SHARING OUR BERLIN EXPERIENCE

In this second Berlin post I will explore with you some of the landmarks we visited and the coffee shops and restaurants we ate in.  We were in Berlin only for a short period and there is so much more of the city I would love to explore, so this is by no means an exhaustive guide, but more a taster to tempt you there.  Not that it would take much tempting for me - I really loved the little that I saw of the city and can't wait to go back. 

PLACES WE VISITED 

The Gendarmenmarkt in the Mitte district, is one of the most significant and beautiful squares in Berlin, best known for the three architectural gems of the German and French cathedrals and the Concert Hall.  It must be magical to see when the festive markets are hosted here with all the Christmas lights and an ice rink, being close to many other major attractions including the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag and Museum Island, and in the centre of one of the main shopping areas, it is a must see on any tourists' agenda.

As a little fashion note, in the shot below I am wearing a lightweight jumper from Zara which is new in this season and comes in a range of colours including black, navy, light grey and neon pink.  Great for early summer weather when the temperature fluctuates and you need a versatile piece.  The bag is from Loxley England and is the Devonshire Tote, which is so capacious I can fit pretty much everything in including the kitchen sink!.

Stood in Gendarmenmarkt with the Concert Hall behind me.  

Brandenburg Gate 

An absolute must see is the Jewish Museum which chronicles Jewish history in Germany from the 4th century and is both interesting and informative. But what I found most affecting was Daniel Lebiskind's architecture with its three axial routes and the incredible full height empty spaces or voids, which are cut through by shafts of light and really provoke contemplation.   Another remarkable feature is The Garden of Exile which includes 49 earth filled columns standing on a slanting floor with olive willows growing out of the top. Arranged in rows to form a square, the garden represents the experience of Jewish exiles driven from their homes.  It is both disorientating and awe-inspiring with a feeling that the massive columns are toppling over and you will not be able to escape, even though a route to freedom is visible at all times. 

Garden of Exile 

The Memory Void houses the work of Menashe Kadishman entitled Fallen Leaves.  With more than 10,000 metal faces carpeting the floor it is dedicated to all the innocent victims of war and violence. Even though it is a very uncomfortable feeling, you are supposed to walk onto the faces and it really invokes an emotional response. 

Memory Void

The Topography of Terror exhibition is located on the site where the SS Headquarters, Main office of State Security and Gestapo prison were based. It documents the rise and fall of the Nazi party and those very institutions that were located in the vicinity.  There is a lot to read but it has been set out so that the chronology is easy to follow and it is well worth the effort of taking it all in.

East Side Gallery was very close to our hotel and is an open air gallery located on the banks of the River Spree where artists use the longest remaining 1.3km segment of the Berlin Wall as their canvas.  Originally painted in 1990 by more than 118 artists from various countries as a memorial to freedom marking the events of 1989-1990, part of the installation was controversially renovated as a large section was damaged by erosion and the ever pervasive graffiti, some of which is artistic in its own right but some is just plain ugly and verges on vandalism.  It is worth a walk along the length of the wall to view the various artworks and it really gives you an appreciation of the divisive structure that split this amazing city in two.  

Another quick style note here - the top is also from Zara and the jeans are from Won Hundred.

PLACES TO EAT

SILO Coffee on Gabriel-Max-Strasse in Friedrichshain was a fifteen minute walk from our hotel taking you into the heart of this vibrant, arty area.  The coffee was amazing but the all day Aussie breakfast selection is even more mouth watering.  I had the avocado with feta and chorizo and it was so good that we went back the next day for more!

Burgermeister on Oberbaumstrasse in Kreuzberg was a ten minute walk in the other direction from our hotel and is the best burger joint in town.  Now we are not talking fancy here - this is literally a kiosk, which was previously a toilet, set under a rail bridge on a traffic island, where you stand at tables or rest on bum bars to eat. But believe me you will not be disappointed - one of the best burgers and cheesy fries ever. 

We visited Das Meisterstuck on Hausvogteiplatz for a late lunch, hence the emptiness, but we had a lovely simple meal with me eating ham and hummus on rye bread.  And it was really good.  I think this would definitely be somewhere to go back to for the evening and enjoy a beer from their extensive selection and a Wurst (sausage).

WELCOME TO BERLIN

Hi, it's Anne H here with my brief travel guide to Berlin. I was there last week with my daughter Lizzy who was meeting with Zalando.  And who are they I hear you ask. Just the biggest on-line fashion retailer in Germany and a big name in Europe generally. They are also available in the UK - well worth a visit as they feature loads of big name brands, but more importantly they also stock European brands that we would struggle to access otherwise. So go take a peek at their site using this link - Zalando.  

Because Lizzy was there for work we only had a couple of days to take in the city, but we made the most of our time and covered quite a bit of ground.  The weather was very mixed - incredibly hot and muggy, with sunny afternoons and some heavy downpours.  But the last day was just beautiful and we had that to ourselves.

Berlin was not at all what I was expecting - I had visions of heavy Baroque and Gothic architecture interspersed with traditional Germanic style buildings. Berlin is a very diverse  and expansive city which is split into boroughs and being four times the size of Paris takes a bit of working out. Of course the East:West divide has had a major impact, but what I came away with the most was how young and vibrant the city is, with an incredible buzz and edginess. I was also surprised by the amount of graffiti - it is absolutely everywhere and brings a gritty yet artistic vibe to the city.  

I will split the guide into two posts - covering our hotel and some shopping tips in this post and places to eat and visit in the next.  So will start here with the hotel:

MICHELBERGER HOTEL

Located in the Friedrichshain area of Berlin the independent Michelberger is a budget hotel looking to provide a home-from-home in a cool and creative environment.  And it really pulls this off.  The decor is an eclectic mix of industrial and edgy in the common areas of the hotel but our room really reflected the underlying fairytale theme of the hotel. We had one of the four Luxus rooms and it was called The Golden One.  And my goodness it was gold floor to ceiling and so so pretty.  Definitely not a budget hotel experience by British standards - having a sunken bath in bedroom, TV hidden behind a mirror and some lovely lights and decorative touches.  The staff couldn't have been more helpful and friendly and they make a mean Gin and Tonic in the bar.  If you are looking for a more traditional, formal hotel then this is not for you but if you love mixing with young people in creative, cool and relaxed surroundings then look no further. And please note the amazing music playing in the bar and reception which is really carefully curated.  There is even whale music playing in the ladies and I presume the gents too.  Just one of the careful touches that make this place so special. 

Relaxed lounge area. 

Above and below the bar area

SOME BERLIN SHOPPING TIPS 

Of course we could not be in a city and not do some shopping and Berlin has such a lot to offer.  As ever, we will not dwell on the usual high street names that obviously are here and most of you will know about, but will highlight some of the more unusual and often independent stores that we came across.  Starting with The Corner Berlin on Franzosische Strasse in the Mitte area of the city. An upmarket, light and airy store stocking a range of designer brands including accessories, shoes and clothing.  Definitely worth a look in if you are after some designer names. Lizzy purchased some beautiful Valentino sandals which were heavily discounted, so quite a bargain.  

The Corner, Berlin

Next up is the Voo Store, which is in the Kreuzberg district on Oranienstrasse. Hidden in a little courtyard off the main street, it is worth seeking out as it features a range of high end designers and streetwear including Acne, Helmut Lang and Jil Sander combined with home accessories, gifts, stationery and magazines.  A really exciting mix of goods that encompasses men, women and the home in a really cool atmosphere in what was once a locksmiths shop. This is my favourite type of store, where you can really find some exciting and unusual things.  

And the icing on the cake is the Companion Coffee shop that shares space with the Voo Store and serves amazing coffee and tea in a relaxed, stylish environment. 



Victoria met Albert on Dunckerstrasse in Friedrichshain is full of gorgeous gifts, homewares and accessories combined with men and women's clothing lines.  A really pretty store with friendly and helpful staff where you can be sure to find some unusual things. 

Victoria met Albert 

Just a ten to fifteen minute walk from the hotel, Friedrichshain abounds with speciality stores and quirky cafes and restaurants.  The whole area has an amazingly youthful, vibrant air and is buzzing with activity day and night.  I think this and Mitte were amongst our favourite areas of the city.

HOW WE STYLE BEACH TO EVENING WEAR

Well it might be more like March weather here in Yorkshire, since there's definitely no sunshine and it's not even dry.  But despite this, we have decided to put our holiday heads on and have picked one top each to style for beach and evening - all shot indoors so do excuse the distinct lack of sun.

Starting with AnneC, she loves her beach and pool holidays and having visited many Greek Islands over the years, has found her perfect spot in Santorini, which is where she spends some time most summers.

Greece is very laid-back and not necessarily a place where you have to dress to the nines, but it's always great to shower off the sun lotion and put on something summery and light for dinner or cocktails in the evening.

The green chiffon tunic (bought  last year in Santorini of course) is ideal either for popping on over a swimsuit during the day, but is just as easily transformed into a floaty evening top over a pair of white jeans for the evening.

The flip-flops (do they call them thongs in Australia/America??) were a bargain find in Sainsbury's and go with just about anything - but as she owns a whopping 42 pairs of flip-flops, she can honestly say she has colours to match just about everything.

We don't usually wear jewellery during the day because it's too hot, but would definitely steer clear of gold and silver - not only because we wouldn't want to damage it with salt/chlorine or sun tan lotion, but it also gets hot and burns your skin!

Anne H is wearing a simple navy linen top from The White Company which was purchased last year, but there is a similar structured shift dress this year as well (link here) and a more relaxed style (link here)   She likes to wear it with white cotton trousers (those featured are from YaYa Collection), chinos or linen trousers during the day and just some flat sandals and minimal accessories.  It is a great dress to slip on for lunch over a damp costume as it does not show the wet stains that make it look as if you have a serious problem!  The sandals, also purchased last year, are from Zara  and the bracelet is the type you find in all Mediterranean resort shops - this was purchased in Tropea. The lovely beach bag was loaned by Anne C and is one she bought in Cyprus years ago.

Anne C's evening outfit features the same chiffon tunic, but with a cami underneath for modesty, and teamed with white trousers from Florence & Fred at Tesco.  A recent article in Grazia magazine on white jeans and trousers indicated that they are currently enjoying a fashion renaissance and can be difficult to wear.  We have always made our own decisions on what we can get away wearing, and have always worn white trousers during the summer - often linen or cotton, but Anne C is  just as happy wearing white jeans - who cares if the fashionistas consider them naff! These trousers (below) are stretch cotton with gold zips at the ankle. They are supposed to be cropped length, but as she is so short, they fit her as a full length pair!

She has added white peep-toed platforms with chunky suede heels by Marco Rizzi (which we have never heard of), bought locally, which are also easy to wear, a white clutch, again from Florence & Fred at Tesco - which was attached to a perspex see-through tote, so double value - inexpensive drop earrings, bangle and a diamante cuff watch.

For the evening Anne H has upped the glamour stakes and added some vertiginous nude heels from Zara from a previous season - this type of shoe appears year in and year out on the high street with various heel heights.  A good place to see what is on offer now is on Shopstyle, the link here takes you to their portfolio of nude ankle strap heels. They are not ideal if you are planning to walk around a lot, but great if you are just slipping out for an evening meal.  If she was walking more, then high wedge sandals would come into play. (like these featured here on Shopstyle) Added to this is a statement necklace which she has had for a while and a bangle that was also purchased in Tropea, while her watch is from Cluse.   To complement the colour scheme she has gone for a brighter lip gloss from YSL Volupte range in colour 206 which has great staying power.  The clutch is another loan from Anne C and is positively vintage....
   

LOWDOWN ON SUNNIES

Hello - Anne C here on one of the few sunny days we've had since we came back from New York - and it did actually rain just after we took the photos!

Like everything else I have, I like little details and obviously love sparkly things, and for the most part my sunglasses are no exception. I also tend to wear sunglasses as accessories so if I have coloured glasses, I would match them with certain clothes.  I do have quite a lot of sunnies which I will co-ordinate with summer outfits, though these tend to be fashion ones rather than the designer ones we are showcasing today.

The white ones are Bvlgari (BV606 1B) which I only wear in high summer, and love these because they completely are over the top! These are frameless and are trimmed with Swarovski crystal and although are not current season, they are still available online from a number of retailers in a choice of colours.

The cream fine linen top is by Crea and is a new purchase from the SS2016 collection, so still available, (I bought at Hoopers in Harrogate but House of Fraser also stock Crea) and the matching earrings and necklace combo are from my friend Liz Wright's lovely shop Simply Devine, which we have previously featured.

Anne H next -  giving the low down on my sunglass choices.  As with most things my taste tends towards the minimal so little, or really no, diamantes or sparkle on my frames.  Being short-sighted I have some frames glazed for distance vision so it is easier to choose sunglasses which do not wrap around the head.  I like larger frames for sunglasses and I am not too fussy about the tint colour or depth of colour.  As with most accessories I have a lot to learn from Mrs C and really feel I need to up my game and add to my accessories wardrobe overall. 

Alexander McQueen AMQ 4219 Sunglasses with prescription lenses added from two seasons ago.  Shirt from COS and jeans from H & M.

Back to Anne C - and these sunnies below are one of my absolute favourites - Chanel 5171 in a dark grey with black bow detail featuring the Chanel logo.  Since looking at the photos, I decided I would like another pair of these in black with a white bow.  These are probably about five years old so I needed to track down a supplier or pre-owned pair - which I have now successfully done!   I also wear a pair of Chanel prescription glasses in red frames (without the tint!), for close up and computer work, featuring the same distinctive bow and logo.

Chloe Dafne Sunglasses from last season (but still available) featured with two different outfits as it would appear they have polarised lenses that are so reflective they incorporated an image of Anne C in the lenses!  These have not had a prescription lens fitted but it would be feasible as they are not wraps.  Top above is from Reiss and the necklace is a Greek holiday find.

While Anne C doesn't wear glasses all the time, she needs them for reading, and since she loves nothing more than curling up on a sunbed next to a swimming pool with an iced frappe and a good novel, she needs prescription sunglasses for that - which are featured below in Fendi frames. Although difficult to see on the photo, they are a tortoiseshell design on the outside and purple on the inside of the frames.

The top is from George at Asda a while ago and the necklace was bought in Santorini last year (as this is where she and her family have holidayed every year for the past 15 years, she will be going back again this summer, so will feature on the blog later in the year).  She can't remember where the earrings were from, but feature her signature diamante with a pearl drop.

These are Tom Ford Penelope sunglasses from two seasons ago.  Again not with my prescription lens as I tend to keep some sunglasses for reading and some for distance. The cost of incorporating a varifocal lens that is not too heavy is cost prohibitive given the amount of time I wear them. So I just keep some of distance and some for reading.  The top worn here was a purchase in Singapore from In Good Company.  The necklace is one I have had for an age. 

Finally, these are one of Anne C's much cheaper purchases!  She always keeps cheap but pretty pairs in each of their family cars (there are four vehicles in the family and there's nothing worse than leaving your sunglasses in your daughter's car!) She also keeps a pair for popping on in the pool on holiday when the glare from the sun on the water makes her eyes weep - so these are one of her current cheapies - complete with diamante - from Primark - which probably will not last so long, but do the job!