Yo, where's the party at?

Sundays in Bonn really do not get very busy from what I can see. I have been looking out the window for the last hour and have not seen anyone move - aside from one guy going through bins looking for beer bottles. As for flea market action, that classic sunday German pasttime, the closest we get to Berlin's Mauerpark bun fight is this:

Today's computer market was just awesome. Can't wait for next week's reptile exchange.

As I have mentioned before, German law demands that most shops stay shut on a Sunday. This means I wasn't even able to head to the supermarket today and debate further whether I should buy some cucumbers or tomatoes. (For those that are wondering: I'm sticking with tomatoes at the moment, but am giving cucumbers a miss.)

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!!

Supermarket Sweep

There's nothing quite like going for a boring old food shop when you are in a new city. I was excited from the first day in the supermarkets here in Berlin. Mainly because everything is so incredibly cheap. Supermarkets here have reduced overheads to such an extent that I really wouldn't be surprised if next time I go in the turnstiles someone hands me a bucket and mop with the words, "C'mon, get cleaning".

Its now high-time I had a little bit of a sweep across the various options in Berlin for you. Here goes.

"Netto" on Prenzlauer Allee
The big Scottish dog from Denmark is celebrating 20 years of existence this year. I've actually done a full week's shopping in here for less than 15 Euros. The place is super cheap... and their cut price special homeware items are legendary. Spotted last week: shisha waterpipes, two for one.

"Norma" on Brunnenstraße
Not just a great name but also a fantastically random shop set-up. Halal meat section AND two rows of high octane alcohol right next to each other. The main challenge with shopping at this location is trying to get down the first aisle. Often it's just a pile of crates, or a delivery that's waiting to be put on the shelves. Sometimes it's just a huge oven with a bread roll on top. I am still to find anyone working here actually called Norma. That would be my dream.

"Intermarket Stolitschniy" in Lichtenberg
Russian food and lollies for the connoisseur. Not particularly centrally located, but the trip out to Lichtenberg is definitely worth the effort. This place is Berlin's top address for tinned Soljanka - and tinned food of all types, to be honest. Very reasonable prices on offer considering most of the stock has to be shipped in 1500 kilometers from Россия. Do not offer to pay for goods in roubles - this is considered poor form. Bring your own trolley.

"Galeria Kaufhof" at Alexanderplatz
You've always got to be a bit suspicious when your supermarket shares floor space with jewellery and handbag sales counters. This store is actually part of the Kaufhof department store so it's not surprising to see that no penny has been spared here: oak shelves, a wonderful range of fresh fish and meats and one shop assistant for every half a customer. Obviously, prices are way off the scale.

"LPG" in Prenzlberg
The organic food location of choice for Berlin's hipsters. Making jokes about this place is just too easy. Um... organic Liquid Petroleum Gas anyone?