Christmas

Might be a bit early, but I'm really getting into the Christmas mood these days so I’ve started decorating the house while waiting for the Christmas tree. Here in Berlin I actually can do this since the advent started and the Christmas markets are open. In Amsterdam I would have waited until after Sinterklaas, but now we don’t have to and a bit of color and light can’t harm these grey and cold days.

Also, I’m so happy with my new nativity scene by Dick Bruna I found at  d.nik at Wörther Straße while shopping for a winter suit for my eldest, it just needed a little stage in our windowsill.

http://www.dnik-berlin.de/

Mauerpark

In our first weekend exploring the area we live we decided to have a look at the markets of Mauerpark. The plan actually was to go to Ikea to get the basic necessary stuff, but they we're all closed as we found out on the parking lot of one of them. And since the plan also is to fill the rest of the house with second hand stuff we hope to find on flea markets we decided to go to the only one we know at this moment and that is the well-known Mauerpark market.

Unfortunately for some reason unknown to us there was no flea market at the park today, but also without the market we found it a good place to spend our Sunday. First ate some Curry wurst und Pommes, than strolled around and took time to watch the street artist performing. Walked up the hill to look at the graffiti artist working on their painting and of course let the little one swing at one of the huge swings up there overviewing a part of Berlin. She loves to swing, but I’ve never before seen a smile this big on her face because of it.

Weissensee

Finding our own place gives us time to focus on other things like exploring the city. Because of our dog our exploring contains a lot of finding green spots in where he can run around. This Saturday we went to Weissensee, a green oasis in the middle of urban environment. It was very quiet in the park in two ways. There hardly were any other people and the city noises are really kept out.

In the middle of the park there is a small lake you can walk around. On one side there is a place – forgot the name – that looked like nothing had changed for the last 20 years. Today it held 50 elderly having some kind of celebration brunch. On the other end there is a small beach with a kiosk called Weissensee where you can buy everything to get warm. Nice cappuccino and great waffles. On the beach there even are two big tents that were warmed. We wouldn’t want to disturb the people inside by invading them with our party of children and dog.

One day later we experienced why there probably were so little people, Berliners do their groceries on Saturdays because on Sundays most stores are actually closed. Something we as ‘Amsterdammers’ are not used to anymore, but are planning to adapt to definitely. Sundays from now on are only for parks, fleamarkets and lots of drinking and brunching outdoors!

New Place

We found our own place, in two days’ time! Found it on immobielienscout, viewed the next day, signed a day later. Unfortunately no balcony or shared garden and on the very busy Torstrasse, but lots of space, rights in the middle of Mitte and Prenzlauerberg and only 5 minutes to the hubbies office. And the best view of Berlin!

Gartnerstrasse

Last day in Friedrichshain. Took the opportunity to make a quick run to Gartnerstrasse where there really are a couple of great shops when you have children – or need to buy presents for children you know. Siebenschoen has great toys, books, stickers and a riding horse to keep your child busy when you’re looking for presents. Also very challenging when you want to leave and get your kid to come with you without making a huge scene.

Next door there is Dolly Rocker who have great soft and comfy kids clothes (lot of scadinavian) and they have their own line in clothing, Or at least they make their own warm children’s hats. Also great postcards and decorative stuff. Too bad we will not be living in the neighborhood, although I guess Prenzlauerberg should have lots of great kid shops as well. 

Kollwitzplatz

Oma and Opa are visiting. We wanted to take them to one of the places we visited first time we were in Berlin together: the farmers market on Kollwitsplatz. Still a lovely place, but the market is not quite as charming anymore as I remembered, or maybe it’s just not as charming as the farmers market on Boxhagenerplatz we visited the two Saturdays before. Still a nice place where you can get your groceries, eat some really nice sausage, sauerkraut or grilled fresh fish, but if you need to make a choice I’d choose Boxhagener for less touristy and more choice if you come for groceries instead of a bite to eat.

PS check out the guy on the right, only saw this after putting him on my blog…