Guest Author | iHeartBerlin.de

AVOCAI Café – A Piece of Bali Right Here in Berlin

by Guest Author | Cafés, Mitte, Wellness

Amongst a great number of fancy cafés and restaurants in Berlin Mitte, AVOCAI will remind you of exotic places like Bali. An inspiring place where you can take time off from everyday’s stress and meet like-minded people while enjoying healthy and tasteful food.

With its unique recipes (paleo style), the first look at the menu makes you want to order it all. Inspired by Russian and Asian cuisine, all dishes are gluten-, meat-, sugar-free, and mostly vegan. From avocado toasts to rainbow bowls (and not to be missed: sweet potato pancakes!) it’s filled with colorful and diverse ingredients that will make your palate go on a tasteful journey. You’ll find a well-balanced selection of savory and sweet dishes and a weekly changing business lunch.

A Guide to the Lovely Bergmannkiez in Kreuzberg

by Guest Author | Cafés, Kreuzberg, Restaurants, Shops

There’s something lively about wandering down Bergmannstraße in the evening. The lights hanging from the awnings of restaurants cast an orange glow on the sidewalks to match the colorful facades of the surrounding buildings. As you stroll west from artsy Zossenerstraße to peaceful Viktoriapark, you’ll encounter something for everyone. From cozy coffee shops and hip restaurants to edgy record stores, Bergmannkiez is buzzing early in the morning to late at night.

As a newcomer in Berlin, Bergmannkiez was the first place I got the chance to explore. In fact, it’s the place I get to call my home (for the next two months, anyway). I’ve taken note of some of my favorite spots that make this neighborhood the ultimate destination for a fun and relaxed day out in Berlin.

10 Places Where to Have Sex in Public in Berlin

by Guest Author | Stories, Top Guides

illustrations: Berk Karaoglu.

One could say that Berlin has a reputation for being a bit of a sexual playground. Some take this quite literally and like to indulge in the slightly dicey activity of sex in public. Personally, I can think of about a million reasons how this naughty scheme could become my worst nightmare, but these concerns aside, there’s probably no time like the summer to go through with it. Behold the iHeartBerlin guide to the 10 public locations that might possibly provide you just the right amount of privacy – or, if desired, a lack thereof.

A Guide to the Best Running Routes in Berlin

by Guest Author | Wellness

photo: Vismante Ruzgaite.

Whether you are just getting into running or are already a regular runner, Berlin is the right place for you. The city has one of the largest and most dedicated running communities in the world. Berlin is the only city in Europe besides London to be part of the World Marathon Majors, the world’s most prestigious running events. Some of the most popular running groups were born in Berlin and then spread around the world. Nowadays, running goes beyond sports, it’s a lifestyle. Everywhere you go in Berlin, you can really feel the presence of the running culture. For me, running has been a great way to discover a city, to connect with its people and of course, stay fit!

I am happy to share with you my top 5 running routes in Berlin that I enjoy the most.

Discover the Secrets of Cacao Ceremonies in Berlin

by Guest Author | Events, Food, Stories

I experienced pure cacao for the first time last winter after ice bathing in the frozen lake of Plötzensee with the group Ice Dippers. Its founder, Jonas, served us hot cacao as we came out of the water. The first sip of pure cacao is really bitter and far away from the warm chocolate you probably experienced as a kid. Though, I enjoyed a full cup of it, not only for its taste, moreover for the mixed feeling of relaxation and stimulation it provided me. I couldn’t stop asking myself where this cacao could come from? Or if there was anything added to it. I had to ask Jonas about the story of this Moruga cacao that he had served us which goes actually way beyond our usual experience of cacao.

Why Orgies are My Favorite Form of Self-Care in Berlin

by Guest Author | Stories

photos: Vismante Ruzgaite.

Paying more attention to self-care has definitely become one of the more positive signs of our times. And while the common definition of this concept keeps on expanding in a process fueled by sharing personal experiences, I thought I’d add my two cents by talking about a particular routine that only Berlin has enabled me to truly discover and embrace. What’s the greatest self-love of all, to paraphrase Whitney’s everlasting hit? Going to orgies, if you ask me.

Brits, Berlin, and Brexit: How British Citizens Can Stay in Berlin

by Guest Author | Stories

Brexit checklist: a valid passport, Anmeldung, a print-out of your online registration form for the Ausländerbehörde, a paying job, German health insurance, a German bank account, a German driving license, and a year’s supply of decent cider.

The 29th of March is nearly upon us, and after more than two years of “robust” negotiations, it’s looking more and more like we’re headed for a no-deal Brexit. So what does that mean for those of us from the UK who have decided to make Berlin our home? As we get closer to the big day, I’ve accepted that I can’t keep sticking my fingers in my ears and hoping that this whole thing will go away. I decided to finally do a bare minimum of research, pump a couple of clued-up friends for information, and see if there were any shreds of certainty in the sea of Brexit doubt.

Today, I feel German: A reminder of sorts, for all the days I don’t.

by Guest Author | People, Stories

Before I proceed, you should know that I am Black and a first-generation immigrant. Therefore, it is not completely lost on me that my feelings on this subject of identity will be met with resistance, disagreeing opinions and questions, all of which may emerge because “Today, I feel German” will be considered by many an atypical declaration. It is not every day a man who was born and raised at the heels of Mount Fako, Cameroon audaciously declares himself part of a giant colonialist nation, Germany, in such a public format. These are not feelings I am allowed to claim ownership of, because possessing such opinions can easily be mistaken for the denouncement of one’s own traditions and heritage in the quest to insert one’s self onto a culture that has no place for one’s sensibilities and difference.

5 Things to do during the Christmas Season in Berlin

by Guest Author | Stories

Ah, December in the city. Have you spent winter in Berlin before? No? Well, then here’s a list of my Top 5 things not to miss during my favorite time of the year – because all of a sudden, everything’s magically different.

The Berlin Family Next Door – Depending on your Neighborhood

by Guest Author | People, Stories

Sometimes getting along with your neighbors could be more difficult than releasing your childhood traumas. So, in order to smooth this process, we squeezed through your future neighbors’ windows to chronicle their lives, and give you a sneak peek at how they might look like.

From the family that “incubates” their hardcore-punk band in their apartment to the friendly gay couple that is obsessed with their visits to the psychotherapist — here is a short guide to the family next door depending on your neighborhood.

Disclaimer: No stereotypes were harmed in the writing of this text.

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