This is a post to help me think about where to move next. I’ve decided to leave the Wrangelkiez neighbourhood of Berlin. I’ve also given up on Berlin shifting from ideological left wing city administration (I know the head is CDU, but that’s about it) being able to become more pragmatic. I’d like to believe that things get better, but I’d also like to live my life with more joy and passion and less crackheads and drug dealers.
The most recent trip to South Africa made me think more about what makes me happy; weather and good food and that sense of freedom. I commented to a friend recently when in her part of the city about how nice it felt to walk in a park and not have to keep my head down in case I engage a dealer or junkie or beggar. “Oh but you are so heartless”. “No, I pay my taxes so that I don’t have to run double duty as Mother Theresa” I really just want to be able to get on with my own life and work hard to enjoy it and share it with those that are dear to me.
So back to what kind of places would make me happy. I realise I need nature and trees and hills. I have my terrace crows here and they bring me enormous joy. I even setup a webcam to record their antics. But it’s a small substitute for being closer to nature. I imagine waking up and walking barefoot around a garden filled with bird life, squirrels (just no monkeys). About having more cats, perhaps a dog again. This garden would be maintained and some of it wild in a Piet Oudolf style. There would be benches in different parts of the garden to drink morning coffee on.
I suppose one thing that I like about this imaginary house is that it’s far away from others. I’m sick of hearing neighbours chatting on their terraces in the evenings or bars open on summer evenings. So I imagine a larger piece of land. Not all of it even need be cultivated. But it would be nice to have some of it gardened.
Should Anyone Ask 