I have been a silent spectator of your channel for at least 3 years and I genuinley hope that you'll find what you are looking for in Germany! We Germans would be lucky to have you and your inspirational thoughts. You are a Freigeist to me.
I'm actually envious, lol. Would've loved to join up at one of her meet-ups one day, maybe make some new friends. I know, never meet your heroes and all that, but she genuenely seems like a really nice person I'd love to be friends with.
Hey Anja, I remember watching you paint your walls as the first Video of you I ever saw. Following your journey since then has been one of the most incredible journeys I was able to follow. As a fellow German myself I rlly hope Germany will do you good and everything works out how you wish it will!
I moved out of the US almost ten years ago and honestly have never looked back. The world outside has so much more to give and your life will be harder and bigger and scarier and BETTER. This is a fantastic decision I am so happy for you!
I think outside of Usa life is more expensive and harder, plus no protection with laws, and more corrupted, so be careful that you wish. Life in America still good, and cheaper than Europe or another first word countries. Plus America is different everywhere, with beautiful natures, and landscapes.
@@k172134 German here. We very much DO have laws and a functioning legal system. We have strict gun laws for example (to put it into perspective: the US had 695 mass shootings in 2022 with roughly 762 people dead and 2.902 people injured. In Germany, that number is 1. 2 dead, 4 injured.) Currently, groceries in the US cost an average of $438 per month, while groceries in Germany average at 361€ (or $393) per month. Additionally, laws regarding food safety are a lot stricter in Europe. While both Germany and the US have consistently high food standards, we have less preservatives and higher standards for which products can make it through testing. For example in the US companies can sell you bleached flour, which would not be allowed in Europe. Additionally, corruption is worse in the US. The Corruption Perception Index, or CPI for short, ranks the US 24 out of 180 countries, with 1 being perceived as most honest and 180 as most corrupt. Its score on a scale of 100 is 69. Germany ranks 9 out of 180 with a score of 79, meaning significantly less corruption. I could also go into other topics such as the education system, healthcare or the housing market, but I think the point is already proven. America definitely is a very beautiful country with a big variety of wildlife and amazing places to see, but that does not outweigh those negatives when compared to a European country.
@@k172134 Thank you for your thoughts but from my personal experience, I have to disagree with each of your points. 1. I have lived in 6 countries across Latin America and Europe and my life has been SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper (two degrees with zero debt) than it would have been in America. I live in a world-class city with amazing quality of life ratings and pay less monthly than I would living in the rural town I grew up in. 2. I have felt far safer as a single woman in all of these countries than I ever did living in the US. 3. I find I trust the legal systems and law enforcement much more, especially in Germany and every country I have lived in has had fair and generous protections for foreigners living within their borders. Comparing this experience abroad with my life in the States I have to say from my pov really it is the American system that reflects a lot of the issues you brought up. I agree that America has a lot of positives and I will forever be grateful for my upbringing there but the issues you see with other countries may be closer to home than you think. The world is not the enemy
I swear, this video made me feel priviledged to be living in germany. I often take it for granted and I often tend to only see the bad. But all the things you mentioned, I always take for granted. I now realized how much I love my hometown and how much I love being able to be in nature within 3 minutes walking time. Thank you for reminding me to focus on the good ☺
You seem so much more grounded and at peace which when making such a huge life decision is a great sign that youre doing the right thing for you. I've been watching since before you first went to Germany and I just had this feeling that it was going to be a special place for you and I'm so excited for you and your next step. My father immigrated to Australia from Northern Ireland in his late 20s and spent a lot of time travelling as well. For 20 years of my life he worked overseas and I saw him twice a year. The one thing I've learned through all of that is distance means nothing when it comes to family. Family will drop everything to be there if the need arises, but also not being in each others space all the time can limit the daily aggravations we have with each other, leaving only room for quality connections to the person. Also most of my family I've never even met and didnt know of until a few years ago - my family growing up was a network of very close family friends. You will have such a great network of people in Germany that will become family, while also having the love and support and connection of your family in the US. I'm so excited for you!
I can hardly imagine how hard it is to leave your home (and by that I mean your family). But I have been following your videos for a long time and felt how much you could flourish in my homeland. I hope you find your peace of mind and happiness with us.
this is so crazy - i subscribed to you when we were 16 and now we're adults, i haven't actually watched a video of yours since like 2020 and it's insane to see how much you've grown since then. proud of you, stranger online :)
Oder? Das hab ich auch gedacht! Dass man zum Supermarkt laufen kann und in Parks chillen kann, war für mich das normalste der Welt. Aber anscheinend ist es das nicht und das lässt es mich noch mehr schätzen 🫶🏼
As a German I see what you mean. If you're seeking for a stable (but also sometimes stiff) environment it's nice here. And it's a lot of culture all over the country. I live in a French influenced area with all the food benefits, having long walks near rivers, castles and in the woods and spending my free time in cafés or parks with my dog and friends.
@@kimss7299 the federal state of Saarland :-) we are small but pretty. We changed nationality about 8 times (between German and France and one time independent). We are German again since 1959. So both cultures are mixed here :-) Luxemburg City is 1h away with the car, and we have a high speed train to Paris (1-1,5h)
I’ve felt like this since I was 14. It feels comforting to know someone my age is making the choice I plan to make in the next few years. I spent half a year outside the country and I didn’t even want to leave. Love seeing you do what’s best for you. You got this Anja!✨
Dear Anja - welcome to Germany, du passt mit deiner künstlerischen und lebenslustigen Art extrem gut nach Berlin. Du bist sehr herzlich willkommen, dieses Land könnte viele Menschen mit einer so positiven Einstellung brauchen.
Anja, I've been following you for years now, since your german school videos. I just want to tell you how much I relate to you and appreciate you for being so thoroughly human and honest to yourself and us. You are truly inspiring. I wish you all the best here in Germany and hope you get all that you wish for and more.
Omg just stumbled upon this in the middle of my own moving across the country panic (in Germany (Leipzig) btw in case you wanna connect). Thanks for sharing made me feel so much better. Hope everything works out well for you and am so glad that we could help you get there. Lots of love
Aw Anja, this made me cry. I’m so happy for you, I hope you have the looooongest life full of love and happiness in Germany. Cheers to your new journey 💛
Oh, and from someone with a... tough upbringing and troubled family relations (at least with parts of my family), I caught myself "envying" you having such a good relationship with your family. Not in a bad way, mind, I definitely am happy for you (if that makes sense), it's just, seeing what seems like such a happy family together reminds me of what a treasure that must be to have, and you're so lucky to have it ☺! That montage of you preparing to leave, packing your stuff, and all, compared with video of you as a tiny child, was such a good idea and incredibly well edited, too. Lucky Germany, they're gaining such a positive, wise, talented, caring, bubbly new citizen with you❤.
Anja you are glowing! Omg seeing how much you’ve grown in the past few years it’s so amazing and heartwarming🥹 I wish you the best of everything in whatever your heart wishes to pursue. Much love❤️
watching your channel has been such a cool journey as I also left everything behind and moved to Germany two years ago, thanks for expressing yourself so well and for being such a relatable storyteller
I’m back in Germany for the summer and I’m really trying to figure out how to move here forever as well! I’m super inspired that you’re managing to do it, congratulations!
It’s so interesting to watch this as a native German because I tend to criticise a lot in Germany but really these aspects that you mentioned I take them for granted, it was nice to step out of that thinking and be grateful for them ☺️🙏🏼
I never leave RUclips comments, but I really wanted to say thank you Anja. I struggled with adolescent depression, and you’re videos have always given me so much hope. I’m 18 now and things are so much better. Watching your videos always makes me feel so much braver. I’m less afraid of chasing my dreams now, and watching you grow through your videos has been unbelievably helpful because I know that I am also capable of leading a life that I find fulfillment in. So, thank you.
I loved the family montage in this sm! And all the packing clips were so soothing. My dad also migrated from South Africa in his 20s. Went there for the first time last Dec and made me think what a massive shift that must've been. Wishing you all the luck with the transition to Germany; I'm sure it'll welcome you with open arms ❤
I've been subbed since you did your exchange year to Germany and I just gotta say that I'm so proud of you, Anja! Seeing you accomplish your goals and come so far in such a short amount of time makes me so happy. Wishing you luck on your journey! We love to see a queen thriving!!
Happy to have you! Life is about experiencing different stuff. So even if in the end you decide to only stay a little while, you'll be all the richer because of it. As will everybody else you meet during your stay 😊 All the best to you and welcome to Germany!
Yay, welcome to Germany, Anja! Hope you will feel welcome and good here. Leipzig is also a super nice and artsy city, just in case you're not so sure on Berlin yet ;) 💜
anja you’re absolutely glowing in this video 🌼💛 i am sure it must be scary making this move and being so far from family, but i imagine that it must be incredibly fulfilling to make a move that is solely based on your own happiness. i’ve spent practically my whole life in california, being in a safe bubble and living in such close proximity to my family and friends i’ve known for my entire life… but i’ve been starting the process of being on my own, completely away from family for the first time in my life and i’m so excited to see where this new chapter may take me. thank you for being a little source of light and inspiring me to move forward 💌 best of luck ! (to the both us haha)
this video made me so emotional :') my dream is moving to europe and i also have immigrant parents and it holds me back when i think about how hard it'll be away from my family but I know I have to do it for my own happiness. I have no idea how I'm going to get there but I will do it you inspire me so much!
i also moved from the states to germany and ppl ask why i did it and i have all the same reasons and you and more! You'll miss your family but you'll still see them, its not goodbye forever and you have to do what makes you happy Anya - I'm SO happy to be here!
I’m truly so exited for you!!! I’m from Sweden and agree on everything you are saying about America. In Germany they also have grocery stores dedicated to only eco-products for example! A very nice place to move, I think you are going to fit in perfect.
As an American thinking of also permanently moving the country, you are making a great choice. While there is a lot of good things in America depending on where you live I don’t think you will miss those things and you will make new and better memories in other countries like Germany. All the best for your new journey.
You are like a comfort person to me and I am so unbelievable thankful for your videos, Anja. Welcome to germany, I wish you just the best for living a happy life here.
i have been waiting for this moment since i started following your account, you always seemed so much more at home in germany! i hope you find yourself & all of the happiness there.
I’m so proud of you. This is extremely brave and seeing someone else share the same thinking as me is very comforting. I’m now determined to move to the Netherlands after I finish college, as it has been my dream and ambition to do that drastic move to make myself … Happy. Although a place does not define one’s happiness, the atmosphere around one changes attitude, and as you exhibited their internal CULTURE.
It's hard to describe with words how much you and your videos affect me. You are such a sunshine in a human form, I follow your journey since your exchange year in Germany and I'm incredibly happy for you. You gonna have amazing life, full of great experiences. I wish you much luck and success. You inspire so much other people, and here in the comments I see so much beautiful souls supporting you and sharing their stories. It makes me feel so happy that there are so many great and kind people in the world! It all thanks to you, you connected us here❤️ I wish I will meet you someday!
I’m happy to see you being happy Anya. I’m going to start my journey in France from this summer and I just can’t believe that you live in a country next to where I will live! Even tho you don’t know me, the fact makes me a little happy. Lots of love from Japannn
I have lived in Germany for all of my life and I‘ve never considered living in the US. And obviously I know about the big stuff like student debt and health care but I have never really thought all that much about how different everyday life there is. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on that, it really made me appreciate things like walking to the supermarket everyday so much more. ❤ I wish you all the best for your new life in Berlin, enjoy every part of it! Love from Leipzig!
It's been so so so cool to see your journey over the last few years!! I have been working on my Portuguese citizenship over the last few years and I can't wait to experience what you're experiencing. I know leaving my family will be so difficult but I feel in my soul it's something I need to do and will regret forever if I pass on. Thank you for making these videos and showing that it's okay to feel grateful for what you've had while moving for something else. Best of luck in Germany!
Hi Anja, the last time I watched your videos was when you lived in New York. I took a break from watching and recently rediscovered your channel again. I just want to say that I am beyond happy for you!!!!! You have come so far since I last was on your channel and what an incredible journey you have made!!! You deserve all the happiness and joy waiting for you in the future and in Germany!!! You are such a beautiful soul and I know you will live a wonderful long life in Germany!!!
Girl this is my first time watching one of your videos & I’m giggling at “you guys you can chill in parks!!!” Also really identified with what you said about moving anywhere else in the US is just keeping you in limbo and putting off the life move / transition that you truly desire 💛
omg im moving to germany next month for grad school and this video made me so emotional bc it really is the hardest to leave fam:((( I'm sending u so much love on your journey, I hope we both find what we're looking for outside of the USA. if you're ever in Mannheim let me know tehe expat meetup
this was such a refreshing video of yours to watch anja! i've been following you since your studies in germany (i'm a languages student from the uk and will be living in germany for uni next year so i was very happy when i found your channel!!) and i'm so glad you're making this exciting change in your life! it's been so lovely seeing you come into yourself, sending my love
i'm flying from south africa to berlin next week! it will be my first time visiting germany. i'm really looking forward to it and because of your videos i have a slight inkling that i may see a future for myself in berlin too...
When I was at 18 I left the U.S. and moved to Germany. 9 years later, I'm so happy to be moving back the U.S. It's funny how life works out sometimes and how our priorities are constantly changing. Maybe I'll move back to Germany in the future, but for now, I'm SO excited to go home ❤️
I've seen you grow Anja, thank you for being so real, you inspire me in so many ways you don't even know. I hope you have a great and long long life living in Germany. You're shining!
anjaaa!! i literally started crying at the end with you uugh!! you are such a beautiful and talented person and it‘s so amazing to see you make all these big and important decisions. i hope you are going to find happiness in germany and i am already looking forward to all the fun artsy videos to come. all your videos are genuinely masterpieces and your storytelling is out of this world uuugh. sending so much love your way🤍
You crack me up and I love you Anja!! I have been watching your videos for years now and funnily enough, I feel like our paths have gone in very similar directions. I moved to Australia from the US a year ago and resonate with this video heavily. Missing family is hard but you are always a plane ride away! I wish you all the best.
i swear we’re literally twins. i also feel like the us isn’t truly my home, and i feel happy imagining myself living in europe. also, my mom came to the us from south africa when she was 18 and she speaks afrikaans too!!!
I'm very excited for you!! There are surely difficulties when it comes to move to another country like leaving our family behind, but in the end is worth it. We just need to trust the process and by doing that we discover a lot of new wonderful things through experiences. In the end we see that our fears didn't make much sense. I moved to Germany in the beginning of 2020 and had to leave family behind as well. That was pretty uncomfortable, but as time passed by i noticed that distance made my relationship with my family much healthier. And even though we don't see each other that often we are always there for each other and we understand each other very good. After almost 4 years living here in Germany i can say it was surely the best decision i could've ever made. Life is amazing and we are meant to go after things that make us feel good and fulfilled. Welcome to Germany!!! 😊
ohh anja I'm so so happy for you!! this is the way! i hope I can be around for the big hang out in berlin next month but you know things are always in movement
Anja I am so happy for you! You look so much happier and empowered!! My husband I moved 800 km from home (not as far as you but I lived in my birth city 32 years :D) and we are so so happy and feel at home now!
Anja, I’m having a full-circle moment because the first video I ever saw of yours was your leaving NYC video. And it’s actually funny because the way I came across your channel was one day my heart was aching for NYC, so I decided to look up “NYC vlogs” and yours came up which made me curious since I also had left that city. It made me more critical about WHY my heart was aching for a city I was no longer living in, and was a place that ultimately gave me pain. I realized that part of my life was over. All that to say, you’ve inspired me on your moving journey! You continue to live a life true to your soul and being, and makes me want to do the same! You inspire me to embrace change, and go after healthier habits to implement into my life (i.e. I was an addict in NYC, & after leaving I’ve been 3 years sober!) I wish you all the best on this new chapter 💜
what was the song that you were dancing to at 12:49? Also, sending good vibes and happy thoughts with you on your journey to Germany and the adventure that will likely come along with it. can't wait to see content of you at your happiest.
cried with you! this is gonna be good! I grew up in this beautiful city and I am so so happy that you will be living here toooo! so excited for you and thanks for sharing and spreading your energy ! Huge hug❤
Wow Anja! What exciting news! Such an exciting new step for you! I will be moving to Germany next year from South Africa and resonated with this video so so much. I'm going through very similar feelings/waves of emotions as you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us :) As always, it is is very appreciated! 🌿💚
I want to do the same thing one day. I’ve always dreamed of living on the country side of France, having a farm, and raising chickens. I dream and dream everyday of this reality. I’m wishing you the best with journey Anja, you’re such a free soul. I aspire your way of life with traveling.
I’ve been watching you . Since you went abroad to Germany for the very first time. I hope everything will work out for you in this new chapter of life much love!!!! 🫂💗
I literally started watching your videos when you painted your walls. Watching this journey made me so emotional, in positive ways. Really made me think about a lot of things. Love that this is what you wanted❤
AAHHH I'm so exited for youuuu that's a big step but honestly leaving for a new start from somewhere where you don't feel well is always a good choice. So you've got this. AND VISIT FREIBURG SOMETIME
anja i cant put into words how deeply this video touched me!! i am so happy for you and i wish you genuine happiness always🤍🤍 glad to have you here in germany and i am looking forward to maybe seeing you at a park hangout🥰
Anja.. oh how I connect with you in these difficult, transitional periods of life 🤍 As a first generation Canadian, born to immigrant parents from South Africa I connect to your simultaneous attachment and distance from your family 🥺 I moved away from home at seventeen to escape a toxic household and to start my own story, allowing each chapter to slowly fall into place. I think I struggled to feel anything but numb when moving away, my excitement of what was still to come overroad my feels of uncertainty.. I am still living away from home almost 6 years later and I too am still figuring things out 🌿🦋 and that's okay. Life is like an ever-changing rhythm, we don't know what beats are still to come or when we'll reach our crescendo and that too is okay.. I have come to understand that life is not something we can plan but something we prepare for, things will forever fluctuate and that's the nature of the human understanding! We're forever growing, no matter how distant we feel we are form our inner child. We still feel their joy and excitement, their silenced squeals that tickly feeling we get deep inside our chest when we reach that inner most pieces of our self and I see your inner child flourishing in this new chapter of life 🌻🌼 Let those little petals bloom, let your roots be free, let those seeds wander.. much love xx
This feels like such a full-circle video 🥺 I first subscribed to you when you just moved to Germany for your high school exchange...now you're trying to permanently move there! Good luck with everything Anja
As I was watching your video I really thought about the way that I am feeling about my life these days. You see I was born and raised in Greece and, despite the fact that I have few people here that I actually care and love, I really need to go away and let them all back. I hate the culture, the behavior of most of the people, the anxiety of not having the money to survive ... I can really think about a lot of stuff, haha. This video really helped me see that there are lots of people around the world in the same situation. I hope that you will find your way and that you will have the opportunity to enjoy yourself in your own unique way. Keep being authentic, you got it!!!
yoooo welcome to Germany Anja :) Ich bewundere dich sehr für so eine große Entscheidung. Du bist wirklich so eine künstlerische Inspiration. Ich hoffe du findest was du suchst in Berlin, du bist hier herzlich Willkommen!!
re: the power of our humaness: YES. I got hit by a car and almost died. I experienced true frailty and disability for the first time in my life. I am so lucky that I recovered mobility. My injury was a gift because it freed me from the mind trap that how my body looks is more important that how I feel. I love exercise and I love movement and I value it so much now, because every day it reminds what a gift it is to have a functional and strong body. What pleasure it is to feel this beautiful thing working for me. I swim a lot and when I'm drying off in front of the locker room mirror, I often think about how my body is actually MINE now. At last! It's such a joy!! (But also fucked up that it took being mangled by a car to get here).
Thank you for sharing your wonderful and touching story! It hit me to the core, you are an amazing beautiful soul. Wish you all the best and to enjoy life at it fullest! I am genuinely touched by your story
As a German living in Germany, nice to hear someone be so excited about it. Makes me realize how good I actually have it. Always put the US on a pedestal until I travelled there last year, didn't like it cause of your saud reasons for leaving.
I am born, raised and living in Germany and I figured out early that there is probably no other more comfortable and stable country to live in so I decided to stay here. I am moving to France for a little while now though to have another experience but I think when you are used to german comfort everything else would feel maybe like an adventure but nothing long term I guess... I am happy for you that you found a place where you feel good and I wish you a great life in Germany, we're happy to have you here!:)
Thank you Anja, for sharing your perspective and light with all of us. You've given me a lot to think about, made me remember what I value and helped me see all that is possible. I'm happy to see you making decisions that make you happy, and hope you continue to find happiness on your journey❤
Anja i know this isn’t the time/place but a video on your views on nutrition/exercise now would be so fun and filled with many nuggets of wisdom i bet!!
Ive love your journey and have been following it for quite a while!! Pls keep us updated about the whole process, its super interesting to watch :). I hope you find happiness, in Germany or anywhere else. Its a great country and I’ve made many friends there myself! If you ever wanna visit some beaches and nature in the Netherlands you are very welcome to stay in my apartment! Goodluck on your travels :)
Your videos found me regularly for the last few years and I really liked seeing them, I'm also very jealous :D Berlin is just my absolute favorite place. But if you ever have the chance, you should come visit Freiburg in south germany. Most people here say it's the nicest and greenest city we have in the south (and also the warmest). We got many students from other countries, a city tram so a car is unnecessary and maaany sustainable shops. It's a big city but you know the people and there's this vibe of coherence together, peaceful demonstrations are on regular basis here But first, I wish you the very best for your moving :)
i was living in germany too the same time you were, and after living back in rural north america, im moving back this fall for the same reasons!! i cannot WAIT to not need a car
Hi Anya !! this video made me incredibly emotional, in a very bitter sweet way. ive been watching u forever and u always perfectly articulate feelings i have that make me feel isolated and like an incompetent human haha :( thank u for always being vulnerable and sharing ur life journey w us !!! im so happy for uuuu!!❤️❤️
I feel similarly living in Australia. I love some aspects, but it's so lacking in so many other ways. Spent my exchange year in Germany and would loveee to go back
Hey Anja, congrats on taking the leap ☄I moved to Berlin from the US 3 years ago, man it gets rough sometimes but it changes your life in a way that nothing else could - wishing you the best 💫
I have been a silent spectator of your channel for at least 3 years and I genuinley hope that you'll find what you are looking for in Germany! We Germans would be lucky to have you and your inspirational thoughts. You are a Freigeist to me.
I’ve been here since 2019 and that’s so crazy to me
I'm actually envious, lol. Would've loved to join up at one of her meet-ups one day, maybe make some new friends. I know, never meet your heroes and all that, but she genuenely seems like a really nice person I'd love to be friends with.
Hey Anja, I remember watching you paint your walls as the first Video of you I ever saw. Following your journey since then has been one of the most incredible journeys I was able to follow. As a fellow German myself I rlly hope Germany will do you good and everything works out how you wish it will!
I moved out of the US almost ten years ago and honestly have never looked back. The world outside has so much more to give and your life will be harder and bigger and scarier and BETTER. This is a fantastic decision I am so happy for you!
Also, I currently live in Germany and 10/10 correct you can move here with just a US passport and figure it out (in a leisurely 3 months)
glad to have you here in Germany!
sincerely, a German
I think outside of Usa life is more expensive and harder, plus no protection with laws, and more corrupted, so be careful that you wish. Life in America still good, and cheaper than Europe or another first word countries. Plus America is different everywhere, with beautiful natures, and landscapes.
@@k172134 German here.
We very much DO have laws and a functioning legal system.
We have strict gun laws for example (to put it into perspective: the US had 695 mass shootings in 2022 with roughly 762 people dead and 2.902 people injured. In Germany, that number is 1. 2 dead, 4 injured.)
Currently, groceries in the US cost an average of $438 per month, while groceries in Germany average at 361€ (or $393) per month. Additionally, laws regarding food safety are a lot stricter in Europe. While both Germany and the US have consistently high food standards, we have less preservatives and higher standards for which products can make it through testing. For example in the US companies can sell you bleached flour, which would not be allowed in Europe.
Additionally, corruption is worse in the US.
The Corruption Perception Index, or CPI for short, ranks the US 24 out of 180 countries, with 1 being perceived as most honest and 180 as most corrupt. Its score on a scale of 100 is 69.
Germany ranks 9 out of 180 with a score of 79, meaning significantly less corruption.
I could also go into other topics such as the education system, healthcare or the housing market, but I think the point is already proven.
America definitely is a very beautiful country with a big variety of wildlife and amazing places to see, but that does not outweigh those negatives when compared to a European country.
@@k172134 Thank you for your thoughts but from my personal experience, I have to disagree with each of your points.
1. I have lived in 6 countries across Latin America and Europe and my life has been SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper (two degrees with zero debt) than it would have been in America. I live in a world-class city with amazing quality of life ratings and pay less monthly than I would living in the rural town I grew up in. 2. I have felt far safer as a single woman in all of these countries than I ever did living in the US. 3. I find I trust the legal systems and law enforcement much more, especially in Germany and every country I have lived in has had fair and generous protections for foreigners living within their borders.
Comparing this experience abroad with my life in the States I have to say from my pov really it is the American system that reflects a lot of the issues you brought up.
I agree that America has a lot of positives and I will forever be grateful for my upbringing there but the issues you see with other countries may be closer to home than you think. The world is not the enemy
Good decision. Welcome to Germany
I just read a report that a 3rd of German men find physical abuse toward women "acceptable". That's disturbing...
I swear, this video made me feel priviledged to be living in germany. I often take it for granted and I often tend to only see the bad. But all the things you mentioned, I always take for granted. I now realized how much I love my hometown and how much I love being able to be in nature within 3 minutes walking time.
Thank you for reminding me to focus on the good ☺
You seem so much more grounded and at peace which when making such a huge life decision is a great sign that youre doing the right thing for you. I've been watching since before you first went to Germany and I just had this feeling that it was going to be a special place for you and I'm so excited for you and your next step. My father immigrated to Australia from Northern Ireland in his late 20s and spent a lot of time travelling as well. For 20 years of my life he worked overseas and I saw him twice a year. The one thing I've learned through all of that is distance means nothing when it comes to family. Family will drop everything to be there if the need arises, but also not being in each others space all the time can limit the daily aggravations we have with each other, leaving only room for quality connections to the person. Also most of my family I've never even met and didnt know of until a few years ago - my family growing up was a network of very close family friends. You will have such a great network of people in Germany that will become family, while also having the love and support and connection of your family in the US. I'm so excited for you!
I can hardly imagine how hard it is to leave your home (and by that I mean your family). But I have been following your videos for a long time and felt how much you could flourish in my homeland. I hope you find your peace of mind and happiness with us.
this is so crazy - i subscribed to you when we were 16 and now we're adults, i haven't actually watched a video of yours since like 2020 and it's insane to see how much you've grown since then. proud of you, stranger online :)
I'm German and I gained a whole new appreciation for my country through this video. Thank you, Anja.
Oder? Das hab ich auch gedacht! Dass man zum Supermarkt laufen kann und in Parks chillen kann, war für mich das normalste der Welt. Aber anscheinend ist es das nicht und das lässt es mich noch mehr schätzen 🫶🏼
As a German I see what you mean. If you're seeking for a stable (but also sometimes stiff) environment it's nice here. And it's a lot of culture all over the country. I live in a French influenced area with all the food benefits, having long walks near rivers, castles and in the woods and spending my free time in cafés or parks with my dog and friends.
where do you live girl? I am exactly searching for an area like that in Germany because I also LOVE French culture
@@kimss7299 probably on the german-french border lol
@@kimss7299 the federal state of Saarland :-) we are small but pretty. We changed nationality about 8 times (between German and France and one time independent). We are German again since 1959. So both cultures are mixed here :-) Luxemburg City is 1h away with the car, and we have a high speed train to Paris (1-1,5h)
I’ve felt like this since I was 14. It feels comforting to know someone my age is making the choice I plan to make in the next few years. I spent half a year outside the country and I didn’t even want to leave. Love seeing you do what’s best for you. You got this Anja!✨
Dear Anja - welcome to Germany, du passt mit deiner künstlerischen und lebenslustigen Art extrem gut nach Berlin. Du bist sehr herzlich willkommen, dieses Land könnte viele Menschen mit einer so positiven Einstellung brauchen.
Ja kommen sie gern hier Anja! 👍
Anja, I've been following you for years now, since your german school videos. I just want to tell you how much I relate to you and appreciate you for being so thoroughly human and honest to yourself and us. You are truly inspiring. I wish you all the best here in Germany and hope you get all that you wish for and more.
Omg just stumbled upon this in the middle of my own moving across the country panic (in Germany (Leipzig) btw in case you wanna connect). Thanks for sharing made me feel so much better. Hope everything works out well for you and am so glad that we could help you get there. Lots of love
Aw Anja, this made me cry. I’m so happy for you, I hope you have the looooongest life full of love and happiness in Germany. Cheers to your new journey 💛
Oh, and from someone with a... tough upbringing and troubled family relations (at least with parts of my family), I caught myself "envying" you having such a good relationship with your family. Not in a bad way, mind, I definitely am happy for you (if that makes sense), it's just, seeing what seems like such a happy family together reminds me of what a treasure that must be to have, and you're so lucky to have it ☺! That montage of you preparing to leave, packing your stuff, and all, compared with video of you as a tiny child, was such a good idea and incredibly well edited, too. Lucky Germany, they're gaining such a positive, wise, talented, caring, bubbly new citizen with you❤.
Anja you are glowing! Omg seeing how much you’ve grown in the past few years it’s so amazing and heartwarming🥹 I wish you the best of everything in whatever your heart wishes to pursue. Much love❤️
what a masterpiece of a video. i feel so inspired and grateful to be alive at the same time as you
watching your channel has been such a cool journey as I also left everything behind and moved to Germany two years ago, thanks for expressing yourself so well and for being such a relatable storyteller
I’m back in Germany for the summer and I’m really trying to figure out how to move here forever as well! I’m super inspired that you’re managing to do it, congratulations!
It’s so interesting to watch this as a native German because I tend to criticise a lot in Germany but really these aspects that you mentioned I take them for granted, it was nice to step out of that thinking and be grateful for them ☺️🙏🏼
I never leave RUclips comments, but I really wanted to say thank you Anja.
I struggled with adolescent depression, and you’re videos have always given me so much hope. I’m 18 now and things are so much better. Watching your videos always makes me feel so much braver. I’m less afraid of chasing my dreams now, and watching you grow through your videos has been unbelievably helpful because I know that I am also capable of leading a life that I find fulfillment in. So, thank you.
Same girl same! I just moved to Scotland from California! It’s nice to hear someone feeling the same things and speaking out on it
I loved the family montage in this sm! And all the packing clips were so soothing. My dad also migrated from South Africa in his 20s. Went there for the first time last Dec and made me think what a massive shift that must've been. Wishing you all the luck with the transition to Germany; I'm sure it'll welcome you with open arms ❤
I've been subbed since you did your exchange year to Germany and I just gotta say that I'm so proud of you, Anja! Seeing you accomplish your goals and come so far in such a short amount of time makes me so happy. Wishing you luck on your journey! We love to see a queen thriving!!
Happy to have you! Life is about experiencing different stuff. So even if in the end you decide to only stay a little while, you'll be all the richer because of it. As will everybody else you meet during your stay 😊
All the best to you and welcome to Germany!
Yay, welcome to Germany, Anja! Hope you will feel welcome and good here. Leipzig is also a super nice and artsy city, just in case you're not so sure on Berlin yet ;) 💜
anja you’re absolutely glowing in this video 🌼💛 i am sure it must be scary making this move and being so far from family, but i imagine that it must be incredibly fulfilling to make a move that is solely based on your own happiness.
i’ve spent practically my whole life in california, being in a safe bubble and living in such close proximity to my family and friends i’ve known for my entire life… but i’ve been starting the process of being on my own, completely away from family for the first time in my life and i’m so excited to see where this new chapter may take me.
thank you for being a little source of light and inspiring me to move forward 💌 best of luck ! (to the both us haha)
this video made me so emotional :') my dream is moving to europe and i also have immigrant parents and it holds me back when i think about how hard it'll be away from my family but I know I have to do it for my own happiness. I have no idea how I'm going to get there but I will do it you inspire me so much!
The last frame of you frolicking thru a field in your fairy cottage girl skirt made my heart soar 💖✨️💥 so glad you are following your joy & peace
i also moved from the states to germany and ppl ask why i did it and i have all the same reasons and you and more! You'll miss your family but you'll still see them, its not goodbye forever and you have to do what makes you happy Anya - I'm SO happy to be here!
I’m truly so exited for you!!! I’m from Sweden and agree on everything you are saying about America. In Germany they also have grocery stores dedicated to only eco-products for example! A very nice place to move, I think you are going to fit in perfect.
As an American thinking of also permanently moving the country, you are making a great choice. While there is a lot of good things in America depending on where you live I don’t think you will miss those things and you will make new and better memories in other countries like Germany. All the best for your new journey.
You are like a comfort person to me and I am so unbelievable thankful for your videos, Anja. Welcome to germany, I wish you just the best for living a happy life here.
i have been waiting for this moment since i started following your account, you always seemed so much more at home in germany! i hope you find yourself & all of the happiness there.
I’m so proud of you. This is extremely brave and seeing someone else share the same thinking as me is very comforting. I’m now determined to move to the Netherlands after I finish college, as it has been my dream and ambition to do that drastic move to make myself … Happy. Although a place does not define one’s happiness, the atmosphere around one changes attitude, and as you exhibited their internal CULTURE.
It's hard to describe with words how much you and your videos affect me. You are such a sunshine in a human form, I follow your journey since your exchange year in Germany and I'm incredibly happy for you. You gonna have amazing life, full of great experiences. I wish you much luck and success. You inspire so much other people, and here in the comments I see so much beautiful souls supporting you and sharing their stories. It makes me feel so happy that there are so many great and kind people in the world! It all thanks to you, you connected us here❤️ I wish I will meet you someday!
uuuuh so nice you coming back to Germany, you seemed really happy here!
I’m happy to see you being happy Anya. I’m going to start my journey in France from this summer and I just can’t believe that you live in a country next to where I will live! Even tho you don’t know me, the fact makes me a little happy. Lots of love from Japannn
I'm not sure how many hours I watched you packing stuff but I love it 😅 I really hope everything will work out in germany. You're the best.
I have lived in Germany for all of my life and I‘ve never considered living in the US. And obviously I know about the big stuff like student debt and health care but I have never really thought all that much about how different everyday life there is. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on that, it really made me appreciate things like walking to the supermarket everyday so much more. ❤ I wish you all the best for your new life in Berlin, enjoy every part of it! Love from Leipzig!
It’s okay just frustrating since it car centric and everything keeps getting more expensive. Especially college. :(
I’m doing this but hopefully going to Finland. You’re inspiring me to actually follow my dream to go to Finland
It's been so so so cool to see your journey over the last few years!! I have been working on my Portuguese citizenship over the last few years and I can't wait to experience what you're experiencing. I know leaving my family will be so difficult but I feel in my soul it's something I need to do and will regret forever if I pass on. Thank you for making these videos and showing that it's okay to feel grateful for what you've had while moving for something else. Best of luck in Germany!
Hi Anja, the last time I watched your videos was when you lived in New York. I took a break from watching and recently rediscovered your channel again. I just want to say that I am beyond happy for you!!!!! You have come so far since I last was on your channel and what an incredible journey you have made!!! You deserve all the happiness and joy waiting for you in the future and in Germany!!! You are such a beautiful soul and I know you will live a wonderful long life in Germany!!!
LOL the tape measure “I’m tryin to get out of the inch world” 😂😂
Girl this is my first time watching one of your videos & I’m giggling at “you guys you can chill in parks!!!” Also really identified with what you said about moving anywhere else in the US is just keeping you in limbo and putting off the life move / transition that you truly desire 💛
omg im moving to germany next month for grad school and this video made me so emotional bc it really is the hardest to leave fam:(((
I'm sending u so much love on your journey, I hope we both find what we're looking for outside of the USA. if you're ever in Mannheim let me know tehe expat meetup
Change isn’t supposed to be easy, we love you anja, and I’m excited to watch you on this new journey
this was such a refreshing video of yours to watch anja! i've been following you since your studies in germany (i'm a languages student from the uk and will be living in germany for uni next year so i was very happy when i found your channel!!) and i'm so glad you're making this exciting change in your life! it's been so lovely seeing you come into yourself, sending my love
Awww anja ich liebe dieses Video und ich liebe DICH ❤❤❤ große Küsse xx
I just moved to Berlin about three weeks ago, you should do the meeting as soon as you're here :) and yes there are LOTS of beautiful parks to go to
i'm flying from south africa to berlin next week! it will be my first time visiting germany. i'm really looking forward to it and because of your videos i have a slight inkling that i may see a future for myself in berlin too...
When I was at 18 I left the U.S. and moved to Germany. 9 years later, I'm so happy to be moving back the U.S. It's funny how life works out sometimes and how our priorities are constantly changing. Maybe I'll move back to Germany in the future, but for now, I'm SO excited to go home ❤️
I've seen you grow Anja, thank you for being so real, you inspire me in so many ways you don't even know. I hope you have a great and long long life living in Germany. You're shining!
anjaaa!! i literally started crying at the end with you uugh!! you are such a beautiful and talented person and it‘s so amazing to see you make all these big and important decisions. i hope you are going to find happiness in germany and i am already looking forward to all the fun artsy videos to come. all your videos are genuinely masterpieces and your storytelling is out of this world uuugh. sending so much love your way🤍
so happy for you anja. best of luck. you're gonna do it
You crack me up and I love you Anja!! I have been watching your videos for years now and funnily enough, I feel like our paths have gone in very similar directions. I moved to Australia from the US a year ago and resonate with this video heavily. Missing family is hard but you are always a plane ride away! I wish you all the best.
Your bangs are already perfect for berlin! My first video of yours, i look forward to following you on this journey!
i am so proud of you and so excited for what's to come anja!! you are amazing and your videos bring me such joy
i swear we’re literally twins. i also feel like the us isn’t truly my home, and i feel happy imagining myself living in europe. also, my mom came to the us from south africa when she was 18 and she speaks afrikaans too!!!
sending you hugs!!! this video was so beautiful, will definitely meet you in Berlin!
I'm very excited for you!! There are surely difficulties when it comes to move to another country like leaving our family behind, but in the end is worth it. We just need to trust the process and by doing that we discover a lot of new wonderful things through experiences. In the end we see that our fears didn't make much sense. I moved to Germany in the beginning of 2020 and had to leave family behind as well. That was pretty uncomfortable, but as time passed by i noticed that distance made my relationship with my family much healthier. And even though we don't see each other that often we are always there for each other and we understand each other very good. After almost 4 years living here in Germany i can say it was surely the best decision i could've ever made. Life is amazing and we are meant to go after things that make us feel good and fulfilled. Welcome to Germany!!! 😊
ohh anja I'm so so happy for you!! this is the way! i hope I can be around for the big hang out in berlin next month but you know things are always in movement
Anja I am so happy for you! You look so much happier and empowered!! My husband I moved 800 km from home (not as far as you but I lived in my birth city 32 years :D) and we are so so happy and feel at home now!
Anja, I’m having a full-circle moment because the first video I ever saw of yours was your leaving NYC video.
And it’s actually funny because the way I came across your channel was one day my heart was aching for NYC, so I decided to look up “NYC vlogs” and yours came up which made me curious since I also had left that city.
It made me more critical about WHY my heart was aching for a city I was no longer living in, and was a place that ultimately gave me pain. I realized that part of my life was over.
All that to say, you’ve inspired me on your moving journey! You continue to live a life true to your soul and being, and makes me want to do the same! You inspire me to embrace change, and go after healthier habits to implement into my life (i.e. I was an addict in NYC, & after leaving I’ve been 3 years sober!)
I wish you all the best on this new chapter 💜
what was the song that you were dancing to at 12:49? Also, sending good vibes and happy thoughts with you on your journey to Germany and the adventure that will likely come along with it. can't wait to see content of you at your happiest.
cried with you! this is gonna be good! I grew up in this beautiful city and I am so so happy that you will be living here toooo! so excited for you and thanks for sharing and spreading your energy ! Huge hug❤
Have a good time in Mannheim. So much to see and experience there! Hope you find what you are looking for too.
Wow Anja! What exciting news! Such an exciting new step for you! I will be moving to Germany next year from South Africa and resonated with this video so so much. I'm going through very similar feelings/waves of emotions as you.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us :)
As always, it is is very appreciated! 🌿💚
I want to do the same thing one day. I’ve always dreamed of living on the country side of France, having a farm, and raising chickens. I dream and dream everyday of this reality. I’m wishing you the best with journey Anja, you’re such a free soul. I aspire your way of life with traveling.
I’ve been watching you . Since you went abroad to Germany for the very first time. I hope everything will work out for you in this new chapter of life much love!!!! 🫂💗
I literally started watching your videos when you painted your walls. Watching this journey made me so emotional, in positive ways. Really made me think about a lot of things.
Love that this is what you wanted❤
"you guys chill in parks" *bark* "chillin in parks is so fun" (cutest thing to be happy ab btw)
AAHHH I'm so exited for youuuu that's a big step but honestly leaving for a new start from somewhere where you don't feel well is always a good choice. So you've got this. AND VISIT FREIBURG SOMETIME
anja i cant put into words how deeply this video touched me!! i am so happy for you and i wish you genuine happiness always🤍🤍 glad to have you here in germany and i am looking forward to maybe seeing you at a park hangout🥰
Anja.. oh how I connect with you in these difficult, transitional periods of life 🤍 As a first generation Canadian, born to immigrant parents from South Africa I connect to your simultaneous attachment and distance from your family 🥺 I moved away from home at seventeen to escape a toxic household and to start my own story, allowing each chapter to slowly fall into place. I think I struggled to feel anything but numb when moving away, my excitement of what was still to come overroad my feels of uncertainty.. I am still living away from home almost 6 years later and I too am still figuring things out 🌿🦋 and that's okay. Life is like an ever-changing rhythm, we don't know what beats are still to come or when we'll reach our crescendo and that too is okay.. I have come to understand that life is not something we can plan but something we prepare for, things will forever fluctuate and that's the nature of the human understanding! We're forever growing, no matter how distant we feel we are form our inner child. We still feel their joy and excitement, their silenced squeals that tickly feeling we get deep inside our chest when we reach that inner most pieces of our self and I see your inner child flourishing in this new chapter of life 🌻🌼 Let those little petals bloom, let your roots be free, let those seeds wander.. much love xx
This feels like such a full-circle video 🥺 I first subscribed to you when you just moved to Germany for your high school exchange...now you're trying to permanently move there! Good luck with everything Anja
As I was watching your video I really thought about the way that I am feeling about my life these days. You see I was born and raised in Greece and, despite the fact that I have few people here that I actually care and love, I really need to go away and let them all back. I hate the culture, the behavior of most of the people, the anxiety of not having the money to survive ... I can really think about a lot of stuff, haha. This video really helped me see that there are lots of people around the world in the same situation. I hope that you will find your way and that you will have the opportunity to enjoy yourself in your own unique way. Keep being authentic, you got it!!!
yoooo welcome to Germany Anja :) Ich bewundere dich sehr für so eine große Entscheidung. Du bist wirklich so eine künstlerische Inspiration. Ich hoffe du findest was du suchst in Berlin, du bist hier herzlich Willkommen!!
Thank you for everything, your channel literally made me change my mindset, I really hope you'll have an amazing life in Germany Anja!!!
re: the power of our humaness: YES. I got hit by a car and almost died. I experienced true frailty and disability for the first time in my life. I am so lucky that I recovered mobility. My injury was a gift because it freed me from the mind trap that how my body looks is more important that how I feel. I love exercise and I love movement and I value it so much now, because every day it reminds what a gift it is to have a functional and strong body. What pleasure it is to feel this beautiful thing working for me. I swim a lot and when I'm drying off in front of the locker room mirror, I often think about how my body is actually MINE now. At last! It's such a joy!! (But also fucked up that it took being mangled by a car to get here).
Thank you for sharing your wonderful and touching story! It hit me to the core, you are an amazing beautiful soul. Wish you all the best and to enjoy life at it fullest! I am genuinely touched by your story
your comment is so kind, thank you! I wish you all the best too!! ❤❤❤❤
As a German living in Germany, nice to hear someone be so excited about it. Makes me realize how good I actually have it. Always put the US on a pedestal until I travelled there last year, didn't like it cause of your saud reasons for leaving.
I am born, raised and living in Germany and I figured out early that there is probably no other more comfortable and stable country to live in so I decided to stay here. I am moving to France for a little while now though to have another experience but I think when you are used to german comfort everything else would feel maybe like an adventure but nothing long term I guess...
I am happy for you that you found a place where you feel good and I wish you a great life in Germany, we're happy to have you here!:)
You're such a kind-hearted and pure human being, I hope you will find what you wish for and always supporting you
Thank you Anja, for sharing your perspective and light with all of us. You've given me a lot to think about, made me remember what I value and helped me see all that is possible. I'm happy to see you making decisions that make you happy, and hope you continue to find happiness on your journey❤
having the worst migraine of my life but i listened to this video the best i could. i hope one day i have the courage to chase happiness like you do
me watching anja summon demons in her room through interpretive dance
Anja i know this isn’t the time/place but a video on your views on nutrition/exercise now would be so fun and filled with many nuggets of wisdom i bet!!
Ive love your journey and have been following it for quite a while!! Pls keep us updated about the whole process, its super interesting to watch :). I hope you find happiness, in Germany or anywhere else. Its a great country and I’ve made many friends there myself! If you ever wanna visit some beaches and nature in the Netherlands you are very welcome to stay in my apartment! Goodluck on your travels :)
I’m so glad for you. You radiate different energy in your videos when you are in Germany.
Your videos found me regularly for the last few years and I really liked seeing them, I'm also very jealous :D Berlin is just my absolute favorite place. But if you ever have the chance, you should come visit Freiburg in south germany. Most people here say it's the nicest and greenest city we have in the south (and also the warmest). We got many students from other countries, a city tram so a car is unnecessary and maaany sustainable shops. It's a big city but you know the people and there's this vibe of coherence together, peaceful demonstrations are on regular basis here
But first, I wish you the very best for your moving :)
Oh my gosh, willkommen! Ich wünsche dir einen traumhaften Start in deinen neuen Lebensabschnitt :-) Have the time of your life!
i was living in germany too the same time you were, and after living back in rural north america, im moving back this fall for the same reasons!! i cannot WAIT to not need a car
I just discovered your channel through this video, and when you said you´d move to germany (where I´m from!) I was so stoked. I hope you love it here
Nooooo Anja bring the measuring tape! There are centimetres on the other side!
Please come to the Netherlands again for a meetup, now you're so close! I love all these changes for you, you're absolutely glowing
Hi Anya !! this video made me incredibly emotional, in a very bitter sweet way. ive been watching u forever and u always perfectly articulate feelings i have that make me feel isolated and like an incompetent human haha :( thank u for always being vulnerable and sharing ur life journey w us !!! im so happy for uuuu!!❤️❤️
I'm so so soooo happy for you! credit yourself for being so brave and be excited for life. a new chapter is waiting for you. welcome to Europe
Welcome to Germany😊
from a gal from Munich
I feel similarly living in Australia. I love some aspects, but it's so lacking in so many other ways. Spent my exchange year in Germany and would loveee to go back
Hey Anja, congrats on taking the leap ☄I moved to Berlin from the US 3 years ago, man it gets rough sometimes but it changes your life in a way that nothing else could - wishing you the best 💫