21 gramm

21 gramm

Looking for a great brunch place in Berlin? Wondering what to do on Sunday in Berlin when almost everything else is closed? Desperate for a decent flat white? 

You might be close to death trying, but only in location of this place, since it is part of the cemetery of St Thomas (St Thomas Kirchhof). 

21 GRAMM

A bruch place in the former chapel of the St Thomas Friedhof (cemetery), the wait-staff cannot afford to rest in peace, since this place is extremely popular, and it's not hard to understand why. 

As a former chapel, 21 gramm have managed to create a cosy ambience within quite an open space, while making the whole aesthetic quite unique and inviting. 

You can find their entire menu via their website here:

https://www.21gramm.berlin/

Though in the heart of Neukölln it is well located on the U8 (southern entrance of U-Leinestrasse) or a manageable walk from the S-Bahn_Ring via Hermannplatz.

Brunch is served 09:30 to 15:45 Wednesday through to Sunday (Monday, Tuesday closed) with dishes priced from €9,50 to €13,90 (without added extras). 

We shared dishes in order to enjoy more variety, but certainly the BBQ noodles were our favourite. Followed closely by the pancakes...

And most important, the flat white was just right: Slightly darker in colour, served in a glass with the correct amount of milk froth, and a strong brew without being bitter. €3,90

BEST THAI FOOD in BERLIN

BEST THAI FOOD in BERLIN

Naturally opinions are personal, but we were super excited and relieved to have found a truly exceptional Thai restaurant last summer in Berlin. 

TALEH THAI

Taleh Thai has exceptional fresh dishes, friendly and polite staff, and at reasonable Berlin prices. 

You can find their entire menu via their website here:

http://www.talehthai.de

 

Close to Volkspark Friedrichshain, and a very quick tram ride from Alexander Platz makes this place still quite central. 

Obviously due to Covid-19 restrictions, one can't enjoy the full dining experience at the moment, however they are still serving take-away options from 12:00 midday until 20:00. You can place your order by telephone: 030/42851030

Try it for yourself, support this local business, and let me know in the comments below what were your favourite thai dishes. 

VALENTINE'S DAY 2021

 HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY ALL

Check out a really fabulous 4K Romantic Piano Music playlist that should last you 90 minutes, probably just long enough to read the news somewhere other than FB

It's a really big help / support if you check it out and take a listen. It's a mix of German lieder and opera classics.

4K HD LINK: https://youtu.be/U8qrJ8SknB4

SnowSymphony Designs - Husky inspired

SnowSymphony have started releasing some of their print designs, inspired by all things Siberian Husky related. In this time of Maskenpflicht (mandatory mask wearing) what better way to show your affection for these creatures, than to have a personalised mask or T-shirt. The designs look sleek, and you can request a personalised catch-phrase or design through the website. 

Check it out here:

https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60904474

Investing app for Europeans and beginners

Investing as a beginner in the stockmarket in Europe. 

I realise this post is quite different to my usual posts about music, places of interest and general Berlin/German photography, but I have recently taken interest in investing into the stockmarket. 

Through researching how to start trading through an app (rather than a personalised broker or bank), I came across many ideal looking apps such as Robinhood and Webull, only to discover that they are only available for American citizens, and not at all available in Europe. 

Big sigh, plus a "thanks Apple App store" ...

However, further research led me to Trading212, which has no fees, and I have found to be very simple to use. I watched a lot of European and UK based YouTube reviews of the app, to see what the deal was (eg why no commission fees?), and surprisingly pretty much everyone had the same positive reaction and review. 

So I got started. 

The sign up process was very efficient, and there are more than enough stocks to start investing in, both UK, European and American stock markets. Plus a range of ETFs, REITs, and over 3000s individual stocks to chose from.

So far all appears to be working very well with the app and its accessibility. Less can be said for the Stockmarket's performance, but that is to be expected given the current climate. 

And finally, the sweet deal: If you follow the following link, both you and I will be rewarded a free stock. I would recommend starting with the invest app, as the CDF is more complicated. 

Do you want to get a free stock share worth up to ‎€⁠100?

Create a Trading 212 Invest account using this link www.trading212.com/invite/Gbasu6a4 and we both get a free share!

And if you do happen to follow the link and create an account, be sure to leave a comment below to let me know. 

Enjoy trading,

MJT.

Wagner's GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG

Hi all, 

The Corona Virus pandemic and subsequent lockdown period has affected us all, not just in Berlin, Germany, or Europe, but the entire world. 

Unfortunately the performing arts industry has been significantly impacted by the restrictions. In a city like Berlin, which is the only city in the world to support three state opera houses, for both performers and audiences alike, the lack of live opera performance has been sole destroying. 

Though the houses are tentatively opening their doors for an initial 4 month season, it is unlikely that we will be able to enjoy the grandeur of the large scale operatic works. 

Therefore I share with you here, a piano accompaniment to the final instalment of Richard Wagner's epic "Ring des Nibelungen" cycle: Götterdämmerung (Twilight of the Gods). 

If you love the music, I hope you enjoy this performance. If you are a singer, I hope that it is of some use for you practicing along to the accompaniment. 

Please subscribe to the YouTube channel, and feel free to like and share the recordings. 

Hopefully we get back to the live performances sooner rather than later. 

MJT

Götterdämmerung. 1.Aufzug (First Act)

Götterdämmerung. 2.Aufzug (Second Act)

Götterdämmerung. 3.Aufzug (Third Act)

 

1 Euro per Day Public Transportation Tickets

It seems like every second day Germany is in the world press announcing ideas for reducing Carbon Emissions and improving its Public Transportation system. 

When I observe even the smaller cities in Germany, the accessibility for residents to still take public transport is incredibly impressive. Even in a village in Thuringia of 80 residents, there is still an hourly bus connection. 

And yet, Germany or germans are still willing to push to the extreme. An article in the Guardian on 14 February 2018 describes how in cities like Bonn, Mannheim, Essen and (hopefully) Berlin they are planning a test period for completely free public transportation use. The Guardian Article here.

Of course, this would require a massive overhaul of the system and far more frequent trains and trams to cope with the demand. But still, what a courageous step to take. 

Regardless of what the test period demonstrates however, there is a second option currently being mooted and petitioned, which is a yearly transport ticket to be made available for €365, ie €1 per day. 

You can sign the Petition here. 

Again, whether this project is financially feasible should not be the sole purpose. This idea of making Public Transport more affordable and more frequent should result in roads being safer and less conjested, carbon dioxide and monoxide levels dropping, as well as general air and noise pollution being reduced, and surely more employment for the driving, maintenance and planning of the extra services. 

Win win!

Now, if only I could also get my Deutsche Bahn tickets for that cheap...!