My first week in Berlin

6am on Monday, I left for the airport, seriously tired and dreading the flight. My luggage was a kilo overweight and, given the option whether to leave a few things behind or pay £20, I chose to pay 'cause nothing was coming out of that suitcase!

I landed at midday in a snowy and very cold Berlin. I was picked up at the airport by Jana, my tutor (and the one I've been emailing through this whole process), and her boss Thomas. We drove through the city and eventually reached the flat where I'll be living for the next twelve months.

I must say, the flat is really nice. It's pretty huge… although maybe it just feels so big because it's just me living here? I'm not sure, but there are some massive rooms. The bedroom I chose (and I had four to choose from, luckily) is probably 2.5 times the size of my room at home, and that one I have to share with my sister!

After giving me a quick tour around the flat and explaining where the nearest shops are, how the public transport works, etc., Jana and Thomas went back to their office and I was left alone to my own devices. As I was feeling pretty shattered by that point, I decided to just check out a nearby shopping centre, buy a few essentials at the supermarket and then relax for the rest of the evening, before having an early night.

The rest of the week was spent unpacking and making myself at home. I did some more food shopping and also got myself the all-important internet stick and SIM card. Plus Jana visited me to go through what needs to be done over the coming weeks, including registering at the Ausländeramt, opening a bank account and signing up for a language course.

Once the weather had started to improve (ever so slightly), I decided to do some sightseeing. I went on a few tours, visited a few museums, took a few hundred photos… and I just can't believe how amazing Berlin is! People have always told me how great it is and how I must go there one day, and now I'm actually here, I can understand what they meant – it's special for sure. I just feel lucky that I'm allowed to stay here for a whole year.

But I'm here for a reason and that's to do my EVS, which starts tomorrow. My mentor Philipp, who I met for the first time on Saturday, will pick me up and show me how to get to the kindergarten and then, over the next few weeks, I'll be sort of shadowing him, learning everything I need to know. But, first of all, I'm looking forward to meeting all the kids and my co-workers, and to also getting back into a daily routine.