To bio or not to bio

When it comes to organic shopping, we Berliners are absolutely spoiled for choice. I have counted over 80 (yes eight zero) organic supermarkets in Berlin. In my neighbourhood alone there are more than a dozen different organic supermarkets, bakeries and grocery shops. This does not include the local weekly markets and the ever-growing organic selection offered by all the traditional supermarkets, as well as the low-cost chains. So you can imagine my bewilderment when this bio-monster (see picture on the right-hand side) recently emerged, complete with white and green balloons.  Do we really need ANOTHER organic supermarket?!?

It seems that the answer is a loud and clear yes.
Berliners' appetite for organic products (be it vegetables, dairy products, soaps and detergents, water or toilet paper) keeps getting bigger and bigger.  Given the composition of the typical Prenzlauer Berg residents: families with small children, young professionals, ecofreaks, health fanatics, vegans, earth conscious dog owners... the emergence of yet another organic supermarket is not entirely unexpected. What I found more surprising was the appearance of a large organic supermarket on Sonnennallee in Neukölln - it definitely stands out amid the Turkish grocery shops, bakeries, doner kebabs, shisha cafés and shops selling colourful bridal wear. More recently I was even more astonished to witness the dramatic change of Antonplatz in Weissensee, where two large organic supermarket chains have opened shiny local branches and another one is opening just down the road. The word "expansion" features prominently on the websites of all the big organic supermarket chains and some even ask for suggestions as to where to expand next. So Marzahn watch this space!

Is organic booming where you live as well?  

On the phone to Thomas

 
Working and having a child is tricky at the best of times, but when your child is ill things can get really difficult. Bad nights, screaming fits, worrying about your child and stressing about work are enough to drive most people insane. But even when things are bad, your child will never cease to surprise you. For instance... you're looking after little one, who is too ill to go to nursery, and suddenly the phone rings. It's a work contact returning your call. You pick up (hoping that your child will keep himself busy while you talk for a few minutes) and say: "Hello Thomas!"

Little one starts getting all excited because he thinks you're on the phone to Thomas the Tank Engine (if you're two and a half and you love trains, there is only one Thomas)! So he starts to shout: "Thomas, Thomas!" And then he sings the theme tune: "Thomas and his frieeeeends!" - all this while you're trying to have a serious work conversation. 
So you run into another room and try to finish off as quickly as you can. Then you run back to check that little one hasn't destroyed your office in the meantime and then you just burst out laughing.

Where do hipsters do their Christmas shopping?

Christmas markets are a well known German tradition and you will find a Weihnachtsmarkt in practically every German city, town or village. 

In Berlin there are Christmas markets for all tastes.

If you're a tourist, chances are you'll end up at the market at Alexander Platz. Avoid!!!

If you're looking for an atmospheric Christmas market, the one at Gendarmenmarkt (€1 entrance fee) or the one by Schloß Charlottenburg are your best bets.

If you live in Prenzlauer Berg a Glühwein at the Lucia Weinachtsmarkt in the Kulturbrauerei is a must.

If you're a hipster you have a choice. 

There's the Holy.Shit.Shopping market for one weekend in December or the Weihnachstrodeo X-mas market with two floors of stalls selling jewellery, clothes, handbags, calendars (and much more) made by local designers at reasonable prices. 

But for the true hipster-in-Berlin-at-Christmas experience, head to Neue Heimat for an afternoon and evening of designer shopping, street food, ice skating and live music.

The Christmas season is now over so sadly the markets have all closed, but there will be plenty more opportunities for shopping and chilling in the new year.

Neue Heimat next Sunday anyone?