Friday, June 24, 2011

Soy Milk Lattes and A lovely Cafe

I fell in love with Soy milk lattes in Berlin. Yummy, creamy, frothy, and yet so light. The Soy milk is a nice substitute to milk which can make a tall glass of Latte very heavy. But the soy milk- much lighter still gives that creamy satisfaction of hot milk in my coffee. Of course it was not the first time I had Soy Milk. But I hated the smell of the Soy Milk in Chicago let alone let it come close to my coffee. Once I think my soymilk curdled and I had tofu falling into my cereal bowl. I try soy milk for no reason apart from maybe some health benefits. I love my milk. A good glass of cold milk takes care of every craving. But I had a change of heart with the Soy Milk in Berlin. My hosts and friends all seemed very happy with Soy Milk so I thought to give it a try as well. I guess the Germans have figured out how to make it really tasty. And soy milk lattes were my morning indulgences.
I came across this lovely cafe - St. Oberholz on my way to the train stop Rosenthaler Platz. The simple white facade and the stenciling of the cow and bear is what caught my eye. After a lovely night out with a friend, I decided to check out the cafe for my morning allowance and a brunch sandwich before I hit the town to see more museums and galleries.
The large windows, lots of natural light, a winding staircase, a red wall with the behind of a cow painted on it. Upstairs there were many people hanging with their Macs and lattes. The windows had a fun rounded shape looked on to the lovely street outside. Across the street was the Circus Hostel which has a beautiful facade as well. The graphics were strange and eye catching. I loved this cafe- St. Oberholz. If I had more hours in my day to just hang out and enjoy the mornings, I would spend them here. When in Berlin do give the Soy Milk Lattes a try.

Beautiful street art

The view from my friends apt
St. Oberholz

Horse- check out the windows

Bear!

The soy milk latte

The charming space

Fun illustrations

Beautiful hardwood staircase

Coffee and a olives, cheese and salami panini

Absolutely delicious

Beautiful couple. Gorgeously styled dress

The lovely windows

A perfect place to spend the day with your Apple

The lovely graphical facade of the Circus Hostel.

Large arch

Big Community tables to sit at and work
Beautiful white facade with black trim

Cock- maybe someone can translate what it says below

The doorway around the corner

My walk back home.




Car advertising for Circus berlin!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

A Midsummer's Night's Dream...

Oh so it felt like one when I got to this strange location. We had to cross abandoned rail tracks, hike downhill through the forest, walk through tall grass meadows, along side a creek, cross this strong metallic grill bridge and along a narrow path through the forest to a clear opening under the trees where you could hear repetitive beats with people swaying slightly to the music. There was a definitive smoke in the air and a general sense of looseness. I walked around the groups of people- listening to them talk in a language alien to me. The sun was bright and beautiful. I did not know Berlin would be like this. I thought it would be more cult. It felt like a gossamer elf's party. The sun shining on the blonde hair, people sitting on swings under the tree, flower children. It was like a dream. People dancing, talking,smoking, drinking, making love. All to repetitive beats. I made some interesting friends here. How did I even end up here? Well Irene and Martina knew of many lovely parties that were happening and I just tagged along. But was surprised to find people interested in wanting to talk to me. Not strange questions about origins and India, but a general sense of excitement when I told them I had just arrived from Mumbai and on day two was at a Berlin party. I guess that made me tres cool (a term I picked from Amsterdam Lucas). I shall never forget these friends I made- they gave me a sense of what it would be like if I did belong there. It was easy, light and happy. Such was the day, and such should be life.