*Note: This article was originally written for my monthly linkups, which I've archived as it was taking too much out of me. However, I've kept most of the posts written as I realise it's much like a diary with memories that make me nostalgic or smile. I hope you enjoy reading them, too! š
My 3 Month Stay in Berlin is Ending Soon, Sadly
Oh my March. Time is a droplet of history, encapsulated in a bullet going at the speed of light. I feel like I havenāt met any of my goals at all, and by this time Iām close to the 3 month mark of being in Berlin.
I am closer to being back in Singapore now than ever before. Which isnāt a pleasant feeling as I love the winter season here. Yet, Iām also looking forward to nuzzling and cuddling my birds once more. Iāve missed them quite a bit. I hope they arenāt too angry with me for abandoning them for so long!
I havenāt really done anything too touristy, and have just been living here as if I were back in Singapore, save for the change in location. I suppose itās a different vibe when you travel to a new place for a short period of time, as opposed to a few months. So far Iāve been to the Museum Island, the East Side Gallery, a few nice bars and peopleās homes. Iāve spent a lot of time indoors, but am content with that.
Another strange fact - I have yet to make a single German friend here. I know, right?! Iāve met people from everywhere else - France, USA, UK, Australia, Ireland, Pakistan, the Netherlands, India, Spain, etc. Then again, Germans in other parts of Germany tell me that Berlin is not quite Germany š The only German Iāve really interacted with at any length was an iTalki teacher I had for two lessons online.
*Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational purposes, and is based on my personal experiences as a patient. I am not a doctor, and nothing in this article should be substituted for medical advice. Please consult your own doctor before changing or adding any new treatment protocols. This post may also contain affiliate links. It will cost you nothing to click on them. I will get a small referral fee from purchases you make, which helps with the maintenance of this blog. Read our Privacy Policy page for more information. Thank you!
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Out and About, Doing a Little More on My Travels
Speaking of which, I think I did quite a lot in the past couple of weeks, as we were visiting family for a week in France. Flights, as all of us chronic illness people know, are evil. I tried illustrating it to my partner with my half filled water bottle on the flight. As we were descending, it was getting all squeezed and sucked in from the air pressure. I told him that was how my bones felt like whenever I take a flight, no matter how long or short the ride is.
Toulouse, a Pleasant Little City in France
I enjoyed strolling along the cobblestoned streets of Toulouse. Speaking of which, my oh my, all the food, the glorious food on arrival! Every street corner had chocolates, cheese, wine, saucisson, and yumminess galore! This is quite in contrast to Berlin. The greedy foodie in me was much satisfied.
We stayed at my partnerās mumās place for a couple days and it was so homely and cosy. Her cat, Kimmie, was the cutest. She loved nuzzling noses and rubbing heads. Itās always nice to have a furry friend at home. Itās too bad that I canāt afford a cat or dog at home, as I can barely take care of myself financially as it stands. (Update: Okay, I still can't quite afford a dog, but here's Talisker, my sheltie!)
A Day Trip to San SĆ©bastien, Spain, Next Door
We also visited San SĆ©bastien in Spain for a day trip, which was a short drive away. We were lucky, as it was the only sunny day our entire stay there. I kept thinking, "this is how life should be", as we spent our day together with quality family time. Sangria (for the rest) and thick Spanish hot chocolate for me, whilst live music played nearby.
After which we had their famous tapas/pintxos for lunch, then visited the beautiful aquarium. Strolling around the town and seaside was super pleasant, too. I think I could live in a simple place like this and be happy.
And Then Chronic Illness Jolted Me Back to 'Reality'
And then of course, chronic illness had to get jealous and whipped my ass for an entire week. On the way back to Berlin, I barely slept for two days straight as I was up all night pacing in pain.
I think I caught a UTI somewhere along the way, and just took antibiotics as it was burning, and we had much travelling to do. I also vomited at the airport, so that was really no fun. I am however, grateful that I had my partner there to support me.
Setting My Sights on New Work Targets
As for targets, I just clinched a new web development job, and am excited about it. Itās a nice change from writing jobs every now and then. The timeline will be a little more strict, but I believe I can do this.
Apart from that, I am also working on my new business site (itās taking much longer than I had imagined), due to the fact that Iām stuck with carving out my services and exact niche. I am also reading up more on internet marketing and affiliate sales, and trying to push myself to do all these boring but necessary stuff (to me at least!).
Anyway, Iāll prioritise my clientās job first, and target to get my website out asap next. The book Iāve been reading on internet marketing has been somewhat helpful, and helps to give me a better idea of how I should carve my little corner of the web out next.
Putting on a Few Extra Winter Pounds...
Finally, I think Iāve put on some winter weight, ha! Whilst it hasnāt been super cold in Berlin, itās been an excuse for me to indulge in raclette, fondue, saucisson, cheese and whatnot. Iāll just take it as a special, long holiday!
I remember my childhood back in Hong Kong, where Iād also put on some belly fat during winter even as a child. It used to be much colder back then, before the global warming rise in temperature. Anyway Iām not too worried as Iāll be back to sunny Singapore soon. For now, eat and as they say, āthereās more of me to loveā for now š
Trying Not to Stress Too Much
So Iām going to be as stress-less as I possibly can from now until I go back home (and hopefully after as well!). Iāll enjoy what I can, when I can. Itās a good way to be in life. I suppose after youāve gone through a bad period or a bad pain flare, itās easier to look at things that way for a while. It lends some perspective.
One thing Iām definitely not looking forward to when I get back in April - all the doctor appointments stacked back to back, week after week, that Iāve held off for the past 3 months. It will be a full month of hospital visits and with the coronavirus running rampant, letās hope itās not too much of a hassle. Anyway, Iāll find out when Iām back. For now, Iāll just enjoy what little time I have left in Europe. Cheers to life!
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Niamh
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Sheryl Chan
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Kathy
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Sheryl Chan
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Rhiann
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Sheryl Chan
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Naomi
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Sheryl Chan
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Shruti
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Sheryl Chan
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Despite Pain
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Sheryl Chan
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Cynthia
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Sheryl Chan
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Jackline A
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Sheryl Chan
Start a new conversation in the Member Comments below!Oh your journey just sounds so wonderful Sheryl. You managed so much pacing. Your analogy of the water bottle is spot on I usually feel like that at the end of the day lol Safe travels back to your birdies xx
Thanks Niamh! Yes when I looked at the water bottle it just felt like that haha! I did try to pace a lot, and whilst pain never fully goes away, I still had a lot of good memories! x
I loved reading about your travels. Iām so glad you got this opportunity!
Thanks Kathy! I havenāt really shared much as I tend to get a bit lazy and donāt want to share too much private life stuff apart from illness. Sending hugs!
āI suppose after youāve gone through a bad period or a bad pain flare, itās easier to look at things that way for a while. It lends some perspective.ā ā I love this quote, so true! You write so eloquently, and always resonates so much, regardless of diagnosis. You have such a talent! Itās such a lovely post and enjoyed reading your updates on your travels, although I am so sorry that pain has made it so difficult for you, it often has a habit of doing that, doesnāt it? I hope that you manage to enjoy the rest of your time in Berlin, and whatever adventures await you next!
Awwā¦thanks Rhiann for your continuous support. You are a wonderful writer too š
Lovely to hear an update on your adventures. I totally get the part where you havenāt gone out and been ātouristyā-its like that for me when we go near places like that on the boat. I just exist in those places like I do anywhere else mostly! Hope going home isnāt too stressful
Hi Naomi, I like how you put it ā existing in those places happily on your boat instead of doing it all. Sometimes I think that can also defeat the purpose! Itās been a bit stressful as my flight home got cancelled, which I only found out about through waiting to get connected to the call centre at seven hours. But anyway managed to book a flight back tomorrow as I donāt know what the situationās going to be like in Europe ā seems to be going really fast so best to go home I guess. At least Iāll see my birds soon! š xxx
āI suppose after youāve gone through a bad period or a bad pain flare, itās easier to look at things that way for a while. It lends some perspective.ā ā so true!! Oā my, had to point out how right that felt when reading it. You just express things so well!
Thanks Shruti! Yes the sun does seem brighter after a bad pain flare heh. Sending you good thoughts!
The time just flies by, doesnāt it? Your trip sounds great, but poor you at the airport!!
It sure does, itās crazy!! Every year faster and faster! Yes trip has been a wonderful experience and opportunity so far. The pain was āworth itā. All part of the āgameā. I am just really really grateful itās not worse.
I canāt believe it is March alreadyā¦ I donāt feel like I have done much, yet the other day someone shared that they couldnāt believe that I have done so much. So I guess it is where you are when you look at it. With that said, from my point of view, you have been busy LOL. Enjoy the rest of your time in Berlin!
Hi Cynthia, I know right? I say this for nearly every month of every year though, haha! I guess the little things do add up, but it doesnāt feel like it hey! Iāve mostly been inside the house in Berlin, really. So the blog post features just some fun highlights š Thank you!
I am so sorry that you have pain especially on your trip. It canāt be easy experiencing it while your away.
Hi Jackline! Itās not so bad really, just that when youāre right smack in the middle of planes and buses, it can be a nightmare! But still, I am grateful for this opportunity š