i flew to Berlin alone age 15. here's what i've learnt.

Hi Everyone!

Welcome to a little reflection post! Today I wanted to talk about my week in Berlin and what I learnt, especially seeing as I flew there alone. I am 15, so this was a real adventure for me!

Firstly for context. My best friend lives in Berlin and for years I've wanted to go out to visit her. And I finally did! My parents didn't want to have to fly out with me, but we found out that with British Airways, you can fly alone at 14! I am 15, and so could do this. I would rather not have flown, but that was the best option, especially seeing as half term is only one week so there wasn't much time.

It was one of the scariest thigs I've ever done. It was so overwhelming to fly from Heathrow, with my dad only coming as far as check in. Navigating a whole airport alone is scary enough, but the biggest airport in the UK, and the 8th busiest in the world, is another level of scary. But I actually did it. I flew from London Heathrow to Berlin completely alone. I didn't have any special treatment; I was just a normal passenger! 

I now know that I can be independent and find a way to make things work. Even with a delayed flight, I still managed fine. I learnt that I can deal with situations and figure things out, without always relying on other people.

 

I also learnt a lot about myself on this trip. I've always thought I'm a country gal through and through, and that living in the city for more than 2 days is super overwhelming and too much. But I can now day, after having lived in Berlin for a week, that I actually kind of like the city (!). This is probably helped by how GREEN Berlin is. So many trees! 

I appreciated the independence living in a city gives you and how much is at your fingertips. From the incredible choice of schools and opportunities, to the shops and parks and people and diversity. It's something I miss so much in the countryside. And I'm realising that I really do want to live in a city for a while. I want to test it out more, see whether I like it, which is something I never thought I would say!

I also journaled a lot throughout this trip and that's something which was so helpful in navigating a lot of emotions and trying to process and remember this experience. It's so special to have a book of thoughts from Berlin.

I also had a specific Berlin playlist I listened to throughout the trip, and I love how I can associate songs with a place so much, and how these songs transport me back to Berlin! I learnt how important it is to process chapters, process changes and new experiences, and how music can be such a huge part of that.

I learnt that quality time is definitely important to me, and how just living in the moment is crucial to having an unforgettable experience. I have so many beautiful memories from this trip, moments I remember that aren't captured on camera or displayed anywhere. They are moments just for me. 

I also went out into Berlin alone, and felt strangely safe and at ease? I felt okay, it was challenging, sure, but really not that bad. And it was a cool little solo adventure!

Flying back home was so much smoother than flying out! No delays, and the Berlin airport is so much easier to navigate. I made my way with just the right amount of time to my gate, and straight on the plane and back to Heathrow. It was so simple, so fast and easy. And I felt a lot more confident too, in my decisions and choices, and in just sitting at the airport and waiting for the gate to open alone. 

This trip was just so special. I got to spend time with my best friend, I did the tourist things in Berlin, as well as staying in my best friend's garden house out of the city and it was such a good week. Hard and challenging in places, but so worth it. Thank you to my friend for hosting me and for showing me around your city!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post. I know it's a little different, but I wanted to document some thoughts and share my experience. Thank you for coming along, happy reading!

Have you been to Berlin? What have you done recently that's been a challenge?

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p.s. casual magic of the day:

(If you are new here and have no idea what I'm on about, click here to find out more)

My green trousers. I love them so much lol and if you know me in person, you know what i mean : )