer in religious, but they still pay for church... many times. But this is also another blog to dig deeper in.

Now the thing with new success is that in the first three or four years you'll have the best fun, not to many people, not to much commerce and an easy going feeling and hoping for better times. Sadly when more people come and want to enjoy the same experience it changes to successful but less comfy. Like this year when I arrived, there have been so many people that you could only move in very little steps. 

But nevertheless it is a very cosy and nice christmas market and has actually mostly scandinavian things to sell and food and drinks to enjoy and also each version of Glögg. Even Island was part of this crowed. Just keep in mind to come early or after five. 

The market is inside the Kulturbrauerei in the famous Prenzlauer Berg, near underground station Eberswalder Strasse and that makes it the little market inside the building complex which is made of very old houses and with its red color it is also very right for the market. You feel surrounded of walls who seems to protect you and you feel save. The world is kind of outside and far away. 

So if you are in Berlin- go there, have fun, eat, drink and play the games. Try the tent or let your children spring high as they can. 

LOVE & LIGHT

The old rebel- Madonna

Last week I was on to see Madonna live again. Yes, I know, some may say- Oh no! She can't sing, dance and act and so on... All those negative believing. 

Well, it's true she was never the best singer, but she never claimed to be one. 

But one thing was always sure. She can do a Show. Can she still?

For starters, she can and how she can! 

She still has a lot of power as the show starts without doubt with showing exactly this. BASS ON MAX AND DANCE AND SHOW ON MAX. 

One picture and symbol after the other and it all fits perfectly in style, to the theme and the songs are well chosen.  To say it right away, she did chose always the right songs for the part she was doing and she has several different, from asian, to religious, to artistic, to let's get on the countryside and back to let's celebrate the 20'tis and so on. Kind of a immaculate collection. 

The stage is absolutely up to date and bringing out all you can do these days with technic. She also added new artistic numbers which have been very much a fun to watch. 

Yes, she still does the D-train and mixed it with the Girly Show concept. That means the numbers come and go and the time flies and two hours are over like in five minutes. 

It also means she is more the old Madonna as the older fans known her that way and she is mixing the themes like she always does and caring less about what is approbate and political correct. After all it's a Rebel Heart Tour and the Girly Show was also much of a Rebel Show. Thought back then more then today as we are used to it more and know that symbols and the question of what is strong language has changed. Also we have started to expect this from Madonna and she is not failing to show all the scandalous symbols. She is not exactly doing it without reason but in some numbers there become like an ad just because we might do expect those. So not really dirty anymore, not really a bitch, but a rebel- yes she still is. 

Of course this became one of the things the press took to critics. 

Others claimed that she is old and can't dance. 

Well, it's true she is older, over 55 years to be exact and no, she still can dance and that in a very good way, but yes she danced less then before and took more focus to singing and keeping up a go0d show. She is a hard working women and don't be surprised that she expect this from her dancers too, which you can see more then clear. Her dancers are in fact one of the best you can find. It looks easy what they do, but they have a very clean and hard dance routine to do, thought it holds up all expectation. They also make it that you never felt bored while Madonna changed her cloths. 

Another critic I read was that she took to contact to the people and that this is wrong as she is a star and will lose her star being with doing so. She should stay untouchable. First I think she is still in the way of being a star, then for the fans it was exactly what they wanted. She showed that she can speak freely and has humor about herself (also she showed it within two numbers she made). Another complain was about her -La vi en rose- interpretation, but this is coming from misunderstanding. 

Yes, she turned the song in her own version, but otherwise it would not have function. Yes, she is doing it the american way and so the song has not really to do with the original, but here she was able to show what her soul, her voice was also capable to do. She has in fact more to give then she does. Her interpretation was a warm timbre and once again, not a big voice but if she wants she can sing very  nice. 

But she had it not easy to catch the fire from the German people. It needed the -Like a prayer- nearly a capella- and all went to be a big party, dance, sing together and having real fun. 

You maybe will have this in other countries too. 

Why so, if she starts with a firework and still needs more time to get the people up and dancing? Is it the turn from fast to slow and back again? No, this is not the reason. I believe it is more the fact that people have lost their whole trust in her with the last CD and MDNA Show. 

To unsure if this show will really rock and so it takes a while to let lose. Also I saw another problem, which most stars and acts have to deal with nowadays. Mobiles. People focus on getting pictures and a little film from the show instead of watching the show and diving in. To play over the mobiles is very hard work to do. It actually cost the people a part of her own fun. Thought I by myself took pictures, but not on many occasions. 

Another thing why it took time to bring up the fire inside us was the D-train she is doing. No time to breath, no time to let the symbols and songs sink into you. We have been glad when she spoke and actually stayed on stage to just hold her instrument or drink water or when she waited until the stair was down for the next number. 

Then she gave us the chance to celebrate. Thought she wants to be professional and have it all perfect, she is pressing a bit too much, thought at the end I enjoyed, with a completely sold out crowed, the show. 

But keep in mind, this is after all a CD promotion tour, so you won't have a collection of all songs, thought she did put some of her old one into the show and actual they came from each Album she did. 

Of course in new interpretations which maybe not all liked that much. Some fans also have been sad that she did not use the songs - Ghost town and Joan di arc- as those are some of her stronger songs from the actual CD. 

Fashion, Stage, technics, dancers, choose of songs is absolutely worth a 5 star. Her singing, as always not stable but better as years before is a 3-4 stars. The show went by like a wind blows into your face- 4 stars, as I wished to have a bit more breath in the beginning. 

So, the result? 4 of 5 stars I will say as this is sure not her best Show she ever did, but could come as near as possible to the high level she had put up herself. The Confession Show is the mark she will never reach again I believe and is unable to do for most of us actually as the level is damn high. Hopefully Madonna finds a way to make it different with the next shows and find some new ways to make a show. She is a smart women and has once's changed how we make a show with the -Blond ambition Tour-. 

She will for sure go on again on tour and you know what: I believe if the album is good as the last one, the shows will be sold out again and as she has obviously fun this time, we will believe she will have it once again. Yes, you read right, this is what also reminds us old fans from the Girly Show, she has fun doing her thing. You may like it or not. If not, simple stay away from it. If you do- go on to see the show!

Love&Light

I have a tale to tell

I wish old houses would be able to actually tell, then what would we know, what could we ashive and what rumours would delight our days! 

Again I will write about my hometown and places you can discover when you are here. 

As it is, this town is not that little and has a quite interesting history and while the years gone buy the town is changing. 

As a tourist you'll be for sure most time trying to figure out what is the centre and what to see is most inside the ring of our overground. Of course the buildings, the museums and clubs are mostly there but we have also other places to discover and if you have more then three days or have been already in town once or twice, then here is another area whish shows you how different Berlin can look and feel. 

Remember this town is founded in the way that two villages became one little town. Then all the other villages around became part of this town and so this place became bigger and still all those churches and gardens, all those parcs who have been once the centre of the life are now part of a big puzzle called Berlin and then as history went on or better the time, we took away houses, changed places and build street after street and the wars have punched in too and so some places are special as war has not done damage or humans themself. 

After the well known Kurfürstendamm which was once the longes shopping mile, you'll find the Schlossstrasse in Steglitz. Just 10- 15 min away from the Zoo and the old centre of the west part (you remember that there was a wall once splitting the town in two).

But shopping itself can be dull, can't it? So why should you be there, coming out of the underground? To see the "Bierpinsel" a building colourful and closed now due to unsurence fight? No, it's because the parallel streets are a wonderful area to do a walk before or after shopping and having a coffee. Why? Because you can find an italy villa or some house with a south german balcony or a miracle house or a little castle. The reason? The war did not destroy much in this area and it is a quite walk you'll take and your orientation point or better street is the Grunewaldstrasse as you walk the streets left and right, up and down. 
For me it is a pleasure to take the dog walks there. 

Look those picutres down below will give you a short impression. Don't they?

Thought for me, it feels like beeing in a whole other town not being in Berlin. And that is another reason why I recommend this little part to discover and if you come buy bus, then take the M48 and a lot of time, as this bus line can be taken from the centre in the east part and will take about an hour which is actually worth as you get a sightseeing tour too. Does this sound good? Well then... have fun!

Love & Light

Let there be light!

Since a few years each October you'll find thousands of people on the street when it's dark in Berlin.

It's the festival of light and goes three days but actually starts a week before with the weekend of lights. So artist and other people use the open space, or streets and buildings to put light on them and then to change over to put projections instead. 

Many famous buildings are the victims but also bridges and unknown houses get lifted from a colorful ray of light. 

This weekend since friday, you'll see moving pictures on the wall, or changing images. 

It has not only become very popular to take a walk through dark Berlin in autumn until the morning drops. It also has become much better now. 

The pictures you are going to see are more amazing now and even surprising. Of course most buildings who got a shine on are at -Potsdamer Platz-  or -Brandenburger Tor- and on the street -Unter den Linden-. These are the main places, if you like it to call them. Even the famous -Ku'damm- is with. And many more and so you have to decide which route to take. Tourist shops and information places and hotels will help you for sure to find out what you want or is best for you as you also can be on a boat tour. 

So if you are in Berlin do that walk and discover! But be aware it is cold and even when you can buy the first "Klühwein" you are going to feel cold if you have no scarf and other cloths to keep you warm as you have to wait on some places to watch all the images. 

This year I did a 2,5 hour tour and it is much colder as last year, otherwise I sure would have stayed longer. But maybe you are stronger. Just know until tomorrow midnight you are able to enjoy this event and next chance is not before next year October. 

Still not sure? Well, look at the pics I made... they may give a little idea and feeling to you.

Love & Light

near Potsdamer Ptlatz

a game of cards and a hotel in fruit

Brandenburer Tor

our wonderful Staatsoper- colors like music

August Bebel Platz where the "Progrom night" took place 1933 and the burning books have been

even chines art is to see

our Univeristy- Humbold Universität

the University and Humbold himself in front of it or better an image of him

on the corner of the Deutsches Historisches Museum near the Museumsinsel

Deutscher Dom and even my mobile was able to make a good pic as Love is all we need

The bloody moon and six pumpkins

Yesterday, afternoon, we're having dinner and I suddenly think what a coincidence! 

Life is such a mystery and a beauty and many ways are just surprising. How should have one know that all matches in the end?!

But let's start from the beginning.

Making pumpkins means you have to buy them first but where? Must be easy one may think, if you live in Berlin. Well, not really but as it was, a friend of mine was talking about a flea and food marked the other day I never have been. So what better reason to try this one, as we needed a lot of food and vegetables. The market being in the famous Kreuzberg and near the Yorkstrasse is a turkish market. And we found all we wanted. Well, next to all but most of the food was way cheaper and in better quality as I use to get in stores. Here you must know that food markets in Berlin do not use to be cheaper then the food store in your street. 

It is therefore very easy to imagine for you, how lucky we have been to discover that place and immediately we decided to only buy there once a week for the whole week. 

So pumpkins have landet in our bag. Six to make it clear. Six small but very nice one. And a lot of vegetable - all we have been able to bear. 

Being home it was one was cooking and the other one was cleaning. We expected guests. And we also have hung pictures on the walls as it was time after all. 

But I am drifting away! We beheaded the pumpkins, took out the seed and then made a mix of rice and herbs which was going to put into the pumpkins. An hour before the first guest arrived we put them into the oven as they need a minimum of one hour to get ready to be eaten. 

Skewers with peanut sauce was the next thing we made. 

It all looked very nice at the end and I learned that you actually can eat all of a pumpkin and it was food porn on the table! It tasted wonderful. And I was even dressed in orange without thinking about that this could match. 

Funny thing was we have been three couples on the table and it felt like a classic situation from a movie and the first time that I was not the only single on the table. 
Then it came to my mind that this all look very much like the meeting of the dog owners, as each couple has a dog and so three dogs, three couples and six pumpkins. Sure it does sound like a movie, doesn't it?

And then the fruits on the wooden cup made me feel very rich and of course all those happy people around. 

Later when everyone was gone and my other half was in bed I went up the stairs to the roof garden and watched the moon become a blood moon and it is said that the window of possibilities is closing and the time of results and choices for the future is coming and that compassion is the key for a better future as we are on a crossroad in history and mankind. 

Thought in the moment I just watched to brown/ read moon and this is special as we don't know if we still live in 2033 when the next is to be seen. 

Now the moon looks great and as the moon used to. Like a planet who shines. 

I did not made a picture as I already knew that my mobile is not able to catch the magic and some things should be just to be taken as the moment it is and enjoy. Thought today the internet was a moon walk.... ;-)

If this is a beginning of a new time, then let's make it a good one but one thing is for sure- autumn is on it's way...

LOVE & LIGHT

Relax- just do it

This would be so nice if all days would be like that and particularly when it is about certain things in your life you do. A new job t.ex. We all know the first day when we arrive and start with new colleagues, who still don't know our potential and therefore judge you by prejudices. As I had this several times, I am less nervous about those first days at a new place. I kind of know a bit of the game, so next challenge! 

Easy said then done. Having moved back from Sweden (which I already miss) to Germany/ Berlin I have moved a couple of times, as I did not had a job and no job no flat and also I had given up my own flat, which I don't regret (as some may think and have ask about). It is a bit exhausting this moving but what has to be done, has to be done if you want to come further. 

Relax- just do it and I did move with my little luggage. Thought it became more as I needed things. You know that very well by yourself I guess. 

Moving together with stranger is not always easy and when you have lived all your life (not in the childhood of course) alone. It turns out it was something I could make and lucky as I am I had quite good people around me in those flats. But also I realized I can't do this all year long and needing my own bed was also a fact. 

So being in search of an own home was what I did in the last months. But relax- we have just too less rooms in town and I have a high expectation. Simple because I feel it is time and worth my person to have it nice and of course it will be healthy at the end to live on a place you like. 

But then things this year always come different then thought. 

I moved in, I moved together, I found a flat and someone to share it and a dog. 

Two people getting together and it came so fast that even I am still surprised how this went on. Sure no own flat, flexible as my things have been in self storage and no special place in town was wanted. Well, not the area but sure some districts have been a no go. Funny thing is some districts have not been on my wishing list as I thought them not right, mostly because they have been to far away from the centre. Guess where I have landed. Quite on such a place, thought I can see the TV Tower from my window and as it is my new job is not in town. 

Anyway, moving into a flat where your beloved one already lives sounds easier then it is. My things and then those which are already on place must come together somehow and of course some things are double and so we gonna talk, what to sell, what to put into the basement. Oh boy what a chaos! What a lot of work and what you have to throw or give away! Thanks god you never know before how much it is! Moving in, also means buying some new things and discuss what paintings are to be on the wall. Of course it also means to respect the feeling of the other person, as it is a challenge for them too. New cloths, new habits, new books, music and dishes and a taste which is maybe slightly or more different from yours. 

Relax- just do it, is the memo I give myself and also to take it calm, easy and give ourself time. 

So I got more then I expected and love it and also it is work. Building up a future I have no experience with is my new challenge. What is yours? Do you think moving together is hard or does it more feel like natural and easy for you? Tell me, write me... you're welcome!

Love & Light

The new soap opera

Sometimes luck is on your side and you are going to see a show you never thought you would, even known everywhere in town you'll find the pictures of the "Seifen Oper" - the soap opera. The original once took place and was shown in the -Chamäleon Teather- in Berlin. Now this little experience became bigger and went on to visit another towns and now it is back in Berlin in the well known Varité -Wintergarten-. 

The story is easy to tell and starts with the owner of a house and his which to get the house just for himself, which means- all people living there have to get out and so he tries to find a way to find a reason. His daughter is therefore to become part of the tenant. Then she finds out much more then she ever thought and first being on her fathers side, she will change and so on the story goes.... 

Of course you'll meet the different tenants and what they do, how they live and love and here we have the special thing. This show is a mix of several different artistic styles. All play with a life band and everybody sings his heart out, thought only two are real singer, while the rest have learned it well. Why? They are ballet dancers who learned also to be a circus performer or singers who became dancers and wire artist. Yes, the performers have learned more then just one thing and all play very well together and the story is going on just like in a second. The body work is amazing and after all, they put a lot of funny moments and jokes into and in between and if this was not enough, they have a very good opera singer who keeps them all together with the music band. The talking in the play is part english, part german and there is also a rat and so this show is not only entertaining and has smashing effects, it also showed me the future of artistic work and how they all can work together and learn from each other. 

Sadly (on one hand) it also means that those young people have to learn much more and the expectation is getting higher from the audience. I had a lot of joy (on the other hand) to see this imaginative mix and  I think Markus Pabst and Maximilian Rambaek did a great job as directors and Jack Woodhead made wonderful music. 

So if you like a dancing splish, splash and funny artistes, water in tubes and hot bodies, if you like to hear opera with rock guitars and to see some love triangle on stage, then this is the right show now! 

Till 27. September it will take place and entertain you and by the way, it is risky for the artists to do their job as just on the show I saw just before the first part was over one of the singer got her head hit and had to take away to the hospital. 

So enjoy and like always lots of Love and Light.... 

Now the pics ;-) 

Once in Sweden

Now it is nearly a year ago that I started working in Sweden a second time. Thought it feels unreal that times flies that way and I am pretty sure if I had decided to stay, I would work there and be happy, but I did decide to be back in Berlin and to study on University. 

After all, this year is all about the future and getting near me, myself and I- to make changes. 

Yes, some things must be left to start new things and for some things I feel simple too old, and not because I think it is not allowed to do this and that because of my age, it is just simple, I feel the time is over for some things. 

Does not mean I discover them again in a view years. 

But what I was not so sure of was Sweden in future as I thought it maybe would be the end of our story, but it seems it will not be like that. As a town people of course it is much about Gothenburg and Stockholm. Over the years I got to know them better and because of my friends I also got to know things better there. Thank you for that!

It is very much a difference if you are a tourist or actually living there. 

As I worked in Gothenburg I remember the places and names of them much better and could walk with closed eyes and I still dream and think in Swedish and even at work sometimes I first know/ remember the swedish word before I catch the german version. 

Sure when it is about the weather it is very clear that Berlin wins high. But as I already know you can have a good year there and here and also very much have a cold summer and rainy days. Sometimes it is warmer in Sweden then in Germany or Berlin. Even in winter it can happen and happened that it was very much colder in Berlin then it was in Gothenburg and Stockholm. 

What I like to remember from Sweden is the relaxing way of living they use to have, thought it can led to being lazy and unable to do something, but Berlin has a way of being aggressive under the surface. This town Berlin has still much to learn and conquer and to get used to the diversity of people and make them part of it all as it is in London t.ex.. 

As I like architecture it is always interesting to see how buildings are in other countries and why I like them or not or how you can see the age of a town and the history and styles through the centuries. 

I very much like it t.ex. that the roofs of the new buildings are not flat like it used to be in Germany. You don't feel like living in a box and it seems more natural, like a tent. Which also makes them look nicer and the wood look is something I appreciate in Sweden, even know most new buildings do not have wood walls. They just look like that. But this also gives me a warmer feeling of a town. 

I also remember my colleagues with whom I worked in Gothenburg. They all have been very patience with me and respectful and also gave me the chance to learn and grow and get to know them. It is not a simple thing you can expect but I was a lucky one to have such good companies around me and I am very happy to still be in contact with them. The work in Sweden gave me much and I learned a lot and also it showed me how much we have to do in Germany to reach a better level in nursing again. The situation is far worse in Germany as you may believe and even known not all is just good in Sweden, it is much more fun and was for me- to work there. After all, work should be also something you like and get up to every morning (or next to every day). 

When you get friends in Sweden, in my experience, they are very open minded and warm then to you and will welcome you and that is not so easy to achieve as you may think. So again, I call myself lucky. 

Just now I remember all this, but you can be sure I have also the not so good things in mind, as it is everywhere the case- no place is perfect. 

Now some pictures , some you may already know and some you never saw at my side... and have a great July.

LOVE & LIGHT