I packed my first suitcase today. We are coming home!
As our year in Berlin is draws to a close, we are all feeling a wide mix of emotions as we bid farewell to our new friends, favorite spots and cozy yellow house in the woods. I’m so happy that Forest has a new home with my friend Amy, and I’m slowly shedding sundry items that are not worth packing like flower vases, extra spices and my yoga mat to friends who can use them here.
My last big event with the American Women’s Club of Berlin was a fun-filled game night with trivia about world politics and pop culture. While our team wasn’t even close to the top of the pack, we had a great time, and the evening gave me a chance to say goodbye to several new friends I’ve met throughout the year. Here I am with Dina, my unofficial book and blog writing mentor!
We also had a wonderful official farewell dinner last weekend at the Night Kitchen in my favorite part of Mitte on Oranienburger Strasse near the Neue Synagogue. My favorite Berlin people all came together, and we feasted on a delicious spread of Israeli fusion dishes. It was so fun to introduce my new friends to each other, and think about how and where our paths will cross again. Somehow the song, “Make new friends, but keep the old– one is silver and the other’s gold” keeps playing on repeat in my head. I do adore my new friends here, and have loved meeting up with them regularly for both adventures around Berlin and socializing (or yoga!) at home. Each of them have made our time here all the more meaningful and delightful.
Above is a picture of the crew at dinner on June 15th. From the left, we have Shlomit, Madeleine, Anna K., Amy M., Matt, Jonathan (of course!), Ludger, Peony, yours truly and Anna M. Among us are two Germans, one Canadian, two SF Bay Area natives, and one fabulous tour guide! I know I will see each of them again, even if the where and when is a bit fuzzy for now.
And so as we prepare to bid Berlin adieu, stay tuned for the publication of my forthcoming book entitled “Exile and Return” in which I explore this year’s experience living in Germany in the larger context of my family history and my own life’s journey. The first draft is nearly complete, and I can’t wait to share the finished product with you all. Thanks for following along with my stories from our year in Berlin.
As I shake my head in disbelief that it’s actually coming to a close, I smile wide, knowing that this has been a year we will never forget.
Sorgers in Berlin: A Midlife Adventure 
One response to “A fond farewell”
Hi Nicole,
It has been so fun following along on your Berlin journey and appurtenant explorations. You have created some amazing memories for your family. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to seeing you stateside!
Warmly,
Martha
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