From East Berlin to the Far East, and vice versa
From East Berlin to the Far East, and vice versa
On Nov. 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall came down. The East German nation, for 28 years hidden from the world’s eyes behind almost impassable walls, suddenly opened up.
Tens of thousands of Germans rushed to the borders to see the unbelievable for themselves, and I was among them. Born and raised in communist East Germany, I now live and work in Tokyo, physically and culturally far away from my native land. In 1989, however, I was a fresher in law studies at Humboldt University in East Berlin, and Japan was not part of my vocabulary.
Cafe Heavens
If you have been feeling a pulling sensation lately, then doubtless this is because of the magnetic power of Tokyo's Heaven's cafe. Positively awash with trendy Tokyoites, give your eyes a much needed holiday as you soak in the quiet Zen-like simplicity of Kazusane Iwase's furniture, its gleaming wooden floors, and the clever use of space…
Bar Bourbon Street 
One has to admire a bar that aims to offer a 'taste of New Orleans in Tokyo.' But this quirky, cozy bar with its homely, accessible atmosphere really pulls it off. Ideal for those feeling a tad lost in translation, those who want to slow down and chill out after a spell in the frantic Japanese capital…