World Children’s Day festival

Liz reminded me about the spielfest for World Childrens Day tomorrow Sunday Sep 21st at Klosterplatz. Lots of games, music and activities for kids from 2pm – 6 pm.

Learning German

One of my favourite ways to learn German is to listen to audio lessons while I do the cooking, laundry etc. I really like Michel Thomas‘ audio course, it’s a good supplement to a language school class (he does go quite fast). But he really helps build up your vocab and explains the German language in a clear way.

I have also started listening to Deutsche Welle Radio’s free online course which looks pretty good too and go up to B1 level. They have watching, listening and reading exercises and self tests.

There are lots of other on-line ways to learn German, especially the basics for example BBC or the Goethe-Institute offers free practise tests and exercises.

English Grammar for Students of German is my favourite grammar book, it explains everything in English terms first – I have no idea how the dative works for example in English, and then goes on to explain how it works in German. A very clear book and very useful in German class when I’m not really understanding the teacher. This is more of a companion book as in it explains the rules of grammar very clearly but doesn’t list verb tables etc.

Bioland Hofladen & online delivery

For people looking for local bio / organic produce, Kirstin recommended Bio Hof Gut Wilhelmsdorf.  They have an on-line shopping and delivery service where you can shop for regionally sourced fruit, vegetables, cheese, meat as well as many other bio items.  Or you can choose a box where they preselect the ingredients for you. The menus change each week and they offer around 6 difference choices to cook at home, as well as the usual fruit & veg boxes (they are all under ‘Sortiments – – Koch – Kisten’, first item on the online shopping menu)  They also have a farm shop you can visit, along with cafe and kids playground.

Bielefeld celebrates 800th anniversary

I have missed most of Bielefeld’s 800 year anniversary celebrations but there are still plenty of events and exhibitions happening for the rest of the year all over town. Some really interesting things happening so check it out. You can also pick up a brochure of all the events and find out more at the tourist office.

New Siegfriedplatz cafe & wine bar

One of the fun things having been away from Bielefeld for six months, is discovering all the new places that have opened while I was gone. I saw this cute new cafe & wine bar on the corner of Siegfriedplatz this evening – Heinrich sein Enkel. They specialise in natural wines (there’s also a wine store) along with simple homemade light dishes such quiche, cheese and baked goods. Everything looked delicious and the place had a nice atmosphere. I will definately be visiting for a glass of wine and dessert soon.

You can see photos and a review in German here and here.

Bielefeld Interkulturell

This is a very useful page on the City of Bielefeld’s website for foreigners coming to Bielefeld. It offers information on all aspects of life in Bielefeld, from getting visas, registering, services for children, german language courses, housing, transport etc. It’s in English, Russian and Turkish.

kids clothes

I often buy my kids clothes from England as there is no tax on kids clothes & shoes there. Also because here in Bielefeld I haven’t been able to find much in the middle price range between H&M and designer (with two boys, the clothes get passed down so I’m looking for better quality then H&M). My favourite shop in the UK is Next, their boys clothes come in good designs, their basic pack of 3 or 4 shirts is good value, and they last repeated washing. In the past I have ordered from their English website but I noticed they now have a german website and you can view it in English too. They have free shipping for orders over €20 to Germany and free returns too!