Rheinauhafen Cologne - Hotspot or flop

When you think of Cologne, buzz words like carnival or social coziness come up, but not a beautiful city or good architecture.

‚At last something great’ I thought, when, after a long time, I crossed the Severins’bridge again and saw the new buildings of the Rheinauhafen dockyard living area.

Cologne has always been a port since its establishment by the Romans. Since 1892 the Rhine-shipping used this part of the waterside as a landing place and harbour area under the name “Rheinauhafen”.

The area was unused for years, until the “Bread and Butter” made use of one building and, in doing so, drew the city’s attention to the area. For it was about that time, that life at the waterside became popular – Barcelona, London, etc. gave a good example – the city decided to give it a new structure of utilisation, composed of habitation, living and working, whilst maintaining the character, especially in keeping the landmarked buildings, to the area.

The project developers wrote:

With this agreed mixture the Rheinauhafen is redesigned to become a lively and attractive part of Cologne. A special highlight will be the three so called “cranehouses”, which, in their appearence, resemble the historic heavy-lift cranes They will add to the Rhine-shore silhouette of Cologne and will be a special hotspot for the Rheinauhafen.

When I moved in back then, it all was different, of course. The second building that was completed, was the old granary, the ‘Siebengebirge’. I fell in love with its charme and the old construction with the new elements. It wasn’t really easy, but it worked out in the end and made me a proud resident with view on the Rhine.

On object truly made up with love, that exposes the old constructions and plays with charme. I really liked being there. Plus, the ships that passed during the day gave it a maritime feeling.

In general, the strucure of the quarter is interesting. Old buildings were wonderfully integrated in new building-structures. My personal highlight definitely is the Microsoft builidng with its curved shape. But also constructional highlights, like the longest underground parking which they simply built into the old port basin, or the new crane houses that totally changed the scenery, are well worth recognition.

The only thing lacking in the beginning, were the city’s people. A well known Eventmanager said: “the people of Cologne don’t come here. Everything that is further away from the Rudolfplatz than 3 stops, is ‘overseas’”. That was indeed the way it was in the beginning. But little by little the city’s people had to drop by and see that it is a fine place. In the early days, it was very quiet there – one almost felt like being all alone there. The first gastronomes were really good but also very pricey (Kap am Südkai, Rheingenuss). With companies moving in, this changed, too. An arabic Vapiano-concept, that is incredibly good, and also the Limani, which is always worth a visit.

With the galieries and companies like ‘facts and fiction’ it all receives a mixed character, that is not exchangable, but step by step becomes Cologne.

Other entrepreneurs have recognized that, too. For example Frankfurt’s Kingkamehameha Suite, which tried to gain foothold here but had to close down. The people of cologne are not chic or glamorous – we’re not Duesseldorf. I hope the new owner will be more successful with his Eventlocation. A small hint: engage someone who knows the city – someone from Cologne.

A friend of mine will soon move into the new highlight project – cranehouse no. 3 (the one, where Podolski...), which will be finalized this year. It’s been a long way to get to this goal and there was a lot he had to endure, but, in essence, it’s been just the same that people go through with other construction projects. The moment he can enjoy his view over the city and on the Dom, it’ll all be forgotten.

I am a bit proud that I, too, was able to contribute my share to the new harbour area. As part of the Team artotel Cologne, I was able to add to the design, which, with the opening on 15th March, became another highlight. All in all, I have to say that the harbour is well worth a visit.

Maybe it all takes another 10 years to be fully integrated.

In the end, Cologne is Cologne:

§ It’s the way it is

§ It’ll come what comes

§ It always turned out good in the end

xs

cosmo(politan) / the green week 2010 – the old will be new, again and again

the year started off nicely // in the ARTotel, building work continued and the set up of the exhibition stand for the country of brandenburg for the green week was due to be completed

luckily, I had my great team and the wonderful ph that mastered it magnificently (I met my biggest joy....) //

what I just didn't want to miss was the opening //

but there were other reasons: Berlin and cosmo, the new designhotel, and, one may not believe it, friends *lol //

after the flight had to be postponed again and again – the ARTotel was just being approved and I couldn't just disappear – I landed in snowy Tegel late at night //

I like the old airport // it is annoying, it takes long but it is a true landmark // I hope it won't be torn down in the future like everything else is for nice new worlds of living // I was slightly terrified to find out that ikea produces houses now, as well // where is this to end // omg

now, off to the cosmo // „cosmo?" the taxi driver asked // yes, the new hotel of the design group // it was a bit difficult to find the entrance since the logos hadn't been fitted until then// but they have now

once you're in the hotel, you recognize warm, very inviting colors and that the fabrics used provide a sense of comfort // the service is ideal // I can recommend corner rooms //

the entrance hall is held in a nice classical white // I like the gimmick with the lights // not too fussed about the door etc.

the bathroom is close to perfect // very nice are the special shower gels – their packaging is made bio-degradable – big plus //

they will surely do some minor things in the bathroom like the shower partition and the frost foil on the window // apart from that, the bath is great and spacious // the whole room is very nice all in all, as well // it makes one feel comfortable // the view on 'old-berlin' is always nice to look at

I didn't do much after that apart from having dinner in the lobby and go to bed

//… almost forgot to tell that t and s were there, which was a highlight // always nice to speak to them // right afterwards, I attended the reception to the 'green week', the fair in Berlin

The next morning I had breakfast with t // the juices are great, I love the ginger tea // all in all, simply a very nice breakfast buffet that leaves no whishes open, apart from a bit of structure

Great pictures on the wall, the art is well selected, the open plan kitchen is a true eyecatcher //

What I didn't quite get were the light-objects and the table cloths, considering they have these great tables, but… ok.

After that, I had to go and do my rounds at the fair // the country's exhibitors, rosi from bavarian cheese, all of them were there //

Right after the fair, I went on to tegel to pick up w, with whom I went on to caras, to meet a very talented young designer, our vic // one of the few how really know what it means to make design // on top of that: a testing for a new sportsdrink (tasty!)

Then, I went back to the cosmo // again, liked the shower and the shower gel // in the evening I went to a grill with s, t and w // dinner as always

Especially great was the ‚after-grill' cardio workout // bmw & snow = zero; why are they from bavaria anyway??? Mhh// oh well, we made it back home ok // thx, as well on ground as in the air

Well, the rest of my time in berlin was pretty much as always // pure shopping // what's a highlight though: 'the firmakosmetikset':))))) see and feel / grrr

What else to report? Well, the fair was a success and the contract was continued // also, a good gin tonic, lv disarm appointment and so forth … talk to you soon, I have to go open a hotel

Take care.

Rezzo

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