Write a relevant subject line “Just saying hi!” Greet your friend and apologize for the lack of contact “Hey Christine, I’m sorry it’s been so long since we’ve last spoken. Life has been such a whirlwind recently!” State the purpose of your writing “I’m writing because I miss you and would like to hear how you’re doing since moving to Berlin—I’m so excited for you!” Catch them up on your life “There have been a lot of life changes since we last spoke. I’ve started taking classes again and am really loving it (still playing music, but decided to switch gears and get a degree in architecture)! Who would have thought, right?! Haha! I’m meeting some great people who are brilliant and super fun--you’d love them! Yes, of course, they’re engineering and geometry nerds, but I promise they’re some of the funniest people I’ve ever met. I hope you can meet them someday when you come back to visit!” Ask questions “Are you taking any language classes while you’re over there? You’re so good with picking up languages I bet you could get by just immersing yourself in the culture. Have you learned any cool slang words? Last time we spoke you were looking to work at an art gallery, are you settled in or still job searching? You’re so intuitive and passionate when it comes to art, I know you’ll open your own gallery someday. Also, have you met any love interests?” Talk about shared interests “You must tell me about the food over there! There’s an Oktoberfest-themed gastropub that just opened here serving schnitzel and some fancy German lagers. Give me the run-down on some super traditional (and obscure) German dishes and drinks for me and I’ll try to act like a beer-aficionado when I stop in for a schnitzel next time. Snaps some pictures of your favorite meals for me, my fellow foodie! 😋” Make plans “Since winter break is coming up, do you think I could come visit you if you’re not too busy? Or do you already have travel plans this winter? Let me know what your schedule looks like either in early January or sometime in the spring. I’d love to get together and catch up in person!” Wish them well “I miss you so much, Christine! I hope you’re doing well and I can’t wait to hear about all of your adventures!” Close your email “Prost (that’s cheers in German but you probably already know that 😉), Hannah”