In April I visited Berlin for the very first time, and I loved it!

I think it's fine to romanticize a European lifestyle, as long as you don't upend your life thinking that an EU move will solve all your problems. Growing up in the busiest city in Vietnam, I had dreams about one day spending my days in the Italian Riviera. Then, living in capitalist America changed me, and I now find myself looking for places that embrace diversity and celebrate the quirkiness of human expression. That's Berlin.

Oh Berlin! The people are so beautifully weird and free, the food is amazing, and it is surprisingly quiet for a big city. I spent so much time there just people-watching and breathing in the slowness of life (well, slow compared to NYC). I also got to hang out with my colleagues, old and new friends. Three weeks of exploring and I barely scratched the surface of this eclectic city.

Of course, the best moments are usually not captured. Below are some of the photos I managed to get while I was there. I hope to be back soon.