Taking Bella to Berlin for the first time was more than just a family trip—it was a milestone for all of us. I had my Digital Champion Program graduation in the city, and while the event itself was important, what mattered most to me was having my family by my side. At 16 months old, Bella was still so young, and the thought of spending a night away from her didn’t sit well with me. Since her birth, we had always been together, and even when I returned to work when she was just seven months old, my husband and I carefully alternated our parental leave—seven months for me, seven months for him—so that one of us could always be with her. This trip was no different. If I had to be in Berlin, she and my husband were coming with me.
We arrived a day before my graduation ceremony, giving us time to explore. Our first stop was the famous Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate), one of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks. Bella had a great time running around and taking in the open space. Luckily, there weren’t too many tourists, so we could enjoy the moment without the usual crowds. It was wonderful to see her fascinated by the architecture, the people, and the general energy of the place.
We also took the metro, a completely new experience for her. As we stepped into the underground station, I could see her becoming more cautious. The unfamiliar environment, the loud sounds of the trains arriving, and the movement of people seemed to make her a little wary at first. But soon, curiosity took over. She kept looking around, absorbing everything, her little hands holding onto us tightly as she adjusted to this new adventure.
While I was busy with my graduation the next day, Bella and my husband had their own adventure at the Berlin Zoo, one of the largest and most famous zoos in Europe. Seeing animals in real life, after only ever seeing them in books and on TV, was an overwhelming experience for her. My husband later told me that she couldn’t contain her excitement—screaming, giggling, and pointing at every animal she recognized. Her joy made the trip completely worth it.
Our hotel was in Alexanderplatz, a bustling area in Berlin. Bella loved watching the doves in the square, running after them as they fluttered around. The weather in early July was windy but pleasant, cool enough to be comfortable but not too cold, making our walks around the city enjoyable.
One unexpected yet significant thing happened after this trip—Bella stopped drinking formula milk. Up until then, she still relied on formula as part of her routine, but after Berlin, she simply decided she was done. She switched to eating solid food entirely, a big step in her growing independence. It was as if this trip had marked a transition for her, a little sign that she was growing up.
Looking back, this trip was more than just a getaway—it was a reflection of our journey as parents. Berlin became a city where I achieved a professional milestone, where Bella had her first metro ride, her first live land animal encounters, and where she took another step in her development. Having my family with me made the experience even more special. No matter where life takes us, I know that the best memories will always be the ones we make together.
