Life in Berlin – Page 5 – Berlin Lubells: Stories of Life in Berlin from an American Expat Mom's First Experience Living Abroad

Klimawandel – Climate Change

During our year and a half of living in Berlin, I’ve often scratched my head regarding certain cultural norms. Why aren’t there air conditioners in homes and most businesses, especially with constantly rising temperatures in the summer? Why are so many of the cars here so much smaller? Why do most rental apartments lack aContinueContinue reading “Klimawandel – Climate Change”

Thanksgiving 2019

We had a wonderful week in Berlin sharing Thanksgiving with my in-laws, John and Martha, as well as Sam (Dave’s twin) and his wife Barbara. For Thanksgiving Dinner this year, we went to the Marriott near Potsdamer Platz for a buffet complete with turkey and all of the trimmings. Ben and I agreed our favoriteContinueContinue reading “Thanksgiving 2019”

FKK – Freikörperkultur

Since living in Germany, and even before while visiting here, I have noticed that the Deutsch standards for nudity are quite different than in the US. Perhaps it’s also more evident living in former East Germany, as nudity in the GDR was second nature. Freikörperkultur (free body culture) isn’t about cruising the beach or saunaContinueContinue reading “FKK – Freikörperkultur”

Halloween 2019

This was our first Halloween to be celebrated in Berlin. {Carving pumpkins} Last year, Halloween fell over Fall break, the week we spent in Crete. {We were in Crete during Halloween last year} Where they didn’t celebrate Halloween. Which was super disappointing to the boys, as Halloween is their absolute favorite holiday. Something they haveContinueContinue reading “Halloween 2019”

Festival of Lights

This year marked the 15th Annual Festival of Lights in Berlin. {“Let There Be Light”, Berliner Dom} Each year in October, Berlin turns into a city full of light art. The colorful displays on the famous landmarks turn the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS into one of the best known light art festivals in the world. {HackescherContinueContinue reading “Festival of Lights”

Eiscreme

It’s become an addiction. More than just a treat. But a way of life. {Ben & Jerry’s} When we go home from school via the M1 tram, we exit at Rosenthaler Platz. We then walk past two ice cream shops to get to our street. The old standby, Süsse Sünde, as well as Ben &ContinueContinue reading “Eiscreme”

Abenteuer Spielplatz – Adventure Playground

As our boys grow older (nearly 7 & 9 now), regular playgrounds are holding their interest less and less. They still like going, but need higher slides and more to climb to keep their interest. While we feel the playgrounds in Germany are pretty impressive, our boys are getting used to them and want more.ContinueContinue reading “Abenteuer Spielplatz – Adventure Playground”

Barfuß Park – Barefoot Park

Since we have a driver with a German license (me) and have several car share companies at our disposal, we have been taking weekend day trips outside of Berlin. In fact, frugal me was super happy when Sixt offered their car shares for €0.09/min, or only €5.40/hr. Which includes gas and insurance. What a steal.ContinueContinue reading “Barfuß Park – Barefoot Park”

Lost and Found

Dave and I are known to complain about the bureaucracy here in Germany. We joke with friends about needing an official stamp for everything. But you know what? Once you are “in the system”, things seem to flow quite seamlessly. For example, we can ride the subway, commuter train, tram, bus and even water taxisContinueContinue reading “Lost and Found”

Einschulung

On Saturday, 34,000 children throughout Berlin celebrated their Einschulung, or ceremony to commemorate the first day of Grade 1 at school. And Isaac was one of them. https://www.archer-relocation.com/einschulung-in-berlin/ {Isaac waiting for his Einschulung ceremony to begin at school} Einschulung is a big-deal celebration to welcome first graders into school. Before first grade, they are inContinueContinue reading “Einschulung”