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Almost Diplomatic - Schloss Bellevue - Bellvue Palace - Berlin - Diplomat's Wife - Blog - Germany - 607
in Berlin Travel, Berlin Where to Go, Europe, Germany, Travel

Visiting the Schloss Bellevue with Wilkommen in Berlin

I recently wrote about the first event I attended organised by Wilkommen in Berlin (WIB). After that, I was able to attend a couple more before the diplomatic spouse club went on a break for the summer. The break is over and I’m still not done writing about the events before it. No surprise there. As per usual, my plate has become pretty full. One of the said events was a tour of the Schloss Bellevue – the seat of the German president.

When I told my husband about us getting to visit this particular schloss, he pounced on it as another awesome thing about being the diplo-spouse rather than the diplomat. “You get to do the fun stuff while I deal with the stressful bits,” he laughed. Come to think  of it, I get to go on a tour of the palace before he does. Also when he goes, it’s going to be work. But I do the cooking and the laundry at home so I guess we’re even. 😛

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in Berlin, Berlin What to Do, Expat Life

Liquidrom and Getting Naked in Berlin (A Guide for European Sauna First-Timers)

Five months into living in Berlin, I haven’t been inside a European sauna. Not that it’s a requirement for people who move here but I do believe in really getting to know the country where we are posted. That, of course, entails trying out things that are unique in that area.

**Before you proceed: I did not take photos inside Liquidrom for obvious reasons. What you’re about to read focuses on the experience of this half-Asian girl and can be used as a guide for people who want to try it out too.**

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in Berlin, Berlin Travel, Berlin What to Do, Berlin Where to Go, Europe, Germany, Travel

Photo Diary: A Visit to the Schloss Charlottenburg

On good, sunny days, we are often out and about enjoying some rare warmth here in Berlin. Those days are running out now. Most of the time, especially now and back in April when we first arrived, it could be quite nippy. On such days, indoor attractions and activities are on the agenda. Schloss Charlottenburg was one of the first on our list so one weekend, we took a short train ride over to this palace just within Berlin.

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Almost Diplomatic - The-Binge-Mustafas-Gemüse-Kebap-Döner-Berlin-Germany-98
in Berlin, Berlin Food, Expat Life

The Anatomy of Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap Döner

This piece first appeared on The-Binge.com and is published with permission.

For quite a while now, Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap has been a cult favourite in Berlin. Almost every traveller or foodie who stops by this city adds it to their list of must-tries.

This, despite the 20 minute line. And that’s a positive estimate, by the way. We tried the popular döner ourselves to see what the fuss is all about, and to tell you whether it’s worth lining up for.

Mustafa's Gemüse Kebap - Döner - The Binge - Review - Berlin - Germany

The famous döner stand is right by the U-bahn station, Mehringdamm‘s exit. As soon as you emerge from the underground, you’ll be greeted by the smell of spiced meat, followed by a line of waiting customers.

It’s not the only thing this stall is selling, but people are lining up for the Hähnchen Döner mit Gemüse (Chicken Döner with Vegetables). When you finally arrive at the counter, take a moment to congratulate yourself for having the patience to wait. Then, marvel at the colourful salad selection and the sauces as your mouth waters, and one of the guys asks you what you want.

Mustafa's Gemüse Kebap - Döner - The Binge - Review - Berlin - Germany

Kräuter (herb), Knoblauch (garlic), and Scharf (a little spicy) are the choice for sauces. We suggest you ask for all three and let them go wild piling your crispy on-the-outside, soft-and-warm-on the-inside pita bread with all the veggies they have.

The usual salad mix with tomatoes and onions gets an added oomph. This, through a couple of grilled potato wedges, and some other veggies like paprika and carrots.

Mustafa's Gemüse Kebap - Döner - The Binge - Review - Berlin - Germany

Mustafa’s prides itself on a mystery sauce that some say is the secret to their döner’s success. However, there are also a couple of extra things that, when added to this sauce, make it a little more special than the average Berlin döner. A bit of lemon juice is freshly squeezed onto the döner right in front of you. You also get a sprinkle of crumbly, feta cheese.

———————————————- Read the rest over at The-Binge.com —————————————

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Almost Diplomatic - Diplomat's Wife - Berlin Flat - Apartment Hunting
in Berlin, Berlin Home, Berlin Tips, Expat Life

The Ultimate Berlin Flat Hunting Guide

So you’re moving to hip, vibrant Berlin. Either you’re an artist, a student, a musician, someone involved in a startup, or you’re tagging along because your partner’s going. Whatever the reason is, I’m sure you’ll need a place to live. And just in case you don’t know it yet, finding an apartment in Berlin is becoming harder and harder by the day.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

But if you are hell bent on moving here (it is a fun and vibrant city after all), then read on as I list down the things you need to know before you undertake this headache-inducing quest!

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in Berlin, Berlin Food, Berlin What to Do, Berlin Where to Go, Europe, Expat Life

What to Eat and Drink at Kulturbrauerei’s Street Food Sundays

This piece first appeared on The-Binge.com and is published with permission.

Warm Sundays in Berlin are mostly spent outside, soaking up the sun and taking advantage of the rarity that is warm weather. However, we recently discovered that there’s a way to get some of that much needed Vitamin D while binge-ing on some amazing street food. All you have to do is hop on a train or bike to Kulturbrauerei on a Sunday. There, you’ll find some of the city’s best food trucks all parked in one spot.

Built in the 1800’s, this complex used to be the Schultheiss Brewery. These days, it’s a place fit for East Berlin’s cool crowd. With hip offices, a cinema, and being the ever Instagrammable event space, Kulturbrauerei has become a must-visit destination in Prenzlauer Berg.

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in Berlin, Diplomatic Incidents, Personal Musings

5 Major Adjustments When Moving From Asia to Berlin

It’s been two months (!!) since we moved to Berlin and I thought I’d share an update on how it’s been. We’re slowly settling in and getting to know the city. So far so good! But I thought I’d share with you some adjustments we had to face when we first arrived.

No complaints in being this city since I’m now really enjoying it. However, I want to share some realities with you in case you’re thinking of moving here or to some other city in Europe as some bits may be applicable. Just to avoid a teeny bit of shock and hopefully, help you adjust faster. 😉

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in Berlin, Diplomatic Incidents, Expat Life, Personal Musings

We’ve Moved!

In case you’re a personal friend, a relative, or if you’ve been following me on social media, you may have noticed that we’ve moved posts. Yes, my treatment of this personal space of mine online has been quite appalling the past few… Err… Weeks? Months? But between packing, tying loose ends (freelance work wise), saying goodbye to dear friends, and moving from one continent to another, there just wasn’t enough time to actually sit down and pen something down.

So where in the world am I?

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