Berlin - Best of the Nightlife

Berlin is a city that is world renown for its nightlife and underground culture. Since the destruction of the Berlin wall in 1989, a sudden realization of freedoms allowed for the German population to re-invent the social norm, and doing so they created an almost mythical nightlife that has a global reputation for being the best there is. 

This post is focusing on which of the clubs and bars are the places to hit. Whether you're in the city for a little or a long time, these clubs listened below are the creme de la creme!

1. Berghien & Panaroma Bar

The Church of Techno

Berghain is the number one club (at least in terms of recognition) - and also one of the worldwide most famous clubs. It’s the church of Techno, and with such a title, the club comes with the top tier sound system avalible. Inside this abandoned power plant you’ll find two different clubs: Berghain and Panorama Bar, which are separated by a set of stairs. If you’re the kind of person who appreciates good techno music, you’ll feel like you’re in heaven once you step inside Berghain. 

2. Sisyphos

young, wild and free

This club that is held in a once dog food factory is a true escape artist adventure. With a massive chilling area, Sisyphos captures the essence of a festival, club, beach and bar and rolls it into one experience. This club even has a small lake to hang out at once you've finished partying inside the abandoned bus. The staff memembers on hand are more friendly than the average attitude within Berlins clubs, which is a plus in any case. While this club is a bit out of the way, it is well worth the trip. 

3. KitKat

a new kind of clubbing

KitKat is the last club i'm going to mention in this post, and is by far the most intense experience. While it is not the best club in terms of music, the atomosphere and dress code is what makes it an experience. KitKat is a straight out sex club. While you are not obligated to have sex with anyone, you are expected to leave your clothes at the door, and stroll boldly into the unknown. The idea is to capture your own zone of sexual freedom, and to be allowed to just do whatever you'd like to do. Highly reccomend this club if only for the story to tell.

Thanks for reading Escapists, it's been fun.

Sebastian.

Tips for when traveling

Hi guys we  have created a short video for you to watch which features some great travel tips for  when visiting the nations of Sri Lanka, Italy, Japan, Croatia, Vietnam and Bali!
Hope you have enjoyed reading our blog so far and find this video useful.

From the team at the Escapist

Berlin - History and the Modernist Dream

Berlin - History and the Modernist Dream

Berlin is a magical metropolis. It is hands down one of the most exciting, interesting places I have ever been, and would highly recommend to anyone that they should  visit this fantastic city for as long as they can. 

Firstly, the nightlife is amazing. The city is so huge you couldn't possibly discover it all unless you were a committed local, and even then I feel it would still withhold some secrets from you. Secondly, the city is rich with history. Germany is nation that has been functioning for over 1000 years (maybe not as GERMANY, but you get the idea) and being in such a nations capital city, evidence of this historical background is evident on a grand scale. 

This post today is going to focus on the Historical and cultural sites that you need to visit in Berlin, and then the next post will cover the nightlife scene. 

1. Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate is a statement of architectural genius from a neoclassical period, and is recognized globally as one of the most well known landmarks in the city. While not one of the oldest monuments that can be seen throughout the city, it has a rich modern-historical context. It began as a peace momument constructed by King Fredrick William the 2nd of Prussia. During the sack of Berlin at the climax of World War II, it was nearly destroyed, and then in 2000-2002 it was restored to it's former glory. When the Berlin wall was pulled down, the Gate was once again freely accessible to both East and West Germany, making it a symbol of the cities reunification. 

That's me, awesome, right?

2.Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall is one of those monuments that when you see it, its gravity pulls you in. You can feel its importance, see the impact it would have once had on the city - and the impact its destruction had on the cultural climate of the city to where it is today. The majority of the wall has been pulled down, however, there is a section that still stands to this day, with the original graffiti still in place. I will say that strolling along the wall was one of the most enjoyable experiences of Germany, and the feeling of SEEING history is one to chase. 

unfortunately for you all, i'm in all of these photos.

3. The Holocaust Memorial 

Another important historical icon, the Holocaust memorial was designed to give the viewer a feeling of saddened awe and the sheer amount of Jewish people that died during Hitlers reign in world war II. Exploring through it, it has been designed to get lost in, and when one finally discovers the underground section, they are confronted with all the names known of the Jewish people who were murdered. It is a somber, but needed experience if you're in the capital city. 

Except for this one, who would have thunk it. 

That's all for today Escapists, next post will focus on the nightlife of Berlin, which is renown for it's awesomeness. 

Sebastian Bull

<--! all the images contained within are mine -->

Sail Croatia

Croatia is a huge county made up of amazing cities located both on the mainland and on the islands, as a result this can be quite difficult to navigate around. The costs of ferries, trains and buses from one island to another and the back to the mainland can be very expensive and exhausting. 

For me, the best way to get around this is to sail. When I was travelling around Croatia I went on a week long cruise that navigated in between the islands and the mainlands. Not only was the cruise your transportation but it was also your accommodation.

Sail Croatia is the company I traveled with, their prices are extremely competitive and they provide breakfast and lunch. If you want to splash out or save your pennies there are multiple type of boats you can pick from, there are smaller cheaper options, or larger more expensive options. 

View of the bow from the top deck of our boat

Sail Croatia is great as their route is shared with other boats, when they have all docked in the harbor there is lots of new people to meet. You become friends with these people as well as the people on your boat, you become a little family. They also arrange activities for you to do at every new location, taking the hassle and stress out of travelling between islands and allowing you to completely relax while you are taken on an adventure. 

Kayaking activity arranged by Sail Croatia

Quad bike riding arrange by Sail Croatia

Dinner is not provided on Sail Croatia, however with the vast choice of restaurants available at every new location this is not something you will complain about. 

View from dinner

Mozzarella and tomato entree

Seafood risotto

The view you get of the scenery while sail to your new location is indescribable, the beauty of Croatia is in it's crystal clear blue water, and their vast mountain ranges. Sail Croatia allows you to sit back and take it all of its beauty in ways that catching a bus or train would not be able to.

Top deck of our Sail Croatia boat

View of Makarska harbor

Sunset from our boat

- Alice -

Shopping in Tokyo

During my stay in Tokyo, their fashion is what struck me the most. Known as one of the most renown shopping destination in the world, it came as no surprise to me that designers' clothes can be spotted on the street most of the time. The most impressive thing is that each person has their own individuality in fashion sense. Not to mention their concept stores are the most creative stores I have ever visited. There are three main shopping districts you must drop by if you are in Tokyo.

One quick tip of shopping in Japan is that it would be better to buy local Japanese designers than some imported high end luxury brands. Most importantly, always bring along your passport, you can have a deduction of 5% on purchases that are over 10.000 yen for non consumable goods and 5000 yen for consumable good (on condition that these consumable good are unused until you go back to your country).

Ginza

Ginza is known for the destination of mega brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Celine, Chanel, etc. I would say Ginza has all the high end stores you need to see. However, one of the store that make me visit Ginza is Dover Street Market, which is the concept store own by Rei Kawakubo (founder of Comme Des Garcons). 

Harajuku

Compared to Ginza, Harajuku has more local designer boutiques and some imported high street brands such as Supreme or Stussy. Probably when think of Harajuku, you would imagine seeing Japanese young Otaku dressing in Lolita costumes or cosplaying. However, Harajuku has more than that. For secondhand designers store, Harajuku is one of the must go destination. You must visit Rag Tag or Rinkan, good bargain on designers clothes from Chanel, Celine to Comme Des Garcons can always be found. 

Shibuya 

First thing comes to my mind is definitely Shibuya crossing - The busiest crossing in the world. It took me quite a bit of time to find a good spot at Shibuya Starbucks to find a good view of the crossing. However, the effort was really worth it haha, sat there for almost an hour with my boyfriend, we were drawn into the crown below, hurried on their feet walking across the crossings and some tourists tried to take pictures in the middle of the street as well. 

Back to the topic, shopping in Shibuya is extremely popular for young Japanese and Tourists. Having all kind of stores, from global fast fashion stores like Zara, Forever 21 or H&M to home wares and stationary stores. Shibuya is clearly a shopping heaven. Definitely check out United Arrows for local designers as well as high street designers clothes. Also Shibuya 109 fashion building is one of the most popular shopping destination. 

Thanks for reading guys!

-Anne 

Tokyo Must See Pt. 2

Continue with my post last week, today we'll dig more into the historical side of Tokyo.

Tokyo National Museum

Located in Ueno Park, Tokyo National Museum is a must go destination for those history junkie. Known as one of the biggest museum in Japan, Tokyo National Museum possesses the largest collection of Japanese art in the world. The collection ranges from ancient pottery, Japanese sculpture, Samurai swords to ukiyo-e (woodblock print). 

If you have no time limitation, you can as well check out the Gallery of Eastern Antiquities (Toyokan) with a collection of Buddhist sculptures of Asian countries as well as Chinese ceramics.

As Tokyo National Museum located in Ueno Park, you may as well visit the Kaneiji Temple and Shinobazu Pond.

You can get access to Ueno Park via the Ueno Station's "Park's exit". 

Sensoji (Asakusa Kannon Temple)

Sensoji is a Buddhist Temple located in Asakusa, one of the most popular temple. You will find a 200 meters shopping street. Best place for buying souvenirs!!!

Also there are plenty of shops selling Japanese traditional sweets and street food. Prepare to have sugar and carb coma hahaha, 

-Anne

Bali Bucket List

Bali is full of surprises and there are so many things to do that we can easily forget something. In today's article which is gonna be my last post, I would like to share Bali bucket list that you should visit. See what you prefer and enjoy reading!

Seminyak beach club

If you haven’t heard of Potato Head yet, you should give it a go as it is a must do experience in Bali. The beach club is home to an open air restaurant, swanky cocktail bar and an infinity pool facing the beach, extravagant parties happen there on weekends!

Ku De Ta is the fancy place to be and also must be included to your Bali bucket list, filled up with tourists and expats alike the place boasts some of the most happening parties on the island.

Not far from here, you’ll find Cocoon beach club home to a blue and white Mediterranean and pool parties, a must for Bali beachgoers.

Waterboom Park

Bali Waterboom Park is the first water theme park in Asia. So, prepare yourself and dare to ride the biggest water slides of Waterboom 

It offers great rides and many different attraction and I can say that it a must do in Bali for families! Enjoy a day of fun in the sun and relaxation in the shade.

Roasting Luwak Coffee

Bali is one of those places where you’ll take an infinite pleasure savouring your coffee cup. You’ll find some of the hippest coffee shops around Seminyak and Canggu areas. Up north in the countryside, most Balinese people will introduce you to the culture of Luwak coffee.

Kopi Luwak is made from coffee beans that has not bean digested from the civet or luwak, that is a curious process on how to make coffee but the taste is there, and this is also the Bali’s most expensive coffee cup. 

See you in another time and thanks for view all the pages in this blog
Hope you like it!


Cheers,
Rhea