* a studio apartment costing $2100 a month.
* stunted career growth after I reached 'Senior Developer' level.
* had a minor bicycle accident with no broken bones. was taken to Stanford Medical Center hospital, and overall ended up paying over $5000 out-of-pocket after insurance.
* very boring weather (I like and miss storms).
* met only tech folks wherever I went.
* Trump.
I got lucky. I negotiated a relocation package, and ended up transferring within my company.
In Berlin, the culture and quality of life is infinitely superior. I love having the freedom to travel to other European countries. Health insurance is mandatory, and is automatically taken out of my paycheck. I had to make a few doctors visits, and paid nothing out of pocket. A 5 week course of medication cost me €5. Public transportation here is mind-blowingly good (coming from Bay Area). I pay €720 a year, and get unlimited travel on local busses, U/S/R Bahns, trams, and ferries. Plus I get to take +1 after 8pm and on weekends.
The way of living in Berlin is very different. It is taking me some time to get used to it (I miss garbage disposals and Walmart/Safeway/grocery shops open on Sundays). But I moved with an open mind, and absolutely glad I did.