The Christmas-shopping drama

Once again – Christmas season's here //

It's not like it comes all of a sudden // Lindt has shown us their chocolate santa claus in September already and many of us have started indulging Christmas candy in October //

Well, so much for that – one should do it as it suits the season // also a matter of style, by the way

The worst about Christmas is, of course, what to get for your dearest

First of all: discard „HAVE TO" presents / I find this 'he gave me something, too' thing pretty foolish / no / you should do what you like and not what you feel you must / many have to accept 'musts' at work / away with them in your free time

2^nd make a list / who do I want to give something to and, very important / to whom do I want to give a message / some create elaborate spreadsheets, others make handwritten lists / please refrain from 'I'll see to it on the 24^th' / Grandma doesn't want a porn-collection / great hint: decide on what you want to spend, then split it up so you don't overdo it

Regarding the "what to give" there are three options /

First: the mindcatcher, so to say the aura-connection, the ones that cause sparkles in the eyes: I know what it's gonna be! Don't hesitate – buy it! // gifts that come from the heart and that you will pass on with a big smile on your face // no matter what it is and no matter what others think of it

Then, there's the 'do it yourself' range // always well received / not only when Grandma gives something to her little Kevin: this is also true for same-aged people / hats off to what ak (name withheld) is doing there / always appreciated is knitwear / scarfs and socks

Socks are always well received, just as well as blankets etc. / but please just give them to people who know to appreciate them / but there are great examples as you can see here

What's not for you can easily be brought back and exchanged

I mean – who in the world just goes ahead and buys things only to have 'something' to give / no / it's about love, it's about harmony and it's about being there / it's about writing someone / I like you or thanks for… whatever / but it's definitely not about: you know, you can exchange that!! Even before it's been opened / I mean that's when the "silent night" becomes a junk shop / rather give gift baskets / but order them without liver pie /

and christmas cookies – everybody is baking christmas cookies / why don't bake something fresh and fruity in the summer, no, all cookies are made for christmas / you can't even eat these tons of cookies / and, being honest, who really needs a range of 18 different cookies / remember Evelyn Harmann in 'Loriot' / 'my sister polyester'

Writing is important, too // those gorgeous merry christmas cards which you usually write with some ‚differently' coloured pen (design cue: please consider the colour of you pen: golden glitter is allowed)

I mean, take a card, put on it my love, you're a dream, I am so happy to have you / just because I don't really know what you want: Here's you're voucher for something you wish for / you're in my heart / merry christmas / halleluja

And then, there are the ‚I need…' gifts / I don't mind giving a kitchen machine, but then, it has to be a combination / something that person needs and something that person doesn't need or something that person already knows about and something that person doesn't know about

Agreements like ‚we decided not to give each other any presents this year' are not for me / just relax and do what pleases you but tell the people that you miss them and love them and thank them cause it's Christmas / whoever was born then / the main thing is, you're with the people you love

I'm off to get myself some mulled wine, like a+ said, for the time being Nuremberg befor Berlin :))))))

Have a merry Christmas and enjoy shopping

xoxo

BERLIN // all about desire

Sometimes, you have to spoil yourself // better even if you can combine it with your job // There was this business meeting I had in Berlin // the fair had invited to discuss projects for the so called "grüne woche", the green week // this is where the agricultural industry always meets, on the fair, I mean // so… what are you to do when you're in Berlin on a Friday // Of course, you're staying till Sunday // so let's see who's in town // Jason was in town and since I wasn't there for his birthday, I thought, selfish as I am, to treat the two of us with a spa day // more about this later // first, I have to add that there was the premiere of ambrosia

Ambrosia? What's that?

I had no idea // the invitation though made it clear, I had to go:

Welcome to an Evening of Life-style, to a world without limitation and where imagination indulges and enriches your nature. Life is rich, you can be too. All that is needed is right here within reach. Become aware of the immense Smorgasbord of emotions and sensations inherent in us all.// In Greek mythology AMBROSIA is the food of the gods, able to satisfy any hunger or thirst, a balm to confer grace or even immortality.//Immortality might not be for us humans, but learning how to live our lives to its fullest might bring us as close as possible. //AMBROSIA in the here and now is an invitation to discover life and style to its fullest. Let it seduce you into a boundless world, where your imagination blows your mind. Experience with AMBROSIA an innovative evening of lifestyle in Berlin, the place where Freedom enjoys its heyday. //

First, I had to look for a hotel // Let me put it this way: "Upgrade ur life" // the Lux-11 is located in Berlin Mitte and provides all necessary and wished-for comfort and luxury. It's an App-Hotel with showers freely visible within in the room directly at the Alex // Air Berlin brought me to Tegel well enough, the driver into the Hotel and I was left with 2 hours to get ready for the night and to relax

I didn't go alone, of course, but with the sun and mr. T. / that night, completely dressed in Disarm (thanks to Lars for the coat), the two of them brought me into their living room

The Monsieur Vuong, the venue men and women cannot book, serves Vietnamese delicacies. The smell of the food itself… incredible

I chosed the classics the two of them recommendet to me. The mixture of everything in the restaurant was exciting, it didn't matter that we wore suits.

We had to head off then. Tempodrom – the small arena. We were greeted by torches and masks // the show was exciting – it was about all levels of lust // about fetishes, classics, just about everything // in the beginning we thought "that must the wrong show we're in" // but music and live performance took us into a world we really enjoyed watching // all of us had their highlights // let me only say gymnast, woman, sun // in any case an unforgettable experience // one could have left out what followed, right, Mr. T…*lol… Although always striving //

At least the shower in the Lux 11 calmed me down // korres, after all, makes great shower gels //

The next morning, I met with dr. j. at carras for an early-morning coffee and the subsequent yi spa wellness-heaven // if in Berlin, then the yi spa in Berlin-Mitte, a modern spa-temple with a range of massages and treatments to holistically reduce stress. The offers range from reflexology, oil- and aroma-therapy, herb-compresses, Lomi Lomi, Thai-Massages as well as Hot-Stone-therapies, body-peelings and wrapping treatments // I booked an aroma-therapy for each of us that lets you body flow away // the exceptional is that here, not just one but a multitude of senses is targeted which makes you experience something like a sensory overload (which is our analysis * smile*)

You enter the spa, get a tea // get your massage-oil, you're led into a room, relax, and after you received a footbath and took your clothes off, you get the massage // it's like you're on cloud number nine // like another world

After that, once more the carras // we met with mr. d. // so to say tv meets psychology and me *lol // it was very exciting, vitality, meaning word in picture meets picture in efficiency // unfortunately I had to leave for an appointment and couldn't continue // I am still sorry mr. d. // in the evening I went to bed early, for I had a wonderful breakfast planned for Sunday morning at the Gendarmenmarkt and had to leave Berlin after that // not without having met my pr guy Stephan, of course // it's about time for my furniture collection

So… it's Berlin in winter, lux 11 and yi spa // I promise that's life…no…no thank-you cards

a presto yours rezzo

I’m in love // Look @ all the roomers shortblog stop-over ffm

When special people leave, one should find special locations and experience special moments. In this case, Mr. S., after years and years, has been promoted (interesting enough that this is possible in this field) and will move from Frankfurt to Hong Kong

Like Madonna once said: if you want to reach the top, never stop //

Well, what will be the difference // a little more water, a little higher // well // for I was in the Fernsehgarten in Mainz on the weekend anyway, the date for the leaving party lay conveniently

We arranged to meet in Frankfurt in the roomers // a company of 6 people // I have to mention that I actually thought I’d know the German hotspots, but I obviously missed out on one // roomers // the new all in one designer hotel by micky rosen and alex urseanu, who once again have created a new “must”, following the pure // the restaurant and the inner courtyard are a perfect dream

The welcome itself, the walet parking, the swings, every detail is being regarded and the personnel perfectly dressed // it’s a mixture of James Bond meets Tom Ford // heavy, high quality materials in clear shapes with squiggled design objects //

We, that’s Mr. S. and Mr. P., Mr. T. and another Mr. P. (names blacked out for protective reasons), sat in our lounge and were collectively curious of what was expecting us // well, two of them where there before // very special was the carbon filtered salt and the variations of tuna (coriander tartar – sashimi - wasabi tepan yaki sesame) // we had a fantastic night and were in another world after the sorbet variations // unfortunately the night was far too short and I had only seen half of everything //

I therefore decided to test a room of the hotel with Sarah the week after // we both needed a change of scenery, thus one roomers weekend // this time I knew // drive up, hand over the car, step-in // the welcoming was very professional and the drink suitable (rosé champagne) //

I met David Garret very briefly once while we were both at „volle Kanne“ a while ago – he had a performance in ffm /

The rooms are truly greatly designed / the colours harmonize – there is a statement. Dark, warm colours / very New York, I think / with modern elements and the ever reoccurring symbol / if there was anything to criticize it would be that the sound insulation of the toilette could have been better // well… book a second room //

We went to the destino for dinner (sergej, steve, phil, sarah and ide, wonderful investment-lady) / one of those insider tip’s which are booked-out weeks ahead / after that, app- of our eastwestguys / like always good style and great people / in such a way, the evening can end really nicely / well, what a surprise when the party is hosted by the owners of a model agency /

Sarah and I felt very relaxed and slept like Mr. and Ms Roomers / yes, in that way one can love Frankfurt ------- unfortunately it went back home too quickly, but the spa provided us with a long lasting smile for our goodbye (ariane and sergej had that as well for their photo shoot with Stephan). Nice, but Berlin is awaiting me already….. Ambrosia will take me in its ban and when you are in FFM … roomers.

xoxo // Sebastian

tokyo

Leaving Berlin is never really easy. I really like the mixture of the old and the new, the lifestyle between Currywurst and Grill Royal. Berlin is a bit of everything. It is like Prada meets Porno. This place is a real metropolis.

I had to leave, from the urban jungle to a provincial backwater. Munich was calling. What a difference 600 kilometres make. More extremes may hardly exist. However, I like both. One of the cities, because it is always fast forward and full on, the other one because it is so ueber classic, just as classic as a place can be. I had a meeting with a customer, talking about its new hotel concept in the town. It is not easy to create modern buildings in Munich. It is almost a nightmare to work in the framework of monument protection. Sometimes work is so cruel. Sometimes it kills me. I’m working anyway, let’s see how it goes...

If you want to discover Munich, you have to see it thought the eye of a local. In my case, the eyes of Jürgen and Alexandy. They showed me the new places to be, the IT things. We started at the new Jewish centre, a landmark for outstanding, modern architecture. This enormous block and the way this monument is placed in the centre of the square, is very progressive for a town like Munich. I love it. And if you fancy something really trendy, you might like to get real kosher food there. The chef gets an A+. I wasn’t sure about kosher food before I tried it. I was not convinced, but after I tried it.... Rezzo, please forget about your prejudice, don’t judged before you try. Honestly, the food was not bad.

If you walk up the road from there you get directly to Cromma, one, or maybe the design shop for furniture in town. You really should buy a water purifier there. Water purifiers are of these amazing things you will never use, but you definitely have to own it. Only because of it’s stunning look. For sure the guys and I went also to POOL and POP – the label temples of Munich. I always spent at least one hour there because you’ll simply discover the latest trends. Whether you’re looking for shoes, shirts, fragrances or anything else. I think POOL is a concept store with the right look and feel. Cambis, knows how to satisfy the crowed.

Another thing was even more important than shopping. I really needed a new hair cut and my Berlin hairdresser Andre was so far away. So what to do? Where to go? I was in Munich. So as you can see, i was not that happy. :-)



Forget about the hairdresser. Wasn’t Tokyo waiting for me? Where? When? What? I got confused, but I found the simple solution, Alexandra, she always manages to do what you want to. :-( But she decides without giving you the feeling you aren’t controlling your life. I was still recovering, not sure if I could fly, But I could fly. She booked my fligh, while I went for the last supper in Munich. A carrot ginger soup with prawns, a dream, a short one, for sure, and then I was already on the way to Tokyo.

I went there to manage a fair construction. Already at the airport I got the first impression of Japanese professionalism. JAL brought me totally relaxed to Tokyo. The Japanese capital is another place, another urban metropolis. Big, bigger, different, totally new. Never blow your nose, - the city will blow your mind. When I arrived, the cherries were still blossoming. Probably I never will, but if I ever will get married, I’ll do it only in Japan, only during the blossoming of the cherry trees.


In Odaiba, the new quarter, you’ll find nowadays another imitation of the Statue of Liberty. After the Eifel Tower, one more European symbol, there aren’t so many in Japan. The hotel I stayed was good. A small room, I did not expect something bigger. Guys I was in Tokyo, do I have to say something more? The hotel has a great Spa with a nice pool , that is always enough to survive. I think Tokyo is really thrilling. Have you been there? We talk about islands totally obstruct with ancient and new buildings. It feels like anti headache drinks, doesn’t it? But quite honest I have to admit, it is great to see the old and the new, the big and the hype. Let me tell you a secret, the REAL Muji-Shop, is still in Tokyo, even there is nowadays also one in Cologne. At the Tokyo store, you’ll find everything to buy, everything your Habitat heart desires. Afterwards, if you still have money, don’t miss to relax at the Shiseido Spa, otherwise you can continue shopping at Ginza.

Japanese design is probably the most exciting thing on the planet. Not only the fashion also the architects and their creations are an absolute must. I think it is absolutely fascinating and stunning how the Japanese learned to implement new designs without losing traditions.

The booth was finished, my task fulfilled. I did it in time. My short stay in Tokyo, only four days, were over. I spent my last minutes in town buying Matcha powder. I am addicted to it, to my Matcha Latte Macchiato or to Matcha-tea ice cream, stuffed in fried puff pastry. It is simply delicious. And let’s not forget the world famous Sushi.

JAL brought me back to Cologne on a save, agreeable flight, including a fleece mask.
Arrived totally relaxed at home, I felt already the stress coming back. Sorry, I was in Tokyo the world most hectic city, and I survived totally relaxed. But back in Cologne.... Welcome to the stressed, overrated provincial backwater. I totally forgot about that. I have to move. I want to go on. So you better watch out...

See you soon

Rezzo

Berlin... Thursday 19:30 AXEL

After spending a nice, relaxing time in Cologne, I had the feeling that I finally had to go back to Berlin. Notonly for work, I needed some “fresh” air, even I had meetings there and a lot of work too. The “grüne Woche” is already back in my mind, and 2010 will be here soon. Anyway, I wanted to spend some time in Berlin and in April the city is always worth to visit. I was invited to join the opening ceremony of the new AXEL hotel, the new gay and friendly place in town. Isnʼt that another good reason to go to Berlin? Done, I booked the flight, and I decided to stay one night at AXEL.

I arrived in Berlin, I love the town so much. I always ask myself why I am still not living there. The taxibrought me from the airport to the hotel. Standing outside of the building wasnʼt really very spectacular. The hotel is just another building, not worth talking about it. On the other hand, it didnʼt hurt to much looking at it neither. The check-in was like a really friendly welcome. Christoph, the guy at the reception was very charming, good looking and well dressed. Even I think the colour of his tie shouldnʼt be so pink. Probably the hotel management should match it with the colour of the flower arrangements.



I went to my room really curious how this new design hotel will look like. I gonna make it short. The room was black and crème. I like black, donʼt get me wrong, but considering the size of the room… let me say black isnʼt the new black in this case. Even the red glass bath tube looked more than a lost alien than a design element within this arrangement. Ok, let me be honest with you guys, I was disappointed.

But I decided not to be too disappointed. The place was fine. Standard – a place to feel good and cosy.
Almost. You just have to ignore the fitted carpeting. It isnʼt fitting at all. I am not sure if the designer actually wanted something different, but didnʼt get the right carpet…. Am I too picky? Am I too posh?
No I donʼt think so, I am myself, I canʼt change myself. Just one more detail I want to tell the management: Pease tell your cleaners to dust the racks.




I donʼt want to sound to posh, sorry I really have to say that the food at the hotel was really good. It was delicious. Even if I might not stay again at the AXEL, I will go back there for dinner, thatʼs for sure. The tables might be a bit too small. In general the designs should be a bit more contemporary, as the whole hotel should be. Honestly, I think I should not care about that. BUT….. the food was great. I do care. Actually I really expected the AXEL hotel to be a little bit more up to date and edgy. The three different breakfasts, wellness, business and fitness style are just not enough.

I enjoyed being at the AXEL, but the hotel canʼt offer you the enjoyment a Lux11 or the Q hotel does.
SORRY AXEL, this all might sound really mean, but let me tell you, I liked to be at your place anyway.



Letʼs talk about the opening event. I went to FIRMA with my personal consultant. Ivo, the best shop manager in town, presented me the new collection. I took the black shirt and breeches. I love my FIRMA.

Kim Fischer was the host this evening. “They” told me Barbara was too expensive. The event was a kind of a regular Berlin event. And as usual if something is just a little bit “gay”, the mayor was there. I kind of liked the situation to meet him besides business meetings or the opening of the “grünen Woche”.



Guys I donʼt want to be nasty but what the hell should I write about an event ending at midnight? Arenʼt we in Berlin? Do I have to mention the flying buffet, a 1/8 of a Hamburger. Do I have to tell you about the most creative cocktail of the evening? It was Prosecco with Aperol. Do I have to tell you more? Guys I donʼt want to talk bad about the event, but I just canʼt talk highly about it. It was nice. Ok?

Oh I did not mention that I couldnʼt stay at the AXEL because of the opening. So I went to my new hotel, the Radisson about 12.30 after the event was over. While I was looking out of my window, I watched the aquarium and I had funny thoughts in my mind. All of a sudden I realised what a difference it makes. I got the idea of the “stars” at the entrance of the hotel lobby. At some places you can still see the difference just by looking at the colours of your shampoo and shower gel dispensers. At some places you have a wellness breakfast including the business and fitness one.

Thanks for the invitation dear AXEL team. Maybe next time you should work with another event agency. Maybe. Anyway, thanks for trying. Thanks for the effort. Iʼll have to leave. I have to work, I have to work tomorrow, Later Iʼll be on the way to Munich and Tokyo.
Harajuku gils ik freu mir!
Rezzo

One day at home - Cologne meets papenberg

I am wondering how important underwear is - especially for men. In general no one will see your briefs, but somehow I think my undies are one of the most important things I wear every day. It gives me this very special feeling. I guess you know what I mean. I love underwear, but what about you guys out there? Honestly, do men really have to care about undies? If you ask Peter Papenberg, the designer of papenberg body wear, there is no doubt. Every man has to look sexy and fresh underneath his trousers. Underwear is the hero. This is why Peter invited me to see his new collection at the nightcontrol party in Cologne.

Party, underwear, good looking men in underwear – all these exciting things in my hometown Cologne. It sounded like the perfect Saturday night to go out with my friends and finally I might find a good reason to get rid of my old Calvins.

My Saturday started as usual. Getting up, breakfast at the Spitz, my favourite breakfast place in town. There is no other place where you get better scrambled eggs in Cologne. The Spitz is in the middle of town, a great place to meet and great. Just sitting there for a while, makes you meeting everyone you want to meet and even the ones you don't want to meet. I enjoyed my eggs and was reading the newspaper. My Spitz is my place to be - on a sunny Saturday morning. And with my friends Jürgen and Sandra I like it even more.

Sitting there we three were thinking about what to wear tonight. Would I be really willing to spend 55 Euro for a brief, only to get free entry? I really like the silhouettes of papenberg and the mix of bamboo and cotton feels so damn sexy on the skin, but 55 Euro? YES I would get if for 55 Euro, considering what girls have to spend to look good underneath. So I was really looking forward to see the collection. On the way to the Holmes Place, my gym, I also met Sarah, another good friend of mine. She seamed to be more enthusiastic about the idea of cute men in underwear than the undies themselves. A plan was made, we all wanted to meet at 9 pm at Chez Chef to have some drinks and going to the party.

After the gym I went shopping. No, I really did not need anything. I like to shop til you drop, especially nicely wrapped things. At home I always ask myself the big "Why", why did I do it again. But believe me, it is a passion. At least I can recommend the Totontosplash tea, not only because of the packaging.

Arrived at home I started to put myself into the right clothes. Casual, simple and sexy, that was the look for the night. The army trouser chucks from Kuala Lumpu, a cotton V-neck shirt (I know V-neck is a no go this year) and a knitted Cardigan – that's it, basta.

Next stop - Chez Chef. It is like my second living room. I like the architecture, the industrial look, the designer furniture and the perfect set up of the light. Even the service is professional and friendly. I had Sushi and tuna, the best Sushi and tuna in town. All insiders go to the Chez Chef for the bathrooms. A magic place where you can hear much more than fairy tails … Andi, the managing director of a Munich hotel, really loved the place. Andi and the doors - sorry, but I am not allowed to tell you more.

We left Chez Chef because we wanted to see the undies at nightcontrol. Arriving at the club I saw already the stuff and the GoGo's in action. All dressed in papenberg body wear. They all looked sexy and hot- real eye candies. During the night, the dancers were presenting the whole collection of papenberg, they had for every dance another out fit. I really like the new brand, every single style looks good, The brand is mine. There is just one thing - If you don't go to the gym, don't try to wear Hermes.

Let me tell you, papenberg is underwear you don't want to hide, under your clothes. It is high quality material and so perfectly made. And on a dancers body it even looks better. By the way, the party was fully packed and the DJ did a good job. Party party party. Yes I had fun. And I was really surprised that it was already 5 am when I looked at my watch for the first time. I left at 6 am, I had to go to bed. Berlin was calling. I'll have a date with Axel as I mentioned already: Also with Monika, Sybille and Ralph.

TSCHUESS

See you in Berlin, Rezzo