I see people get integrated into society through children. You live in Berlin, you need to send your children to school, talk to the teachers, other parents. You drop your children off to the house parties, you talk about your profession in front of your child's class. German language becomes a clear necessity.

People also say joining some club helps. I did kickboxing for year, there isn't much talking as it turns out... Anyway, I was really homesick the whole time, I still am. In Russia, we don't celebrate Christmas that much, the New Year is a major holiday. That time of the year is the hardest: no familiar festive music, the street decorations are off.

I kind of accepted all that, since I decided to pursue professional and scientific opportunity instead of comfort. I still wonder if I make the right choices from time to time. I think it's natural to do that though.