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Being creative during quarantine is a collective matter in Berlin. Sage didn’t wanna send their delicious food through Lieferando to people’s couches. Instead they wanted to deliver a new experience. By car, bike or walking for that matter, you can from now on eat the food and enjoy cocktails while looking at art and enjoy music and DJ’s, soon maybe even cinema. ”To deliver a holistic experience is something that has always been important for us”, Sascha Disselkamp, restaurant owner says. The Food Safari project is designed to help people in Berlin getting back to some kind of normality. The safari is an arranged walk- and drive in, in order to keep the distance between the guests. Meanwhile you as guests are guided through art and a market where you can shop soft drinks and cocktails, as well as food. Instead of paying at the different stations, the total bill will be payed in the ticket booth at the end, contactless.

Playful Magazine's Editor in Chief gets a bit Woo-Woo, but at least it worked out for her. After extended time in lockdown you’ve spent plenty of time with your own mind, without anyone disturbing your own nagging thoughts - except for the news, and some live streams from ’United we stream’. If you suffer from angst and panic, you may have tried helping yourself by working out, sound proof headphones and yoga. Maybe even switched to angst frei news without succeeding to perk up your mental state so much. Here's some things that may help you get through your day feeling as fresh as when you entered the dance floor in Berghain on a sunny Sunday morning. -Warning- this is going to be a bit Woo-Woo, but who cares if you feel good. Cold Shower Sounds silly? And it may not sound appealing compared to the many hours you spend in your warm bed thees days. But I promise you that the feeling of bliss that you’ll get will last throughout the day. How to: All temperatures below 21C is acceptable, meaning you don’t have to start with the ice cold to feel the results. Also, start with your feet, legs and arms before your back and head, take it slow and stay there for 30-45 seconds. Breathing Exercise This one is our all time favourite, and I really recommend you to try it out at least one time (It takes 10 minutes). There are different exercises, but anyone who is familiar with Wim Hof by now, will feel safe listening to his guided breathing session on YouTube. How to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tybOi4hjZFQ Meditation “I have ADD, I promise you, I cannot!” I know, me neither. But you don’t have to start out with a quiet mind. Just learn to sit still for a bit and that is good enough. I started off with this famous Indian guru that you might or might not have heard of – Sadhguru – who does a guided meditation. This is the first meditation that I’ve ever done where I actually felt I was able to sit still for a bit. How to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxgD9En6Vso CBD Not much to say here, but without the TBC you’re not going to feel haunted. This will just make you feel a little more relaxed and accepting of yourself. You’re doing great. How to: Drip one, two, three, keep dropping under the tongue every now and then and chill out. Life’s about feeling good. Eat some ice cream in bed while you’re on it and watch a good movie, paint something, write a book or make some music. It will be good when you ease out a bit. Tapping The Woo-iest one of them all. This is so woo, you might not stand it unless you’re in the middle of an anxiety attack, and when you try it out you might get hooked because it can really make you calm the f down and realize it’s all okay in just 7 minutes. How to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajW1b-6jgJY

By: Amanda Sandstrom Beijer Two years ago, CBD wasn’t legal in Europe. Today, shops in Berlin are popping up like candy stores. Some Berliner’s are sceptical and wonder why they would spend their money on weed that is missing the THC and compare using CBD oil to drinking alcoholic free beer. However, CBD is not looking to compete with weed and try to sway the already established weed lovers. Trying to use CBD oil as a replacement for weed, although legal, would be an expensive and inefficient method. Playful Magazine meets with Hempvizer’s store manager Carmela to get an introduction of who exactly is using CBD and why. Tell us about the production of CBD. ”Our cultivation of the Cannabis plant is in Italy and the harvest is done every year in the fall, around September and October. Though the Cannabis plant can grow and get harvested all year around if you let it grow indoors.” Is Germany’s view on Cannabis changing? ”I think so, I read that there is a discussion going on about selling normal weed in pharmacies without any prescription to get a feeling about the market. They probably want to make sure that not only a small amount of drug addicts buying it.” Who would you recommend to try CBD drops, and why? ”You could say that CBD is like a superfood. It can help people who have depression, anxiety or trouble sleeping. But it’s also used as a pain relief, good for the heart, improves your skin, and you can use it to cure urinary tract infection.” ”The thing is, CBD is anti inflammatory and it’s good for a lot of stuff. Even your pets can use it. If your dog is scared, in pain or has anxiety - try to give it some CBD drops.” Why do you think Cannabis is still illegal in Germany? ”I think it’s historical, that it was disrupting for the tobacco industry. Because you can make anything out of the Cannabis plant, it was probably pretty bad for their business. In Europe I don’t know, it sure makes you high but alcohol makes you high too, and that is legal...” ”Since CBD has been illegal for so long, it has been very difficult to get and share information about Cannabis and the benefits from the plant.” What is Berlin’s view on CBD products? ”It’s very popular. Perhaps not as much by the youngest adults. The average age is probably around 30 to 60 years old. Many of our clients have been smoking weed and realized that they don’t really enjoy some of the effects. They get tired and maybe feel paranoid, but at the same time there is something about it that they feel is benefitting them. In contrast, CBD doesn’t go up into your head it just goes to the body, so it’s not the same at all. But it still effects you.” ”Even tough I also think that the paranoia you get from weed can be related to that you are buying bad products in some park and that weed is just bad quality. If we had more information about THC and the distribution of it would be legal and controlled, these things would probably be a lot better.” Do all products work? Candy, shampoo, chapstick, face cream and so on? ”In some ways probably yes. Since it’s anti bacterial and anti inflammatorily using a cream can be good for your muscles, psoriasis, acne and so on.” Today in Germany, CBD is now legal when do you think it will be legal to smoke weed? ”They have been talking about making Cannabis legal only in Görlitzer park for example, but then that never happened. It’s an ongoing discussion. There was a project that started two years ago where they wanted to legalize Cannabis in Berlin. But it was rejected the first time and they tried again, but I haven’t heard anything since. It seems to change from one day to another.”

We went out to try the Berlin famous brunch spot. Are you looking for lunch and brunch In Berlin? There is at least a lot to choose from. We headed down to the hyped House of Small Wonder in Mitte, on Johannisstrasse 20, a street behind Friedrich Palatz and Berlin's most exclusive inner-city addresses. The Japan inspired restaurant dates from the 21st century hipster mecca - Williamsburg, New York and opened up in The Big Apple as early as 2010. After gaining a good reputation among the city's most trendy population, the owners decided to expand and take aim at Berlin in 2014. Success is a factor here as well, which is evident when we visit on a Sunday, in the middle of the rush hour. However, we do not have to wait more than five minutes to get a table for two. The staff runs at rocket speed and are quick to serve new guests. The atmosphere of the guests of House of Small Wonder is relaxed, a little Sunday sleepy and moderate trendy. Here you can bring your mother-in-law when she is visiting or join your hangover friends right after a night out. Both works. The restaurant has specialized and made itself known for its brunch which is available in two different varieties. Both include four dishes and a hot drink. If orange juice is enough, you can cough up 22 euros, but if you want to continue the party you can order the same menu with "Bottomless Cocktails" for ten euros more. Since we are neither hung over nor crazy hungry, we choose to look at the lunch menu and order the Japanese brunch dish Soboro Don and a vegan zucchini and noodle salad. Both choices are excellent in taste and feel fresh while saturating. An excellent alternative to a belly filling of a classic "English Breakfast". The environment at House of Small Wonder is cozy, warm and welcoming and we decide to come back on a more exhausted day to get refilled with mimosas and the full brunch menu. We also got a tour of the basement which serves Japanese fine dining in the evenings. A visit that got us transported to what felt like Tokyo's trendiest restaurant. But we will get back to that another time. Edit: This review was made before the pandemic.

Get ready and watch it here! Ellen Allien - one of Berlin’s most ardent techno ambassadors - proudly unveils her latest full-length expedition into the realms of underground electronica. The new LP AurAA is a follow up on here 2019 release Alientronic and it's the third album she's produced in the last three years. If you haven't heard it yet, it's said that it makes you feel transporting from a reality to an electrofied fantasy. Something we all could need a little bit of this mid week afternoon, right? Yes, you read it right. The video of " Walking In The Dark" is premiered at 4 pm Berlin time, and you can stream it live from our Facebook page , Ellen Allien's own Facebook page or Youtube . Take a break, or take an early weekend, and get ready.

As close to a club night as we get in pandemic times. The famous Wilde Renate is going to be hosting their first taste of their brand new collaborative concept named OVERMORROW. Tonight (Friday 26/6) they will be launching an experiment in social distanced performances and are inviting limited guests to witness their OVERMORROW PEEPSHOW. This will run alongside the main project within Renate. OVERMORROW is described as an "immersive theater experience" and tonight they will be debuting their first in a string of teaser events leading up to the main OVERMORROW project premier which will be kicking off in July. The event is a collaboration of over 40 artists from a wide variety of art-collectives like Bad Bruises and Trash Era have come together to think together about what our world could look like in the near future. The concept designer of The Peepshow, Billie Rae from Bad Bruises tells us: "The Peepshow events will run throughout the summer in the Garden of Wilde Renate in Friedrichshain. It's all non profit where all the proceeds goes directly to the artists. Artists and performers will take stage to their voyeurs. What's in store is a surprise as we've a different line up each night throughout the summer from many scenes and styles and collectives. Including Bad Bruises / The House of Red Doors, Trash Era, House of Presents, Bedroom Burlesque, Berlins stripper collective, Actors from Four Chambers, Lustery and Erika Lust, Shimmy Shake and many many more..." The Peepshow will be a place where the guests can witness some of the worlds elite in the bizarre, the beautiful, the erotic and exotic. From burlesque to fetish, from porn to poetry. exhibiting Berlins diverse and vibrant culture. Since we're still not allowed to dance, and there are strictly limitations and its advisable to make reservations, even though a couple of spots will be saved for drop-ins. To obtain a "peephole" and watch the shows, tokens can be purchased at spot. One token is 5 euros and each show costs one tone. Simple as that, and the organizers are aiming for one show every 20 minutes over the evening. Lineup Friday 26/6 Lilly Mortis Bishop Black Fifi Fantome Dunja Von K

It's Friday and it's time to support the Berlin you love. We don't really have to say it. But Berlin's nightclubs are struggling for their survival and no return is in sight yet. Several of the nightclubs that annually attract millions of visitors have since begun to raise money to survive until the visitors come back again. This is what you can do to support your favorite club. Participate in a fundraiser Several clubs have started different types of fundraisers. Google your favorites and take a look at how you can support them and participate in the fundraiser. Participate in an auction Several nightclub organizers sell photos, merchandise and other gadgets related to their business. Check out Ebay and other sites and bid home damn cool stuff while supporting Berlin's nightclub scene Start your own auction with your favorite club – crowdfund together! Are you an artist or do you have anything related to a specific club that you can imagine auctioning off? Our tip is then to contact your favorite club and see if you can make a deal where both get support and money. Become a member Many organizers have taken alternatives that allow you as a supporter to become a support member. There are often different levels of membership to suit everyone. Donate entry and beer money It's Saturday and if it wasn't because of Corona you would have gone out clubbing tonight. One idea might be to put aside the money you would normally have spent, at least for one night, and check out how to donate that money to your favorite club instead.

Authentic Korean food in Berlin. By: Emma Maar “Are you in love with her?....” “...I think so...yes” I have never been taken out by a man whose heart was within someone else’s lips, but Korean food is extremely hard to resist. Ixthys is one of those restaurants which leave a special mark on your tongue and mind. When entering the small and intimate restaurant, you notice that bible texts fill the walls and in the back lays an open kitchen, bursting with smells and steamy hot pots and pans. A simple routine of walking up to the kitchen, ordering and paying, you then sit down to await your spicy plate of pleasure. It’s simplicity, deliciousness and affordability, make it a place worth returning to. Every time I visit Ixthys I devour the same dish, Sautéed veggies with fried tofu and rice. Ixthys, lays across a church in Schöneberg. At times the endlessness of the church bells cause my mind to drift away, I take a bite, and I am seasoned with presence. When you arrive, make sure to notice.... and make sure the person you are with orders the Bibimbap. Ixthys Pallasstraße 22, Schöneberg

Saturday July 11th, our friends at Hahayoureugly hosted their launch party at their brand new location on Warschauer Str. We've got the pictures! In true Not Just Another Vintage Store style - The event started with everyone street side watching drag queens Fantasy Cum True and Cupcake (who is current Miss Kotti) performing with Valentin.  Valentin went on to do a live performance and had the whole crowd smiling and dancing.  The police came storming in and in the end were super good about the whole situation, instead of shutting it down directed everyone to spread 1.5 metres apart in true corona form. After the performances the doors were open and everyone was invited to share a celebratory drink and shake off their hips with us inside the store. DJ Nofcex closed the party with some groovy tunes. Since Playful loves their store and their fashion, we're glad to present the pictures from the event. All photos by: Rachel Colless

Even though CSD Berlin 2020 this year will be held online, there are still things going on in the city this weekend. Queer Xmas Market, SAGE and Lusty Ice are going together this Sunday to organize a market full of small companies, designers, artists, e-companies and shops who will exhibit their products and services. From Fashion items, Arts & Crafts to kinky Sex Toys, you won’t have a reason to leave empty handed, encouraging local commerce and queer businesses. There will be more than 50 independent queer identifying businesses with a safe distance of 1,5 meter between all of the stands. Except from that, there will also be an exhibition with 40 artists. Sage Beach restaurant will have tables to hold up to 200 people and happy to serve the visitors with the best experience possible. Music and a walk through exhibition will be provided as well as informative issues regarding the queer scene. The organizers themselves states in the Facebook event: "Our first goal as project aim is to create awareness around our community, empower the local businesses and highlight amazing artists who are a great example of dedication and perseverance, united to create a better world." When? Sunday the 26th July 2020 U-bahn Görlitzer Park 13:00-20:00

A Berlin with less tourists because of COVID-19 does not mean that you as a Berliner cannot be a tourist yourself. We decided to move into a hotel in our own city for one night. 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin , neighbor with the Zoologischer Garten, is one of the cities most trendy and well-known hotels, designed for a culturally conscious target group. With its rooftop bar at the very top of the building, with the best views of the city, it is a great choice if you want to get away from everyday life for a little while without traveling far, which is not recommended during the corona pandemic. Since we are dog owners and our dog hasn’t yet learned to cook and to go out and pee herself, she is always a requirement when booking hotel stays. At the 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin she is more than welcome – she even gets a bag of sweets, two bowls and her own bed that welcomes her as she enters the room. We humans are welcomed by a comfy blanket in the well-made bed, a fully stocked minibar and an interior that breathes modernity. The shower is open with a view of the bedroom, which makes the room airy and luxurious. The way it is designed also makes it perfect for a romantic stay. The window frames are wide and we start Friday afternoon with a glass of bubble accompanied by music from the hotel's own LP player. This is not something every room offer, but all rooms offers an UE Boombox to help you get in the Berlin mood. The selection of discs is of course limited, but still adds color to life. The view down on Berlin's more hectic streets is perfect for people watching. After installing us at the hotel, we take the elevator up to the Monkey Bar on the roof of the hotel. In 2015, the bar was named Europe's best and it is unique in its kind for Berlin. Few places, if any, can offer that view. We order an Aperol Spritz and a Gin Tonic and sit down on the terrace to watch the sunset. Monkey Bar, which is usually full of people, is less hectic during coronation times. Partly because the guests at the hotel are fewer and partly because people do not go to the same extent. For us it is only positive. We get quick service, can choose the best spot on the terrace and even the dog gets to enjoy some peace and quiet. A DJ stands and turns discs and for the first time since February we are reminded of the vibrations that makes Berlins famous reputation. We sleep like freshly rocked children in the wide bed and wake up late the next day. The breakfast runs only until 11:30 and we take the psychedelic zoo elevator up to the roof again where we are shown to the restaurant. Eggs, bacon, croissants, yogurt, coffee and juice are not quite wrong after a night of cocktails, in addition to Berlin's best views. 25 Hours Hotel Bikini Berlin Budapester Str. 40 Double room from 150 € Rooftop Bar: Monkey Bar

Get ready for some fancy breakfast! Berliners, get ready for some fancy breakfast when Schönebergs new café and restaurant Früstuck 3000 are aiming to open up in September. And it's good news for all of you preferring your breakfast served all day long. "Frühstück 300 will open in September and our goal is to set a new standard and take breakfast to the next level. Not bound to early hours as the word Frühstück may sound, we serve food that can be enjoyed all day long, such as Langosch with sauerkraut granité, salmon tartar or a typical German disch 'Bauernfrühstück' 300 with summer truffle. High end food combined with an easy going atmosphere and entertaining service, together with early drinks is what you can expect" says the team behind the new restaurant when we reach them through Instagram. Keep an eye on their Instagram to get to know more about the opening.