Good morning everybody! Today is Rosenmontag!

I’ve never been a german Karneval enthusiast I must say, altough I grew up in a region of Germany, where it’s celebrated HARD. Maybe caused by witches with giant wooden masks, who scared me to death or drunk fat men in clown costumes on the street. Or old candy they threw on you during the parades. Or the terrible music, you had to listen to everywhere and couldn’t get out of your head.

But today, all over the country, there are huge parades, Konfetti, candy, music and people, mostly drunk, in costumes on the streets. Looks like this:

©hotelamaugustinerplatzKöln

Later the day it looks more like this.

© morgenpost.de

Part of the Karneval tradition is not only throwing yourself in a costume, getting drunk and roaring song lyrics you learned a minute ago,

but also laughing about the political satire on all the big parades, like in Cologne, Dusseldorf or Mainz. And that can look like this:

©panoramio.com

©newsnetz.ch

©t-online.de

The reason, why I show you all these pics is, you won’t be able to witness any parade here in Berlin. There was never a big tradition here, due to its very own history and the long seperation of the city, the leck of financial support etc. Another reason for me, why I love living here. But newcomers from the heartlands of Karneval brought a little bit of their tradition to the Capital.

If you feel like experiencing this very german tradition, even without a costume, paint your face (at least with some lipstick hearts on your cheeks) and go to one of these places (the KULTURBRAUEREI is actually the closest to our hostel. And there is also a Elektro-Swing Party tonight, starting at 11pm, if you had enough of german Karneval songs…)

http://blog.top10berlin.de/tag/rosenmontag-berlin-2015/

Oh! also! there’s a live stream of one of the big parades, happening NOW:

http://www1.wdr.de/fernsehen/unterhaltung/comedy/sendungen/karneval/rosenmontagszug148.html

Enjoy!

Welcome to Berlinale – the international Film Festival “05.02.2015 – 15.02.2015”

The Berlin Berlinale is the city´s larges event, with almost 20.000 film professonials from 124 different countries are all coming to the exciting capital of Germany. Artists from around the world are attracted to Berlin. Many consider Berlin the unofficial capital of German film. It is the home to a rich cinema scene and a diverse, discerning public. Also, Berlin has captured the imagination of countless filmmakers. Over and over again, the city has served as the backdrop for great silver screen productions, often becoming itself the secret protagonist of the movie. Think “film” and “Berlin” is bound to spring to mind.

For two weeks every year Berlin is totally enraptured by the Berlinale. This festival enjoys by far the largest audience of any filmfestival in the world, with more than 300.000 tickets that are being sold, this year….

About 400 films are shown, the majority of these films are world or European premieres.

The Berlin Festival is divided into different film sections, each one with its own focus:

Competition: “Big” international movies are competing for the prestigious awards, the Silver and Golden Bear

Berlinale Shorts: Short films, radical, independent, controversial, disturbing

Panorama: Independent art house productions and documentaries

German Kino: Latest productions from Germany, including feature and documentary films (all with English subtitles)

Forum: Experimental and cutting edge films, most of them from far-flung corners of the world

Generation: International film selection for kids and teenagers

Tickets may be purchased three days in advance. Tickets for repeat screenings of Competition films may be purchased four days in advance. On the day of the screening, tickets are only available at the box offices of the cinemas themselves and on www.berlinale.de.

Art, business, glamour and Party!!! Don’t miss it…. J

If you need more INFO about Tickets, Venues and Partys just check out www.berlinale.de

Welcome to Berlinale – -the international Film Festival
Berlin is a multinational and cosmopolitan city and so is its film festival. Last year guests from over 120 different nations came to our enjoy Berlinale. It is also considered the largest publicly attended film festival worldwide. For 10 days you will have the possibility to spot your favourite directors and movie stars posing on the red carpet.
So, what should you know? Here’s your low-down
The Berlin Festival is divided into different film sections, each one with its own focus:
Competition: “Big” international movies are competing for the prestigious awards, the Silver and Golden Bear
Panorama: Independent art house productions and documentaries
German Kino: Latest productions from Germany, including feature and documentary films (all with English subtitles)
Forum: Experimental and cutting edge films, most of them from far-flung corners of the world
Generation: International film selection for kids and teenagers

Tickets:  Tickets may be purchased three days in advance. Tickets for repeat screenings of Competition movies may be purchased four days in advance. On the day of the screening, tickets are only available at the box offices of the cinemas themselves
Buy tickets at the central box offices
Potsdamer Platz Arkaden or Cinema International. Both are easily reachable with public transport
A limited amount of tickets can be also purchased online. Also 3 days in advance. Easiest is to print your tickets at our reception, alternatively you can pick them up  between 10.00 am and 7.30 pm ) at the Berlinale Internet Counter in the Potsdamer Platz Arkaden shopping centre by showing your printed confirmation and ID.
Tickets are between 9€ and  13€

There are numerous cinemas throughout the city screening movies. However I recommend the following for an unique experience:
Adria – built in the 50ies with an authentic style
Berlinale Palast – most prestigious red carpet, however a bit bleak and too modern
Delphi – very, very elegant, built 1949
Eiszeit – small, intimate. Located in a former squat
International – most probably the most beautiful cinema in Berlin
Zoo Palast – before reunification the center of Berlinale. Newly opened after 3 years of reconstruction

Karneval der Kulturen (c) Axel Kuhlmann

This yearly festival is all about celebrating different cultures and dance and party together. Just as every other year, Berlin is going to proudly present the Carnival of Cultures, which will take place from the 17th till the 20th  of May. A four-day street-festival, the Parade (on the 19th of May) and various parties throughout the whole city will make the Pentecost weekend to a real multi-cultural summer event.
The street party takes place onf Friday, from 4pm till midnight, on Saturday/Sunday from 11am till Midnight and on Monday from 11am till 7pm.
Where? At the Blücherplatz, Blücherstrasse, Zossener straße and the Waterlooufer, in Berlin Kreuzberg
Street procession: On the day of the big parade, about 4.400 participants organized in 76 groups will change Kreuzberg into a sea of colors and ideas.
About 700.000 visitors are expected to celebrate Berlin’s diversity along the route.
The street procession focuses on the cultural richness of Berlin, and also highlights the often hidden treasures of its international cultural scene. It questions everyday life and politics. Carnival is a combined art form that embraces many aspects of artistic expression. Due to the global migration currents it is multifaceted and of mixed styles.
The Carnival of Cultures is open to everybody and all forms of cultural expression. It is regarded as a platform for a proud expression of hybrid cultural identities, containing traditional and contemporary elements. It includes and attracts all age groups, professional artists and amateurs, people from all walks of life.
The procession takes place on Sunday the 19th of May, from 12.30-21.30. It starts as everey year at Hermannplatz.
There will also be a lot of live music. Listen and dance to the sound of Berlin: four different stages – Bazaár Berlin, Eurasia, Farafina & Latinauta – want to introduce Berlin’s music scene as well as international bands to you.
Stilt-walkers, acrobats and magicians settle on the grassland and invite all visitors to test their own abilities in those fields and practice their skills in creativity.
330 market stalls attract with culinary seducements, arts and crafts and much more.
But it’s more than just a big party – the Carnival of Cultures is a reflection of Berlin‘s cultural diversity. It brings together professional artists and amateurs, young and old, and – furthermore – is a great opportunity for members of Berlin’s ethnic communities to make their cultures visible to Berliners and visitors equally. Whether it’s traditional or modern – every culture gets its chance to add their aesthetic vision to the capital‘s reputation as a vibrant and constantly changing metropolis. Being part of this traditional event has always been an unbelievable experience for both, visitors and participants.The procession takes place on Sunday the 19th of May, from 12.30-21.30. It starts as every year at Hermannplatz.
Another thing that might interest you, there is no entrance fee!
(text & info from: http://www.karneval-berlin.de/)
Address: Carnival of Cultures
Blücherplatz 1
10961 Berlin
Public Transport:
Underground:
U Hallesches Tor: U1, U6
U Mehringdamm: U6, U7
If you are still looking for a nice accommodation in Berlin feel welcome to reserve a bed our small hostel in Berlin Prenzlauer Berg.

Coolest Shops Berlin

A selection of some of the coolest things to do in Berlin!

If you are coming to Berlin you might at first be overwhelmed by the big amount of things to visit and things to do. With our blog we want to present some of the coolest shops, clubs, tours and museums for you to visit. Feel free to meet us at the reception for more insider tips!

1.You like shopping? Go to Glücklich am Park
They do not only sell beautiful clothes, dark sunglasses & toys…………they even have ice cream, enjoy it on there lovely terrace in the Kastanienallee.
2. Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer, Mauergedenkstätte – Berlin Wall Monument

This evocative stretch of the Berlin Wall on Bernauerstrasse is one of the few remnants of the concrete wall left untouched since 1989. The Gedenkstätte – monument – includes a Documentation Centre which chronicles the history and experience of the Berlin Wall.
3. Read a book and drink a wine at the Buchkantine!

what better way to relax than over a good book and a fine wine, at the Buchkantine this is all possible. Just take a book from one of the shelves and find yourself a nice seat at one of the comfy sofas.

You find the Buchkantine at the Dortmunderstr. 1. Ask us at the receptions for directions!
4. Hamam Berlin
This is for ladies only! Located in the popular district Kreuzberg, easy to reach by public transport.
It´s getting colder outside so why not warm up a bit at  the Hamam to enjoy a really nice Turkish bathing ritual…
Hamam is a bathing ceremony of the cleansing of the body and soul. Relaxation and communication in a warm and pleasant atmosphere are key elements of the Hamam culture. Here women from different cultures and walks of life work and meet.
You’ll find the Hamam at Mariannenstr. 6 in Kreuzberg
Opening hours: daily from 15h till 23h
Entrance fee: 14€ for 3 Hrs
5. Buncker Tour

Are you interested in going beyond the popular touristic sights and explore a bit more of Berlins history?

Then go for instance on a bunker tour!

There are several different bunker tours, in english, german and spanish.
Something exceptional and very interesting! A must do!

6. Big hangover breakfast

And after partying like a madman you should have a big hangover breakfast, of course!

For instance at one of my favorite cafe´s in Prenzlauer Berg, Café Hilde. They do fantastic breakfast, serve good strong coffee and it´s nice cozy and warm inside!

Located at the Metzer Straße 11, it is just a 5 minutes walk from our hostel.

7. Blutwurstmanufaktur

This is a traditional butcher, if you like meat and sausages go here to experience the true nature of the German meat  culture…. They do lunch too, traditional food, meat! For small prices! This place is famous for its traditional black pudding. High quality!  This is really a nice experience! But nothing for you if you are a vegetarian!

8.Weinerei!
great cozy place, it´s mainly students you will find here. getting together to drink really
great wine and philosophize in a relaxed livingroom-feel atmosphere.
the concept of the weinerei is quite unique. You ´buy´ a glass, for one euro, and then you
can fill and refill it as often as you like. Also there are little snacks the accompany the
wine. when you leave you can pay whatever you think it was worth.
Don´t go here to late, when the wine is out, its over and out!!

9.White Trash Fast Food
This is  a famous and legendary rock club. The name already implies it, they also have a fast food restaurant.
serving the most delicious burgers & fries I have ever had.
What else to expect at the White Trash, great live music & a great rock´n´roll atmosphere!!

10. Tempelhofer Freiheit

after the closing down of the Tempelhof Airport in 2010 the over 300 hectare are now open to public. It is a park with a special flair. A lot of people come here to kite, skate, and cycle. Or just simply to use the big green grass area for a picnic.

Enjoy sightseeing in Berlin! If you are still looking for a place to stay in Berlin, come visit us!!

Street art Berlin

Going beyond the touristic sightseeing track and want to experience Berlin while creating something yourself? Read this post, we have gathered some cool ideas and places where you can do workshops and other creative stuff!

1.FAKE FEATHERS- selfmade couture!

they have sewing workshops but above all they sell an unique sewing kit. This sewing kit provides everything you will need for sewing a real Fake Feathers Model. Do it yourself and look fabulous in your own creation! Cool! Located at the Kolonnenstrasse 29, Schöneberg. Just ask us for directions at the reception!

2.Choose a culinary recipe and cook your own dinner!

The Kochhaus shop, located close by the hostel at the Schönhasuer allee 46,  offers you a really fun concept. You can go here to buy ingredients for your dinner, just like in any normal grocery store. BUT the difference is, you can buy the exact ingredients for a dinner, and find everything in the right portions. With the ingredients you also get the recipe, of course. And they have the perfect wine suggestions to match your main course.

3. graffiti workshop and walking tour

takes you to all the cool spots to see some really fine graffiti and street art culture! there is a graffiti workshop included, really fun!

Meeting-point is at Alexanderplatz in front of the Strabucks, at the TV tower, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 12pm. Don´t forget to bring your camera to shoot some nice pictures!!

4. Make your own jewellery

Go to this cozy little shop in Berlin Friedrichshain to create your own personal jewelry. As a gift for a beloved one, or just for yourself.  You can use their equipment for free and they will be glad to advice you!

They are located at the Lenbachstraße 7, just take the s-train from alexanderplatz platform 3 to Ostkreuz.

5. Daytrip to Museumsdorf Glashütte

Glass – History – Craftsmanship – Art – Sports – Recreation

The Baruth glassworks were founded in 1716. Until 1980, glassblowers produced lampshades and bottles. Today, the ensemble of factory buildings and workers’ dwellings is a monument that conveys the spirit of the 19th century.
In the museum the visitors can experience the manufacturing of glass. The glassblower offers the opportunity to try it oneself, e.g. to blow a glass globe. The furnace is to become a forum for artists, too.

How to get there:
A13 Berlin- Dresden, exit 5b “Baruth”
B96/115 Baruth- Golßen, exit Klasdorf
Getting there by train
DB RE5 Berlin- Elsterwerda, Klasdorf or Baruth station

Horse carriage: Tel. 033704/61454
Bus transfer: Tel. 0170/2101295

That´s all for now. Please come see us at the reception if you have any questions or if you need help with how to get there and back again. Enjoy your visit in Berlin!

Supper Club @ EastSeven

The Supper Club at EastSeven Berlin Hostel!!
we are a real backpacker hostel in central Berlin and we are now offering something very special for our guests that are booked in our hostel!
In exchange for your cooking skills, where you make an evening meal for like-minded travelers in our well stocked kitchen, we will give you a free dorm bed for the night.
We can supply you with recipes, lists for what you need to buy and will even pay for the ingredients. All you have to do is cook a meal for 10-20 other travelers staying in our hostel and the bed is yours!

Here is how it works:
Come to the reception the day before or early in the morning of the day you want to cook, and proclaim your intention to cook. With our receptionists you can prepare your menu and shopping list. We will make an announcement to hostel guests and open dinner registration.
There should be 2 courses including a vegetarian option (eg salad & pasta; soup & baked potato; pizza & ice-cream).
Considering our student style budget, we are not expecting Michelin star cooking, however we will not allow convenience food, readymade cans or frozen stuff.  In summer you can also do a bbq in our beautiful garden.
Supper time is 8 pm and it is no coincidence that we have a beer happy hour from 8 – 10pm where a large, delicious German beer (all German beer is delicious really) costs 1€. Free food, cheap beer, nice kitchen table…. The perfect combination for a lot of fun on an extremely low budget – that’s true backpacker spirit.
To really get the family feeling, we can ask other guests to come to help you in the kitchen.
At parties, the best place to be is always in the kitchen, food connects people. The chef is a rock star and this supper club is a perfect opportunity to get in touch with other travelers. Isn´t that the main reason to stay in a hostel in the first place?  To meet people from all over the world, share stories and have a good time together?
Some of our cooking evenings are already legendary. Guests partied till all hours or went to bars and clubs in our neighborhood together. So whether in a couple, family or as a lone ranger traveler this is a perfect opportunity to make new friends (it’s ok, we don’t mind if there is a bit of flirting!).
„In my times of travel, this is how I always imagined hostel life– spending time with other travelers and enjoying something special, all on a shoestring budget “ Jörg Schöpfel (owner of EastSeven and now family man).
Let cooking and eating together in our hostel become your home from home.

The EastSeven Berlin Hostel has already won important hostel awards in 2012 – the latest in a long succession of international hostel awards . This is not only because we offer clean, comfortable rooms but because we think good hospitality should achieve this a “home from home” feeling.
EastSeven has been highly recommended by regarded travel guides including Lonely Planet, Lets Go, Reise Know-How and many others. Reviews routinely confirm the hostel has ‘true spirit’. Why? Because it’s small, independent, cosy, personal, super clean, relaxed, affordable, has a lovely kitchen/garden/lounge area, doesn’t take large group bookings and most importantly,  because when you leave, you will feel you are leaving a place of relaxation and individuality.

We hope to welcome you soon to our hostel! We will be delighted if you would like to join in on the supper club!!

Berlin events

what to expect in Berlin in 2013? A lot of cool events and exhibitions are being held in the german metropole.

we have made a selection, a top 5, of events and exhibitions coming up in this winter in Berlin!

1. Transmediale

” an ongoing adventure in art, culture and technology”

Transmediale is a Festival based in Berlin and it takes place on a yearly base.

It is about making new connections between culture, technology and art. Every year the festival attracts artist, designers, students, activists and professionals from all over the globe.  Besides exhibitions and performances there are also screenings and publications that take place.

2. Berlinale

this years Berlinale, taking place for the 63rd time, will attract lots and lots of visitors from all over the globe. It is one of Berlins most famous international film festivals.

The program for the public shows about 400 different films from different countries every year. These are mostly european and international premieres.

If you want to go see one of the movies that are being shown during the Berlinale, it is wise to order your tickets in time!

3. Exhibition German History Museum on Nazi-Germany

the exhibition “Diversity destroyed”  will be shown in the German History Museum from January 31st till November 10th. In this year, 2013, it is 80 years since the ” seize of power” of the Nationalist.

“It will show how the social diversity and cultural avant-garde that had turned 1920s Berlin into a pulsating metropolis were destroyed after 1933 when the National Socialists came to power. In this way the exhibition will provide significant insight into the conditions and consequences of Hitler’s rise to power.”

4. 100° Berlin Festival

a 4 day marathon of music, dance and theater performances being held at 2 locations, Hebel am Ufer and SophienSaele. It is a real marathon with performances being held every hour! For an exact program check their websites, or just go there and let yourself be surprised!

From the 21st of February till the 24th.

5. Hamburger Bahnhof Secret Universe IV

George Widener, the 4th in a row of artists that have been largely ignored by the established art discourse…

the exhibition opens at the 25th of January and will be shown at the Hamburger Bahnhof until June 16th.

The most important series and works of George Widener will be shown and also some new drawings, developed especially for this exhibition.

The Hamburger Bahnhof is always worthwhile a visit. It is a big museum for contemporary art, located close to the Berlin main train station.

If you are planning your trip to Berlin and you are still looking for a nice hostel in Berlin, stop looking and come stay at our place!!

Grüne Woche (c) Christian Schlichtherle

First of all, happy new year to all of you!!

if you are planning a trip to Berlin this January, please read on. To get some ideas on what to see and do we created a top 3.

Things to do in Berlin in January: TOP 3

1. International Green Week, January 18th till January 27th
a yearly hightlight in Berlin at the start of the new year is the international green week.
The International green week is an one of a kind exhibition for the food, agricultural and horticultural industries. It is also the point of origin for the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture.
Organic agriculture and products, renewable resources, fair trade and rural development are topics that gain more importance at the International Green Week.
Producers from all over the Globe wil come to this exhibition, not only to reinforce their brand image, but also to test market food and luxury items.

The exhibition opening hours are from 10am to 6pm. Located at the Exhibtion ground Messe Berlin, it is easy to reach by public transport. Just ask your EastSeven Hostel staff.

2. Berlin Fashion Week, January 15th till January 20th
Another great yearly event in Berlin, that attracts a lot of visitors, is the Berlin Fashion Week.
If you want to know what the new fashion trends are, you must pay a visit!

During the Berlin fashion Week Berlin becomes an international stage for fashion and lifestyle topics. This events attracts buyers, trade experts and fashion enthusiast from all over the world, they will visit shows and award ceremonies. There will be fashion trade shows and exhibition, quite exiting.

To see where it is happening check the Berlin Fashion Week website!

3. Tanztage Berlin, Berlin Dance Days! From the 4th of January till the 14th!

“TANZTAGE BERLIN is knitting away at the dance history of tomorrow and in its upcoming
festival, it presents Christine Borch and Dani Brown – examples of how the body and
physical activity can be made into rigorous concepts in choreography. Julian Weber and
Márcio Canabarro produce poetical dance pieces linked to the visual arts while Ari
Hoffmann and Antje Velsinger’s research focus is on sound, music and language. Willy
Prager finds his inspiration in current political events.
Once again, we will be looking beyond the borders of Berlin and for the fourth time, we will
present the exchange programme with Stary Browar Nowy Taniec from Poznan, in which
young choreographic talents from Poland are shown. And for the first time this year, young
Israeli choreographers are represented from HaZira’s upcoming talent programme, “New
Dance Project”. (Text: Sophiensaele.com)

That´s all for now! Enjoy your visit to Berlin!!