Archive · 16 Nov 2025
Solo Traveler's Reflections on Berlin: Expectations vs. Reality
Arunima went on a solo trip to Berlin, expecting it to be a very cool, artsy city where she could be a different person.
When she got there in the fall, she found it a bit different than she imagined, but still interesting.
She explored the city using trains, tried local foods like kebabs and donuts, and got lost a little, which is part of the adventure.
She noticed how much her health and age now affect her travels; she carries medication, unlike when she was younger and traveled with just a backpack.
She also thought about a past trip to Kashmir, where she felt great because she was taking care of herself.
Even though Berlin wasn't exactly what she expected, she enjoyed seeing its sights, hearing its sounds, and experiencing its everyday life, like coffee shops and local markets.
She realized that being healthy is super important for enjoying trips.
Arunima Mazumdar undertook a solo trip to Berlin in the fall of 2025.
She had preconceived notions of Berlin as a hip, graffiti-covered city, but found it to be more aloof and uninhibited.
Her experiences included navigating public transport, trying local foods like döner kebab and Berliner doughnuts, and exploring neighborhoods.
The traveler noted how her current age and chronic health conditions influence her packing and travel approach, contrasting it with her younger self.
Despite initial differing expectations, Mazumdar found value in her Berlin experience, highlighting the importance of good health for travel enjoyment and appreciating the city's everyday scenes.
- Who
- Arunima Mazumdar, an independent journalist and writer
- What
- A solo trip to Berlin, reflecting on personal expectations versus the city's reality and the impact of health and age on travel experiences.
- When
- Fall 2025
- Where
- Berlin, Germany, with accommodation in the Kreuzberg neighborhood.
- Why
- To explore a city that held a certain image in her mind, and to reflect on how personal circumstances influence travel.
- Traveler
- Arunima Mazumdar
- Destination
- Berlin, Germany
- Time of Travel
- Fall 2025
- Accommodation
- Airbnb in Kreuzberg
- Key Experiences
- Using public transport, trying local food (döner kebab, Berliner), exploring neighborhoods, visiting specific shops and cafes.
- Traveler's Background
- Delhi-based journalist, writer, literary critic, and founder of Dokusha Book Club.