Berlin, Germany

When I first went to Berlin in 2006, I couldn't relate to it. My impression has changed dramatically when I took time to look around and to feel the spirit of it. Especially the historic relics make it to a very storytelling spot to go. 
After the German reunification Berlin presents itself as booming capital. Historic spots, new clubs, fashion week, politics, bohemian streets, ... - you will find your place, that's for sure.

For more picture click here.

Accommodation 

• Propeller Island City Lodge: Artistic accommodation for all who want to discover the funky and wild life of Berlin
• Hotel de Rome: Luxury hotel in which some international movies are filmed and where consequently film stars hang out
• Hotel Q!: Design Hotel next to the Kurfuerstendamm - this is Berlin's centre!
• Arte Luise Kunsthotel: Young artists transitioned the property from a dilapidated art studio into a boutique hotel. I like!

Restaurants

• Sian Berlin: If you ever desired to explore the taste of Viatnamese dishes, you will find it as traditional meals are served here. Check out the tea room as well
• Rodeo Ressort : Being in Germany means having German food - but in an extraordinary atmosphere please. This is why you go to Rodeo Ressort (and maybe because their terrace finds little competition in Berlin)
• Borchardt: You might plan a party in the German capital, you will need a catering service for sure
• Grill Royal: High quality steak house, recommended by top restaurant critics
• Mädchenitaliener, Alte Schönhauser Str.12: Small and personal atmosphere it the Italian restaurant - their speciality: pasta with figs.
• Schneeweiss: Berlin is an international melting pot that meets in this design restaurant to enjoy Alpine meals
• Bandol  sur Mer, Torstr. 167: Tiny restaurant in Berlin-Mitte offering fresh ingredients in their French cuisine
• Lekkerurlaub: A guesthose and bistro in one of the most popular districts of Berlin: Kreuzberg! Small local place with unique food.

Bars & Nightlife

• Clärchens Ballhaus : If you really want to dance or just have a fun night out, the Ballhaus is the perfect place for different music styles 
• Cookies: Until 6 AM the doors are open for you - step in and discover how Berlin goes crazy at night 
• Berghain Panorama Bar : Probably worldwide known by all house and drum'n'bass fans, the Berghain in Friedrichhain is a must for all fans of electronic music 
• Week-End: Rooftop of Berlin is their statement: Enjoy the view from their terrace or party in the 12th floor only minutes away from Alexanderplatz
• Picknick: 2 minutes away from Brandenburg Gate, Picknick is a hot spot at night
• The broken hearts club: Expect an outrageous combination of decadence and clientele, a raucous fairytale mix of all music
• Rodeo Club : A mix between theatre and club this place is the place to be for all party animals 

Cafes

• Milchhalle: The name is predestined to offer milk in every imaginable way - but also lactose intolerant people are considered of course
• Kaffeehaus Sowohlalsauch : Nothing is better than a tasty piece of cake in the afternoon, accompanied by a coffee
• Annamaria, Husemannstr.14: Yummy! Extraordinary sorts of ice cream for every taste
• Café Schönbrunn: In summer their "Biergarten" is full of people who have a sundowner with friends and family
• Barcomi's: Cynthia Barcomi has written a lot of cooking books, so the hidden court where her nice deli is, I cannot hold it back from you. 

Shopping

• Andreas Murkurdis : Between shopping and art: The store exhibits fashion and goods by small labels presented in an artistic manner
• Jack’s Beauty Department: Some women need make-up daily, others only for special events. In any case all essential items and products can be purchased here
• The Corner : two stores in Berlin present women's and men's high quality but affordable labels 
• Marlies Dekkers : The Dutch designer is famous for her feminine underwear
• Starstyling: An exquisite boutique in Friedrichshain with few high quality labels
• Lala Berlin: The most famous label from Berlin that presents its new creations at Berlin fashion week each season
• Mulackstrasse: Mulackstrasse remains indie and heaves with homegrown fashion, lifestyle and more. No more to say.
• Drykorn-Store: The German label purchases their fabrics in Italy or France, stands for high quality and meets the ravages of fashion time
• 14 oz Berlin: 14 oz. offers its customers a one-of-a-kind brand portfolio combined with an overall shopping experience and evokes an atmosphere of comfort and appreciation
• Boxi Flohmarkt: A flea market in the hip district of Friedrichshain to forage for valuable treasures

 Sights

• Prenzlauer Berg & Kreuzberg: Strolling through Kreuzbergstraße (Kreuzberg) or Kollwitzstraße (Prenzlauer Berg) and enjoy the lively neighbourhoods since they became a centre bohemian Berlin youth in 1990
• Pariser Platz: Hardly to miss, the Pariser Platz is one of Berlin's main points 
• Nikolaiviertel: Founded about 1200, the Nikolai Quarter is the reconstructed historical heart of Berlin
• Reichstag: Although the long queue might frighten you to visit the building of the  parliament, the view from the top and the architecture of the dome are worthwhile to be patient
• Hackesche Höfe: Once they were the secret tip for Berlin, they are now a typical tourist spot. However a walk through them is highly recommended!
• The Olympic Stadium: Built in 1936, the stadium is easy accessible from the town
• Tempelhof Airport: The closed airport field was transformed to an open park. On the landing strip where once Americans brought food for West-Berlin you can now skate

Special recommandation

• Berlin snacks: The curry wurst is THE dish to taste in Berlin - either "mit Darm" or "ohne Darm", the sausage is worth a try. And do you know that the "Döner" (or Kebap) was invented in Berlin by Turkish immigrants? Well, have one! 

More information

• www.visitberlin.de

Personal data

• Visiting dates: 2006, 29th December 2012 - 1st January 2013
• Accommodation: Holiday Inn in Badstrasse (hotel was fine but area is not to recommend), private (Nollendorfplatz)
• Highlight: Tucholskystraße

Paris, France

The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Triumph Arc, Louvre, Versailles, French Cuisine, ... I could talk forever about what Paris has to offer. And which is known worldwide. But here I want to share my favourite spots in the city. Those are rarely overcrowded by tourists and give you an idea how Paris really is. I hope you like them as much as I do. 

 

For more picture please click here.

Accommodation 

• Esprit de France: A selection of nice and well situated hotels in the heart of Paris. Different pricing categories for different needs
• BLC Design Hotel: Particularly white rooms can be found in this design hotel
• Le Quartier Bastille le Faubourg Hotel: Modern design combined with classic style makes this simple city hotel to a real tip
• Caron Hotel: Not only the situation is convenient for every visitor, but also the delicate choice of furniture. The Caron is worth to be paid a little more.
• Champlain: Stylish rooms + good location + appropriate prices = perfect stay in Paris
• Hotel Particulier
• Hotel Saint Merry
• Oops: Even though officially named as a hostel, you feel more as a hotel here as each of the moderns room has its own bathroom. 
• Le Boudoir de Serendipity: Have you ever dreamt of staying a night on the river Seine? Well, Le Boudoir offers you exactly this one time experience
• Paris Champion: It is "only" an apartment - but what a special one. Alone, with family or just with some friends the apartment is the home base for your Paris trip
• Courcelles-Parc: Next to famous Champs-Elysee, only 4 rooms are provided, each with a typical Parisian name

Restaurants

• Brasserie Péret, 6 Rue Daguerre
• Le Ciel de Paris
• La Bellevilloise
• Le café de l’industrie
• Le chalêt des îles
• La plage
• Le 138
• La petite tour

Bars & Nightlife

• LeBurgundy
• Le Seven Hotel
• Le Royal Monceau
• Le Shangri-la Hotel

 Cafes

• A la petite fabrique
• Le café suedois
• Angelina
• L’Ebouillanté
• Le Mama Shelter
• Le café A
• Resto Zinc

Shopping

• Marché des Enfants Rouges
• Chercheminippies
• Les Trois Quartiers
• Annexe des créateurs
• Café Suédois
• 
  

Sights

• Viaduc des Arts
• Place des Vosges
• Bercy Village
• Eglise St. Eugène
• Velib': In the entire city you will find bike stations where you can rent and put bikes. Another way to discover the beauty of the city. 
  

Special recommendation

• In order to extend your trip, I recommend Esprit de France that offers more accommodation - mainly romantic castles - throughout France.
• For the The Velib' bikes: If you change your bike within 30 minutes you only have to pay the basic fee of 1,80 € per person/day. Cheap way to get around.

Further information 

• www.parisinfo.com
  

Personal data

• Visiting dates: few times a year
• Accommodation: mostly at friends, but once at the Hotel Aiglon (Esprit de France)
• Highlight: Cocktail at the top of the Montparnasse Tower, seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkling

Stockholm, Sweden

As my favourite city, I have a really special and deep connection to the Swedish capital. Please find below addresses and tips for summer and winter, as well as personal details about my two trips.

For more pictures please click here. 

Accommodation

• Jumbo Hostel (www.jumbostay.com): Stay in an old jumbo air plane at Arlanda airport
• Story Hotel (www.storyhotels.com): Each room tells its own story, situated downtown
• Best Hostel Old Town (www.besthostel.se/skeppsbron): In the middle of old town this hostel is perfect for low budget
• Columbus Hotel (www.columbus.se): Nice hidden hotel in Södermalm
• Sven Vintappare (www.hotelsvenvintappare.se): Small hotel with charm in the old town
• Grand Hotel Stockholm (www.grandhotel.se): Most luxury hotel in Stockholm at the waterside
• Best Western Time Hotel (www.timehotel.se): Modern hotel in the North of Stockholm with good room offers
• Chapman & Skeppsholmen Hostel (www.svenskaturistforeningen.se): Sleeping in an old sailing boat in Stockholm's harbour

Restaurants

• Och Himmeln Därtill (www.restauranghimlen.se): beautiful view over the city with delicious food
• Grill (www.grill.se): Barbecue at an extravagant dinner table
• Chutney (www.chutney.se): Vegetarian restaurant in hip Södermalm
• Pontus by the Sea (www.pontusfrithiof.com): Situated at the waterside, the restaurant presents high quality sea food
• Systrarnas Lundbergs (www.systrarnaslundberg.se): Fancy restaurant in Norrmalm where young locals meet
• Pelikan (www.pelikan.se): Typical Swedish food in Södermalm
• Kvarnen (www.kvarnen.se): Typical Swedish food in Södermalm 
• Restaurang Solliden (www.skansen.se): Biological ingredients are here used at the restaurant in Skansen park
• Volt: If you are up for some extraordinary food, Volt is your place to be - from lacto-ovo vegetarian dishes to a dessert composition of fennel, plums and cream. 
• Frantzén Lindberg: Not only the internet presence is stunning, their food treatment is pretty much the same and therefore a little more costly. 
• AG Restaurang: Meat is called their specialty. But also vegetarians will find some nice dishes located in a former butcher's shop. Nothing for the fainthearted!

Bars & Nightlife

• Café String (www.cafestring.com): New bands playing in a cosy atmosphere
• Absolute Ice Bar (www.absoluteicebar.com): Icy party
• Hotellet (www.storstad.se): Fancy club where the high society meets
• Fasching’s Club (www.fasching.se): Famous jazz bar
• Pet Sounds Bar (www.petsoundsbar.se): DJs play different styles each night
• Moseback Etablissement (www.mosebacke.se): only open in Summer the bar presents an amazing view over the city
  
  

Cafes

• The Cookbook Café(www.thecookbookcafe.com): Enjoying coffee surrounded by books
• Fafangan(www.fafangan.se): While eating delicious cake creations, the view about Stockholm and the waterside is stunning
• Mellqvist Kaffebar(Röstrandsgatan 4): Famous for the place where "The girl with the dragon tattoo" was written
• Muffin Bakery(www.muffinbakery.se): Several locations offer typical American pastries and top coffee for free
• Flickorna HelinVoltaire(www.helinvoltaire.com): Romantic cafe in the Djurgarden park
• Saturnus(Eriksbergsgatan 6): Best "Kanelbulle" (cinnamon roll) in Stockholm
• Gilda(Skanegatan 79): Crazy and colourful cafe in Södermalm's Skanegatan

Shopping

• Plagg und Pjucken (www.plagg.se): Department store with stylish young labels
• Coctail (www.coctail.nu): It sells everything useless in all colours
• Svenskt Tenn(www.svenskttenn.se): Swedish design in a modern store at Strandvägen
• Acne(www.acnestudios.com): The Swedish jeans must-have
• Tjallamalla(www.tjallamalla.com): Women's clothes from chic to fancy
• Kocksgatan 17(www.kocksgatan17.se): Men's wear in a stylish store
• Department stores in the city: NK, Gallerian, Ahlens City, PUB
• Urban Outfitters (Biblioteksgatan 5): Normal retail store but located in an old cinema, worth to have a look at

Sights

• Skanegatan: Street in Södermalm where locals meet, flirt, go out, ...
• Skärs: More than 200 little island can be found in front of Stockholm, book your tour
• Skansen: Learn about Swedish culture and animals while feeding elks or visiting Lappland houses
• Djurgardensfärjan: Not only the best way from old town to Djurgarden, but also a 20 minute trip on the water
• Gamla Stan: Old town with small souvenir shops and narrow streets ready to explore
• Södermalm (Farfangan & Lilla Skinnarviksgränd): Södermalm has its own charm and here is where people hang out after 6 PM. Don't miss the two scenic stunning view points
• Vasa Museet: Interesting museum with a lot of interaction so that you never get bored
• Kungliga Slottet & Slottet Drottningholm: Being still reigned by a king and queen, the castles are the Swedish sanctuaries
• Strandvägen: Go for a walk along chic boutiques while enjoying the view on the water
  

Special recommendation

• Try the Päron Cider. It is about a beverage like wine but made out of pears.

Further information

• www.visitstockholm.se

Personal data

• Visiting dates: March 2010, July 2011
• Accommodation: The Best Western Time Hotel, Best Hostel Old Town
• Highlight: Sunset at Lilla Skinnarviksgränd with some Päron Cider

Idyllic winter days

This morning: I couldn't resist!

Hi everyone,

Sorry for my little delay but due to great weather conditions I couldn't stop myself from starting this Sunday on the slope. I did Nordic Skating today which was the first time for me and, believe me, my but already hurts immensely. Yet it was total fun and I am up to do it another time this week!

I hope you had a great time with your family during the Christmas days. Since my brother is still in NZ, it was my first Christmas without him and I must say that it was kind of strange. However we had nice and calm days with good food, all kinds of stories to tell each other and presents that I will show you another time here. As weather conditions weren't that great until this weekend, we spontaneously decided to leave for some wellness days on Thursday. Our destination was Freiburg in Germany that we could easily combine with a visit at my cousins (such a cute guy). Beside that we focused on wellness, so I went to the sauna, swimming pool and had a message after which I felt slightly more tense than before. Haha.

Last night I went out with two of my best friends and we chatted about old times in our traditional restaurant and later ended up in my kitchen where we could have stayed all night long. It was amazing to remember old times and to see what everyone is up to now. I very much appreciate having them here and don't want to miss the fun I have with these guys.

Let me already tell you that the next post here will surprise you. I cannot wait to share it with you. So long, enjoy your holidays or if not - have a great week!

Typically German

Favourite street

My room

The interior was so appealing

Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Happy Sunday!

While writing, I am still lying in my comfortable, warm and cosy bed and literally feel how stress is falling off. You know how the last three months went by and the last week was - again - no exception. But here I am back, back home for holiday season and glad that I survived the first part of my adventure in France.

During the last two weeks I've written 11 exams and I am pretty sure that there is the one or the other that might have been better. But regarding the quantity, this is normal, isn't it? When we finished the hard time on Wednesday, we had our annual 'End of the World' Party, this year's theme: Igloo, Igloo, Igloo. As stupid as it is, I only put on a hat and claimed that it is cold at the North pole, so I'd better protect my head.

After a good but quite short party, the day after was very hard. I had to pack all my stuff, clean the apartment and take 5 luggage pieces into the train. Yes right, I kind of did my moving with the French SNCF which was very stressful. Luckily I am a girl and there was always a helping hand when I had to carry my stuff all along the 500 m long train. But in the end, everything worked out very well and retrospectively, it was a fun experience!

Back home, I very much enjoy doing nothing or - wait! - skiing of course! I've been telling you a couple of (or maybe 1000) times that I love it and that I am looking forward to doing it throughout the entire year. Well, I began my season yesterday and it was great as usual. Tomorrow I head to the slopes again, yihaaa!

Last but not least, we are quickly approaching Christmas. I have all my presents, the tree is decorated and all the ingredients for the Christmas meals are shopped. Speaking of ingredients, I also baked a few Christmas cookies this week, the recipe with yogurt turned out to be really easy and yummy. So how shall I end a post on the 22nd of December?

Well of course, have a very merry Christmas.

International Cookies: Statue of Liberty, Pisa Tower, Eiffel Tower, Big Ben (easy to recognize, no?)

Every year's cinnamon rolls

Freedom - Passion - Love

Distracting Vastness

Studying?

Good morning my dears, 

The Internet is a nasty little thing, did you know that? I am in the middle of exam period but instead of studying I lose myself in the infinitive vastness of the Internet. I mean, I am very happy that I am still alive after 6 exams that more or less killed me. But each time I came home, I wasn't able to study for the next exam and spent my time on Facebook, tumblr, Pinterest and Co. Originally planned 1 hour sessions ended eventually in long-stretched afternoons. Here is what I found.

• This guy is a god. As I speak three languages fluently, I know how difficult it is to learn and to remember any of them. But 11 is a miracle. 
• Although I am not a ballerina, I can't stop watching them over and over again. These pictures express so much grace. 
• My move to Paris next month is another evidence for my never-ending-moving. In this post, Rachel revealed a lot of my feelings. Oh, and this is my daily life in a program called "International Management". 
• Beyonce is not my favourite artist. But these guys interpret her songs so well, that I might change my mind.
• I like that idea of having something that makes you happy, never mind in what situation you are. So girls, it's your time to start a happy life!
• When I found this webpage, I couldn't stop laughing: neighbours can be so creative, funny and mean at the same time. Let's wait for my next complaint note. 
• Back to art: As a critical person regarding modern art, it's a personal revolution to show you these works. But it's one of the few moments when I like litter being transformed into art. 
• Admittedly, I always do something different when safety instructions are given on a plane. But this time, even I watched. 
• What is a good winter outfit? Warm, stylish and cosy. I love that one. 
• My favourite for Christmas: WestJet plays Santa Clause is such a thoughtfully campaign. I keep wondering what miracle drink airlines took this year to have those great video ideas?
• And finally: I might adapt of these techniques, so that I avoid compiling lists like this one in future. Haha.

Actually, there was only one thing missing: I guess, I spent half of the week looking for great skiing/ winter blogs but couldn't find any that really touched me. If anyone of you writes a great winter blog with great stories and pictures, let me know. I am desperately searching!

Now back to the last subjects while drinking an amazing hot chocolate with an even greater cookie (here to buy). On Thursday I am driving home for Christmas - hooray! First semester done, next step Geneva and next year Paris. Love life.

There's something under the Christmas tree.

Good morning and happy 2nd Advent!

Today, it's about presents (= gifts, for all my American readers) . I can't believe it, but I got pretty much all of them during the last week although I should have been occupied with learning. Yeah, should.

It's the same problem every year: What is the perfect present for my beloved ones? Then, I click through the Internet - Amazon, Zalando, Pinterest, blogs. Like a crazy one, I stroll through the city and have a quick and hectic look into the boutiques. Even as a very organised person, I cannot call me so for Christmas time, though. I admire those who start taking notes throughout the year to be not stressed in December. Maybe I have just this problem because I never know what to put on my wish list myself and that I transfer this habit to others automatically. (This year it was pretty easy for me: iPhone 5. All that matters).

So, here a few insights into this year's presents since I assume (hope!) that the concerned persons don't read my blog.

• SOS Present: I was invited to a party yesterday where everyone had to bring a present. I wasn't prepared at all, so I grabbed a bottle of good (!) wine, some exquisite chocolate and wrote a nice poem about the person. My tip for all late-in-time-strugglers!
• Perfume: When I was in Paris a month ago, I went to the Fragonard Shop to let my Mom try some fragrances. And then I ordered the best one for her on their website. Let's see whether she will be surprised or whether she has already guessed something. 
• Bracelets: Normally, I am not patient enough for tinkering. But for my friends I wanted to have something special and personal, so I designed bracelets in a store only 2 minutes from my apartment away. I chose charms that reflect their personalities. Simple and effective.

SOS present: Wine & exquisite chocolate

Perfume samples

For my Mom

For my friends

I hope you could get a little inspiration with this post. If not, check out some ideas here (Pinterest, in general, is a great inspiration), here, here and here.

But before I end today, let me tell you the best news and probably one of the greatest Christmas presents ever:
I WILL BE MOVING TO PARIS FOR 6 MONTHS.
Another internship is on my plan (this time: Project Financial Controlling) - as you know, they keep me quite busy here. But with the location, a dream comes true. So guys, if you have any hints for an apartment, let me know, please! It's so hard to find something that is well located - but never mind how much I will spend, I guess, it's worth it.

P.S. You might have wondered where the music comes from: I thought of including a little Christmas playlist coming from my favourite Christmas movies to bring some festive atmosphere to the blog.

BE WILD

 

Happy first Advent!

Last week I left you with a mysterious "BE WILD". I owe you an answer, don't I?
In a addition to my in general full calendar, I assumed another task throughout the last 2 weeks. It was the campaign and election for next year's student council, called BDE (= Bureau des étudiants). The campaign includes free breakfasts, tea-times, parties, goodies, little sleep, a lot of motivation and so called "escortes": students can call our team in order to get a service done, e.g. dish-washing, shopping, cooking etc. Our team consisted of 39 people and I applied as the responsible for the sport department. As already mentioned, we invested a lot of time into this campaign and I am only happy that the people I founded that list with are just amazing and it is a real pleasure to work with them. Of course we also faced difficulties throughout the 2 weeks like a lack of motivation, but there were always members that took the initiative and pushed the team. And that worked out in the end: On Friday night the election was over and we were elected to be the team for next year. It's gonna be a WILD year, that's for sure.

For my part I have plenty ideas for the sports department. I can't wait to share them with all the students in my school. Furthermore here a little resume of what I personally did during the campaign and some pics that underline WILD weeks:

• We threw 700 bottles of beer into a container
• We did ironing for internship candidates
• We delivered pizza in the night while it rained cats and dogs
• We delivered pineapples early in the morning
• We organised three wild parties
• We sang the song of the elephant march (Jungle Book) in the middle of the market square
• We cooked some Swiss specialities
• We slept 4 hrs in average
• We had some great two weeks with amazing people that I can't wait to be with!

Campaign Pic I

Wild masks

Wild Party

Campaign Pic II

Wild feeling

Wild food

Next week, Christmas time can officially begin - wait for some nice pics and surprises. Oh and I have exams, just sayin'. 

Motto