KdR

This week it's time to re-visit an old stomping ground of mine: Klub der Republik. It's been a long time between drinks at this bar. In fact it's been so long, that as I headed there on the weekend I suddenly started to become a bit concerned that it might have been closed down and made way for a hostel. But - don't worry - it's still there.

For those that haven't been, this bar is reached via a dodgy courtyard on a set of steps made from scaffolding. The first floor ex-ballroom has floor to ceiling glass looking out to the street - and it has the most unique 70s lighting system you've ever seen.

But it's still the same old Klub der Republik. Cheap drinks, good music and everyone very cool - of course. What I always liked about it was that the coolness here seems to have a real "down-to-earthness" about it. For instance, on this occasion, after an hour of sitting around looking cool and not dancing, my friends and I realised we were actually sitting in the middle of a private party. We thought the disapproving looks from the others were just the standard dirty looks that you get in Berlin whenever you walk in anywhere.

But, ah, igad, it was more than that: we'd crashed Leon's 30th birthday party. But when he found out, he had no problem with it. We should just grab some meatballs and cheese and melon skewers, he said. The beer and vodka was free. Now, THAT is the spirit of Christmas.

Let there be light!

Locals are really getting into the Christmas spirit at the moment in Berlin. People here may be a bunch of grumpy buggers most of the year round - but they do love a little bit of glowing wine or a cheeky crêpe with Nutella at the Christmas market come December time.

But obviously they'd all be happier celebrating Christmas like we all know it is TRULY MEANT to be enjoyed: namely, in the hot sun on a beach in their Speedos.

Well, now it's possible to have the best of both worlds! Euro sophistication meets sunny antipodean Christmas cheer with this exciting new product. Introducing the "DAYLIGHT Daylight Standing Lamp".

Get yours NOW. Just 49.95€ - the perfect Christmas gift!!

The Avenue of the Enthusiasts

Berliners are well known for their abusive communication skills. Other Germans often call their way of speaking "Berliner Schnauze" (Berlin Snout). So what happens when Berlin authors try to do an evening of cosy book readings? Answer: the audience goes home laughing and, of course, somewhat insulted.

The Avenue of the Enthusiasts (Chaussee der Enthusiasten) takes place each week in RAW Tempel on the site of an abandoned old railway yard near Warschauer Straße in former East Berlin. Six authors, up on stage, reading a bunch of funny stuff revolving around the zeitgeist of the week. Cost? Just 4 Euros. Can't go wrong really, unless you can't understand Berlinerisch. The evenings have been running for ages - always on a thursday night - and they have long since reached cult status amongst the students living in the area.

These two guys at the top were especially a good laugh - but be warned, it's not worth getting all "answery-back" if you are in the audience. The guy on the mic is probably cheekier than you, and he always gets the last word!