2 0 1 3

It's been a very strange year. A good one, but also one where I spent a lot of time panicking inside my head; panicking about the future, about my age, about small and big stuff. But it's also been an adventurous year. A year ago today, I was preparing for my Montreal trip. I didn't know what to expect, and the five months there ended up being a pretty big deal for me for many reasons. Then I moved back to Berlin. It also turned out to be a pretty big deal, but for other reasons. And here, on the threshold to another year, I'm equally excited, curious and cautious to see what awaits me in the new year. Here are glimpses of my 2 0 1 3 (click on links to see original posts);

I arrived in Montreal on January 1st. It was -16 degrees and the snow was intense. I was thrilled about finally being on adventure, speaking French again, getting to know new people and a new culture.

I sometimes still miss living behind the window above the white door in Mile-End.

In February, Orphé and Maud took us to Québec City where we climbed a waterfall and got acquainted with the local drink, St. Georges...

A week later, Christoffer, Thomas and I drove from Montreal to New York, my all time favourite city. It was cold as hell (even compared to Montreal!), but I enjoyed every second of the city.

Back in Montreal, the snow masses continued...

So March meant a lot of partying inside for the Danes.

April was the last month where the Danes were gathered, but we made the best of it in the few rays of sun.

I was extatic in May, when summer arrived. It took one week; 6 days after a 30 cm snow storm, the Gulf stream changed and it was 28 degrees. The trees exploded with a fluorescent bang, and I spent most of my hours out on the balcony with Sophie and Maxime and lots of ice coffees.

My brother came to visit for a few days before his Canadian into the wild trip. We ate smoked meat sandwiches and roamed around.

And then we had picnics in Parc Jeanne-Mance.

On June 1st, I flew out of Montreal to get back to a summery Copenhagen. I had two months of nomadness and vacation before moving to Berlin, and I spent them well.

There was the homecoming party on AnCa's rooftop.

There were bike trips to Dyrehaven with champagne and laughs.

And there were lazy Vesterbro days with AnCa soaking up the summer vibe.

In the beginning of July, I went with my father, his wife and the youngest brother on a quick Eastern Europe trip before hitting their house in Italy. First stop was beautiful Prague.

Next stop was Piran on the Slovenian coast. It was a great discovery and a quaint mix of Italian aesthetics and Eastern European charm.

My father's house - and the view from it! - blew me away. I fully enjoyed days of reading Fitzgerald in the sun, picking fresh figs off the trees in the garden, going exploring in the mountains and eating and drinking the best of Italy.

Plus, it was great spending time with my father, Gitte and AE!

When I came back, I moved to Berlin. Something I had been waiting for for two years. I had so many ideas of how it would be, and a great deal of fear of getting badly disappointed as well, but Berlin and I quickly rekindled our love for each other.

The summer days were spent escaping the heat, drinking drinks, rediscovering my favourite areas, meeting new friends and easing back into my city. In the beginning of September, Kathrine came to visit, and we drove around laughing, drinking coffee and enjoying life.

 In September, I headed back to Copenhagen for a few days to celebrate Christine's birthday, and Jonas' as well, and it was nice seeing friends before hurrying back to Kreuzberg.

 September was my last month in the Kreuzberg apartment, and roomie Cordula and I became instant friends.

 In October, I moved to Uhlandstraße in the heart of Westberlin. I went exploring in the old streets where the rich Berliners live, and it was interesting getting to know a very different part of the city than the one I'm used to.

 When the leaves turned orange, I finally got my own apartment, and when October became November, I moved my whole life to Neukölln.

After more than a year of living in a suitcase, it was great unpacking my belongings and making myself a base.

In the beginning of November, Chris came to visit. We did lots of talking, museum-watching and coffee-drinking, and it was great hanging out with her, just the two of us.

 A few days later, AnCa surprised me with a very spontaneous visit - which turned out to be a long weekend of greatness with my old Berlin roomie. I don't know anyone that can light up a day like her.

November was also a month of working. I feel happy I have met Swedes Johanna and Hanna, they are great working partners. I like speaking Scandinavian with them, drinking coffee and discussing journalism across borders.

I spent the beginning of December panicking over a school assignment that I ended up quitting. I hope 2014 will be the year I finally finish journalism school!

 In the middle of December, I left Berlin for a long Christmas holiday in Denmark. My birthday was celebrated surrounded by people I love, and I felt so overwhelmed and lucky to have such dear friends.

I'm also pretty thrilled about being the big sister to these three crazy blokes. We made the best of Christmas this year, and I hope we get to see more of each other in 2014.

So what about 2014? For the first time in many years, the forthcoming year is pretty open. I know that I have to finish school, and that I live in Berlin, but other than that we'll have to see what happens. I do have some hopes and dreams, but mostly I want to make Berlin my base and try as hard as I can to get a good start on this adulthood-thing...