January 15 is ‘Blue Monday’ – the day people in the northern hemisphere feel most depressed after the end of the Christmas festivities and during the dull grey days of midwinter. Here are 10 ways you can beat the winter blues in the Rhineland:
Author: gabypinkner
Freibad Vingst
Picture this: a gorgeous sunny day, green hills, trees, a crystal clear lake and white sandy beaches. Out on the lake there’s a floating island where you can sun yourself before slipping back into the cool water to swim back to shore. Sound like a summer camp in the US, or a lake in Bayern … Continue reading Freibad Vingst
Play it again, and again
Bored? Try a board game! There’s never been a better time to dust off your childhood games and have an old fashioned games night. Scrabble is always a winner. Monopoly will keep you going for hours, days even. But if you feel like something a bit more strategic try ‘Ticket to Ride’ or ‘Zug um … Continue reading Play it again, and again
It’s Tatort time
You know you’ve become integrated into German society when you start watching Tatort religiously every Sunday. Some people love it, others hate it. If you’re not a Tatort fan, here are some reasons why you should become one: Tatort (which means crime scene) is a German detective show that’s been running since November 1970 and … Continue reading It’s Tatort time
Books about your city
While away the winter days and nights with some books about your local area: A little town in Germany This spy thriller is set in a Bonn that’s long gone. Where once there was espionage, Cold War dirty dealings, embassies and consulates, and spies lurking around every corner, there's now a sleepy city of culture … Continue reading Books about your city
A Boy in Bonn: How to Land on Your Feet When Moving Abroad
Moving to a new city is equally exciting and anxiety-inducing.
Liam Heitmann-Rice shares some tips to make it easier.
Getting over culture shock
Settling into a new country or city isn't always easy. It generally starts off well: every day feels like a holiday; all those funny and strange things you experience in your new city are welcomed as quirky and unsual; and everything seems fresh and exciting. But after a while, things can start to take a … Continue reading Getting over culture shock