Making Greek salad at home!

June 15, 2020June 15, 2020 Valyn TheofanidouLeave a comment

About Greek Salad

The actual name of this salad in Greek is Xωριάτικη, and in Latin letters, Choriatiki but pronounced as Horiatiki.

Xωριάτικη (Horiatiki) came from its root word, Χωριό which means village. Hence, Xωριάτικη σαλάτα is a village salad in Greece.

This salad is commonly served as a part of a traditional Greek meal. It’s not just one of the most popular salads in Greece and Cyprus, but in the whole world.

How I discovered it

When I first came to Athens, last year, Paris’ mom made me a Greek salad at her place. That was the first time I had this salad, which was authentically made, ingredients, everything.

^{This is the photo of the Greek salad I took which Paris’ mom made for me.}

Before we went home to our apartment, his mom gave me the ingredients for me to take home and just make the salad whenever I’d like to.

*^{the IG story I shared last year (archived)}*

Ingredients – Health Benefits

Cucumber

It contains a range of B vitamins, vitamin A, and antioxidants, including a type known as lignans.

Antioxidants help remove substances from the body known as free radicals. Some free radicals come from natural bodily processes, and some come from outside pressures, such as pollution. If too many collect in the body, they can lead to cell damage and various types of disease.

Studies have suggested that the lignans in cucumber and other foods may help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and several types of cancer.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are an intensely nutritious plant food.

Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and other antioxidants. With these components, tomatoes can help combat the formation of free radicals. Free radicals are known to cause cancer.

Tomatoes also contain a wide array of beneficial nutrients and antioxidants, including:

alpha-lipoic acid
lycopene
choline
folic acid
beta-carotene
lutein

Bell Pepper

Nutritious Nightshade Plants: Tomatoes, Potatoes, and More — ^{Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/most-nutritious-nightshade-plants#bell-peppers}

If you need a boost of vitamin C, bell peppers are a great choice. One green pepper contains more Trusted Source vitamin C than an orange.

Bell peppers are one of the tastiest snacks in the nightshade family.

Onions

The health benefits related to onions are quite impressive.

These nutrient-packed vegetables contain powerful compounds that may decrease your risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

Onions have antibacterial properties and promote digestive health, which may improve immune function.

What’s more, they’re versatile and can be used to heighten the flavor of any savory dish.

Adding more onions to your diet is an easy way to benefit your overall health.

Feta Cheese

Feta cheese nutrition provides B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus and more.

Benefits of feta cheese nutrition include its ability to protect against cancer, support bone health, boost immunity, maintain gut health, prevent headaches, protect eyes and help treat anemia.

Caper

Capers contain a small amount of fat (100g has only 1 percent of the daily value of fat), no cholesterol, a little potassium (100g gives 1 percent of the daily value), dietary fiber, vitamin A, calcium, vitamin C, iron (9 percent of the daily value per 100g), and magnesium (8 percent of the daily value per 100g).

Dill

Dill may offer anti-fungal benefits, according to the University of the Pacific Health Services. The herb, which originated in the Mediterranean and is the only plant in its genus, may also be useful as a safe and natural anti-fungal, according to a study published in the 2012 issue of the journal “PLoS one.” In the study, researchers applied dill essential oil to cultures of Aspergillus mold and found that dill oil killed mold cells by disrupting the cell membranes. Dill also caused dysfunction in the energy-producing mechanisms of the mold cells that resulted in increased oxidative damage.

Oregano

Oregano and other herbs provide antioxidants. Dietary antioxidants help the body eliminate free radicals, which are toxic substances that result from natural processes and environmental stresses. A buildup of free radicals can trigger oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can lead to cell damage that may result in various diseases, including cancer and diabetes.

Olive oil

The antioxidants in olive oil may help protect the body from cellular damage that can lead to a range of health conditions and diseases. Extra virgin olive oil has a bitter flavor, but it contains more antioxidants than other types, as it undergoes the least processing.

It contains traces of calcium and potassium, as well as polyphenols, tocopherols, phytosterols, squalene, and terpenic acids and other antioxidants.

Greek Salad Recipe

Note: If you haven’t watched the video of me making the Greek salad, just click here to get redirected, or you could check the video again right at the top of this blog.

Ingredients:

Cucumber
Tomatoes
Bell pepper
Onion
Feta cheese
Caper (pickled)
Dried dill and/or Oregano
Olive oil
pinch of salt
Grape Cider vinegar
(optional, I didn’t put it because of the pickled capers
that has already a taste of brine with it)

Slice the vegetable ingredients except the pickled capers, one by one. Transfer them into the bowl where you want to mix it, after each time you slice them.

Slice the feta cheese. Add some capers onto the bowl. Sprinkle the herbs. Add olive oil and a pinch of salt (it’s optional, if you like it saltier).

Mix all of the ingredients.

Serve with love to your family and/or friends.

Message of Gratitude

To all our readers out there, we thank you for reading our blog post today.

Have you tried making the Greek salad at home? Or will you try making this at your home? Just watch the video to know how we did it.

And if yes, please let us know about it. We’ll be glad to know your thoughts by leaving your comments down below.

Please subscribe on our YouTube channel to get updated with our videos as well!

Vielen Dank! Tschüß!

References

Health benefits of cucumber – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/283006
Everything you need to know about tomatoes – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/273031#benefits
What are vitamins, and how do they work? – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/195878
How can antioxidants benefit our health? – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/301506
Enhancing the Health-Promoting Effects of Tomato Fruit for Biofortified Food – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3972926/
The 8 Most Nutritious Nightshade Fruits and Vegetables – https://www.healthline.com/health/most-nutritious-nightshade-plants
Bell Peppers 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits – https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/bell-peppers
FoodData Central, peppers – https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/?query=ndbNumber:11333
9 Impressive Health Benefits of Onions – https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/onion-benefits
Feta Cheese Nutrition: the Healthiest Cheese and Even Anti-Cancer? – https://draxe.com/nutrition/feta-cheese-nutrition/
22 Proven Health Benefits of Caper – https://www.tipshealthline.com/22-proven-health-benefits-of-caper/
Health Benefits of Cilantro, Basil, Rosemary, Dill and Mint – https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/health-benefits-cilantro-basil-rosemary-dill-mint-4675.html
What are the health benefits of oregano? – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266259
What are the health benefits of olive oil? – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266258
ASMR – Making Greek Salad at home – https://youtu.be/CMkj92umUHg
YouTube Channel, House of Vnyla – https://www.youtube.com/houseofvnyla

THE ART OF MAKING SANDWICH – The Homemade version

May 8, 2020June 15, 2020 Valyn TheofanidouLeave a comment

Appreciation

I admit it, my husband does a good job at/for home. Aside from him working for our family, he knows how to make good sandwiches. Although, I’d say, I do a better version of his sandwich. Have you guys watched his famous Waterway Sandwich video? You can either watch it here on our YouTube channel, or, watch it on the top of our blog post.

Paris, mon amour, I know you’re reading this, but, no offense. Hah!
Love, Your wifey

How it started

We started making sandwiches with compact grill toaster. The first-ever toaster we had used on making grilled toasts and sandwiches.

*^{These are the pictures of the grill toaster for the listing.}*

We used it for 3-4 long months and decided to just get a real toaster.

My husband ordered the oven toaster from Amazon, weeks before we decided to sell the old one. And when it had finally arrived, I got to post the old toaster, and added it as a listing on eBay Kleinanzeigen. It’s an online buy-and-sell platform here in Germany, and it’s mostly private selling. We sold it for € 15 within a week, through pick-up and cash.

Paris ordered the toaster directly from Amazon US. And since the voltage of the products from US is different than the European’s, he also ordered a converter.

*^{This oven toaster does a really great job.}*

It has buttons with advanced settings and also has timer that doesn’t just beep but also lights up. It cooks a variety of stuff with its double infrared heating. You can grill, and reheat pizza, meat, and other frozen foods. With just one or more clicks of a button, and voila! The food will be ready in few minutes.

My husband and I love using this. It cooks everything so well.

When Paris had his birthday last month, I baked a cake with a small baking tray, something that fits inside this small oven. The maximum time on baking/grilling with this oven is only 25 minutes. So I had to push buttons twice or more to get the texture of the cake I was looking for. I was hesitating it would bake good, but I was then quite impressed with the result! This is like a super oven toaster!

The Tale

Have you ever wonder why the name of the sandwich is strange? Or have you ever wonder why it’s named “Waterway” sandwich?

On the video that my husband made, he put a written intro similar to Star Wars‘.

Well, he loves Star Wars, Star Trek, Star Gate, Babylon VI, etc.

Although he picked the Star Wars intro as it is most popular and iconic. The lines were being scrolled up with a bent angle (as an illusion).

I can still remember that he was fond of looking for effects on making that kind of intro for his video. Haha! (Wife speaking)

Written intro goes this way:

Somewhere
Not not not not
so
Faaar Away
In Waterway…

It wasn’t Waterway at first. The old name actually didn’t rhyme very well with the last part. I forgot what it was but I remember it didn’t rhyme.
So, I suggested him to use “Waterway,” because we live next to the river. River has water, and way is like another term for the street.
And ta-da! Waterway! Boom.

So that’s how it was made, the name of his sandwich.
The Waterway Sandwich.

The music, on the other hand, he looked into some very old comic video that was one of the comedies in theater/play, and used its music for the background.

In overall, the impact of the video and pictures, and also the music, made it more interesting and fun to watch! (Yum yum)

What’s with the Waterway Sandwich

Waterway Sandwich has a lot of ingredients. It’s overflowing with juicy Bratwurst, tomatoes and green veggies.

Ingredients were actually basic, but as time goes by, we tried adding or putting some more ingredients.

On our YouTube channel, House of Vnyla, we had posted two Waterway sandwich videos with different versions. The first version, which is the original one, is made by my husband, Paris. The second version, is made by yours truly, Valyn. If you’ve never watched the new sandwich video, just click it here to get redirected.

Although, the current version might’ve beaten the original sandwich.

The Wifey version (current), is the improved version of the original Waterway Sandwich. One of the reasons is that my husband loves it so much more. Another reason is that, the sandwiches I made for him are made of love. (Wifey speaking)

Although, I’d say, that the original version is the ultimate inspiration and the key for making this a more delicious Waterway sandwich in the end.

Here are the ingredients:

Original Version (Hubby)

Pita bread
Cheese slices
Salami
Bratwurst
Prosciutto
Green onions
3 Cherry tomatoes
Lettuce
a pinch of salt

Second Version (Wifey)

Pita bread
Cheese slice
Salami slices
Bratwurst (I used Salsiccia Bratwurst)
3 Cherry tomatoes
4-5 thin slices of cucumber
1-2 tbsp chopped green onions
Mayonnaise
Salt & pepper
dried oregano
Lettuce

Let’s try this one!

Here’s the video for the Second version:

Have you tried this sandwich at home? Or will you try making our Waterway sandwich at your home? Just watch the video/s to know how we did it, whether it’s the original or not.

And if yes, please let us know about it. We’ll be glad to know your thoughts by leaving your comments down below.

Thank you for our readers who are reading our blog post today.

Please follow us on our YouTube channel to get updated with our videos as well!

Vielen Dank! Tschüß!

I cooked a Traditional Greek food and it was amazing!

February 15, 2020February 16, 2020 Valyn TheofanidouLeave a comment

Youvarlakia in Egg-Lemon Sauce

How I discovered the dish

We went to Athens last December, and my mother-in-law made us Giouvarlakia/Youvarlakia in Avgolemono. Basically, youvarlakia (Greek plural form for meatballs) are made of rice and minced beef, cooked through boiling or moist heat, and on the other hand, avgolemono is a sauce made of egg and lemon.

Since the letter “G” or Gamma in Greek alphabet sounds like a soft “G” (Just like the sound you’re making when you try to gargle your mouth without the water. I don’t know if it makes sense to you but that’s how I imagined it), the pronunciation for Giouvarlakia would be more like Youvarlakia in English. Complicated, right?

And so, after the holidays, as we came back to Berlin, I tried cooking it, and it was amazing!

Story in Background

Right after we had arrived from the airport to our place in Athens, we then had lunch at my mother-in-law’s.

She took the meatballs out of the fridge to reheat it as she had already cooked it earlier. She still had to make the egg-lemon sauce as she preferred making them separately. Although, making the sauce is just an easy part.

The moment it was served on my plate, I could smell the dill in the cooked meatballs. The aroma of the sauce was strange but a good one. At first, I took a bite, but it tasted remarkably good. I continued eating until I finished my portion. It was one of the most wonderful eating experience for me. From then on, I wanted to try it in our kitchen and serve it at home!

Going back in this blog post, I’d like to share to you the recipe I did for cooking the Youvarlakia. The recipe is so simple and easy yet very yummy. You’ll love the taste of this Traditional Greek soup. So, let’s get started!

Note: If you want to skip the blog, click here to directly proceed to the recipe.

The Experience

Since I’m cooking food for just the two of us (with my husband), I prepared ingredients that is just perfect for two people.

It was just a one-time (more like the first time) for cooking this meal, but it turned out great. It wasn’t my first time making meatballs, so it was easier for me.

The herb that you shouldn’t forget adding into it is dill. It makes it even more delicious!

Making the Youvarlakia:

I had the ingredients for meatballs in one deep plate bowl and I mixed them.

*Ingredients for meatballs (youvarlakia) in a bowl*

As you’re squeezing the mixture, this is how it will look like.
Mix evenly, until it’s smooth.

*Mixing the ingredients to make Youvarlakia.*

To avoid cracking of the balls, let it rest in the fridge for 15 minutes.
This way, the mixture will be easier to shape it into round meatballs, later.

Set the meatballs aside.

Boil the water. Turn the heat down, and then you toss them in.
Wait for about 25 minutes for the meatballs to perfectly cooked.
This is how it looks like as they get cooked.
I did a separate way of cooking the youvarlakia and the avgolemono, so I transferred the meatballs into the serving bowl, before making the sauce.

*Boiling the Youvarlakia until they’re perfectly cooked.*

Making the avgolemono:

Beat the egg. Whisk and add the lemon juice. Whisk them together.

Pour the sauce into pot to mix it with the soup.
There might be rice on the soup, which is still okay as the sauce will be poured on the meatballs later.

The next part is a bit complicated. Although, you can do however you want it to do. Just be careful adding the flour to the soup to not create lumps or not make it too thick.

You decide on the amount of flour you want, just as how creamy you want it. I put 2 tbsp of flour in this recipe, and the creaminess was just perfect.

*Dissolve flour with small amount of water and pouring a bit of sauce from the pot to whisk and then transfer it back to the pot.*

Once the sauce is ready, pour it on the serving bowl with meatballs.

This was how thick the sauce I made.

Use the spoon to pour the sauce over the meatballs that haven’t been poured yet.
On what I did, I revolved the meatballs into the sauce to make sure they are all covered.

Serve while warm.
I prepared some salad for myself as well as a side dish.
Bon appetit! ☺

The Recipe

Youvarlakia in Avgolemono

Author: Valyn Theofan
Prep time: 20 min
Cooking time: 40 min
Servings: 2
Category: Soup
Cuisine: Greek
Description: This dish is perfect for winter or cold rainy days.

Ingredients

For the meatballs (youvarlakia):

165g minced beef (5.8 ounces)
almost 1/4 cup of rice (25g)
2 tbsp of parsley, finely chopped
1 tbsp dill, finely chopped
1 medium sized onion, finely chopped
1 egg
1 tbsp olive oil (or any oil of your choice)
1/2 carrot, grated (optional)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground pepper

For boiling:

2 cups of water

For the egg-lemon sauce (avgolemono):

1 egg
juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp flour

Instructions

Note: Use gloves when you’re mixing the ingredients as it will be tricky, and for hygiene purposes as well.

1. Prepare the meatballs. Place all the ingredients into a deep plate bowl and mix.
When evenly mixed, knead the mixture and squeeze until smooth.
2. Let it rest in the fridge for about 15 minutes.
3. Form the meatballs, and set them aside.

Tip: While the meatballs are inside the fridge, you can start boiling the water to continuously proceed with the cooking, especially when you’re in a hurry cooking the food.

4. Pour into the pot, 2 cups of water, and bring to boil. Turn the heat down to small amount of heat.
5. Carefully toss the meatballs in, using your hand (use gloves for safety and hygiene) or tongs. Make sure that the water is enough to cover the meatballs. Add more warm water if needed.
Put the lid on the pot and cook it for 25-30 minutes.
6. Prepare the avgolemono (egg-lemon sauce). Crack the egg into a bowl and whisk. Add the lemon juice. Whisk the sauce.
7. When the meatballs are cooked, transfer them carefully to the serving bowls.
8. Add the avgolemono into the soup (from the youvarlakia), and stir.
9. Add flour. Dissolve it with water.
(When I did it, I dissolved it with small amount of water first and then poured the sauce into the bowl and whisk. You can do however you want it to be.)
Let it cook for about 2-4 minutes (open and without the lid),
over medium heat (enough to warm the sauce).
Do not boil the sauce, as it will become very thick (as the water evaporates).
It should look creamy, but not so thick.
10. Pour the sauce onto the serving bowl with the youvarlakia in it.
Serve the food while warm.

Additional Note: I didn’t put anything on top of my soup, but you can freely add any toppings (e.g. parsley, dill, etc.) of your liking. And also, please don’t forget to leave this recipe, your comments if you tried it. I’d like to know about your experience as well. Till next time! Tschüss! ☺

What’s it like staying in Berlin?

January 25, 2020February 14, 2020 Valyn Theofanidou2 Comments

First of all, I’m not a very outgoing person. Second of all, I prefer to stay most of the time at home, especially during weekends. But since, I’m a full time housewife, which this is one of my personal reasons why I started writing blogs and other stuff, I do not go out unless it’s a very good weather in Berlin to walk to nearby park or to town proper. Anyway, let’s head to the topic..

Here are the following questions I had prepared myself, and will answer:

Is Berlin a nice place to stay or travel?
How’s the weather in Berlin?
Is it expensive living there?
Do the people speak English?
Rate Berlin from 1-10

Question # 1: Is Berlin a nice place to stay/travel?

Our friend, Sandra, a German native, who lived/came from Bavaria, loves Berlin more. When it comes to people she knows and friends, she’d choose Berlin as it’s a more friendly and internationally-oriented place than where she grew up. In Berlin, there’s cultural diversity, and this is one of the reasons why they labeled it as the “coolest city in Europe” in 2009.

Berlin is not only the capital of Germany but the hub of techno music, avant-garde art and gourmet street food. It is a place for the creative soul, fashioning both a relaxed and energetic vibe. It’s a diverse metropolis, with an ingrained taste for change. With its youthful and tolerant mentality, Berlin leads the way in innovative design.

An excerpt from A creative’s guide to Berlin written by Alex Withers

Below is the table of the Demographics of residents living in Berlin (June 2018).

Country	Population
Germany	2,998,456
Turkey	98,046
Poland	57,109
Syria	34,445
Italy	29,912
Bulgaria	29,414
Russia	24,178
Romania	22,395
United States	20,222
France	19,664
Serbia	19,601
Vietnam	17,281
United Kingdom	15,898
Spain	14,683
Greece	14,401
Croatia	13,605
Ukraine	12,206
Afghanistan	12,080
Bosnia and Herzegovina	11,742
Austria	11,730
China	11,466
Other Middle East and Asia	76,868
Other Europe	75,688
Africa	31,771
Other Americans	23,114
Oceania and Antarctica	5,133
Stateless or Unclear	22,806

Table from Wikipedia.

Aside from being a multi-cultural city in Germany, Berlin has also its history and European to post-modern architecture. There are lots of places to discover as a resident or a tourist. Tourists can visit the official website of Berlin: Tourism & Travel – Berlin, to check the set of information about their offers/services.

There are museums to visit such as the Jewish Museum, Bode Museum, Topography of Terror. Art galleries for art-enthusiast tourists such as Berlinische Galerie, Urban Nation, and other recommended galleries in the city. For a live game like escape room type of games, Berlin also has something like this to offer. They have The Room: Live Escape Game Berlin, Make a Break – Escape Room Berlin and other more!

Alexanderplatz is one of the famous Platz (place, plaza, lugar) in Berlin. A lot of shopping centers and commercial establishments like Alexa Centre, Primark, Saturn surrounding the platz. Performers are busking here and there with their instruments and gadgets being set up just to perform in the crowd. Nearby this platz is where we can also find the TV tower.

*A very nice day for people to walk in Alexanderplatz, performers busking all over and people setting up tents in preparation for the upcoming festivals. This photo was taken last September 2019.*

Historical landmarks like Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie are few of the perfect spots for tourists! Aside from it’s in the city center, you can walk, or do a bike tour with a group you’ll be with.

In the parts of Berlin where Spree and Havel rivers are connecting each town to the other, you can do river cruises and boat trips. Isn’t it nice and exciting?

Question # 2: How’s the weather in Berlin?

Berlin has both good and bad days. Sometimes I wake up with grey and cloudy sky during the day. I’d ask my husband, “Why does everything look so sad?” Then there are days, that my husband would poke me and say, “Look, there’s sunshine outside.” I’d see sun rays hitting the common bricked wall that connects to the neighbor’s balcony.

In the summer, the weather could be sunny and cloudy or grey. It rains, but only sometimes. I came here last summer, and I remember how good the temperature of the breeze when it hit me. The only problem was the humidity I felt during the day and night. We still had to turn on the fan while sleeping and then turn it off in the dawn. But summer is quite much more productive to go places here in Berlin or even going through borders when planning to do road trips. Months from March until September will be a good pick for tourists who’d like to travel here in Berlin. The sunset during the summer is 9-10 pm. You’ll enjoy your time spending your days here in Berlin during this season.

In the autumn, the weather temperature’s getting cold, but it still has the same weather, sunny, cloudy or rain. I can still remember when I told my husband how cold it was to me already. He didn’t feel it like I did. It was the first time I felt how cold Berlin is, even though it’s not yet winter. I already started wearing coats (not the warm and thick ones) and still feel very cold if I stay outside for too long. My husband and I used to go to the nearby park or even to the town proper just to walk as our daily exercise. It was cold, yes, but the idea of walking, talking, and having a conversation is what made us do it.

*Better together. Together, the better.*

In the winter, everybody was wearing these winter jackets, bonnet hats, scarves, gloves, and high ankle boots. For me, it’s even colder than the first time I thought it was cold enough for me. I also started getting skin cracks on my hands, and even on my lips. I began washing my hands with lukewarm or warmer water and applying hand cream which made them healed just after days of doing it. Aside from the lower temperature, the daylight time saving has also been applied, as the hours of the daylight in some parts of Europe would be limited. The daylight will rise in 7-8 am and will set in 4-5 pm.

*View from the balcony in two different seasons.*

There are still several good days in Berlin, which you can see the sun shines in the city.

Question # 3: Is it expensive living there?

Yes, it is. In most cases, yes.

Apartment rents in Berlin would normally cost from €600 and above, monthly, but it’s really rare. Costs of apartment rents also vary in the location and spaces available. Like for example, some apartment would have kitchen counters, oven, dishwasher, washing machine, and some don’t. Though the average cost of rent per month is €1000, heating & water, electricity, parking space and WiFi included, if lucky enough to find a good one. There are old buildings, not so old, and new ones. Old buildings might convince you to take it as it’s cheaper but the heating might not be working very well. You have to be aware of choosing when hunting for an apartment. And, if you’re looking for a place to rent during your visit, short-stays or even moving in, you can go check available spaces on these websites: Booking.com, Airbnb or Homelike, Immobilien Scout24.

Monthly expenses for groceries for two people could go until €500. This includes the water, juice, fruits, ingredients for cooking meals, frozen stuff, bread, ham, cheese, milk, coffee beans (if you have a coffee machine), herbs and spices, and other more.

*Edeka Center (supermarket) in Schöneweide Zentrum.*

Weekly ticket for BVG or the public transportation would cost €34 in a particular zone, AB. Click here to see the fare hike since the beginning of 2020.

Meals outside can also be expensive per person. When you go to an ordinary restaurant, one-course-meal would cost a minimum of €4-€6. Other restaurants’ prices of their food are even more expensive. One cappuccino (decent coffee for us) would cost from a minimum of €3. A kebab or döner would cost a minimum of €3-€5. Burger with fries from Berlin Burger International (must try), would cost more than €10. McDonald’s might be cheap but it’s something my husband and I are avoiding as it’s crappy food for us, just being honest. Six pieces of 1 liter bottled water would cost an average of €6, which is good for almost half a week.

*Some coffee shop near Berlin Burger International.*

For clothing, you’ll find a nice top worth €10 and above when a shop is on sale. The original price would be twice or more. Warm jackets would cost a minimum of around €30. I bought mine from eBay Kleinanzeigen Berlin – a private selling platform for only €8. It was a short winter jacket but it’s warm so I’m satisfied with it. I also got a long jacket but not too warm for winter, unless I wear something thick pullover on the inside. I bought it from eBay for €20.

Also, in eBay Kleinanzeigen, you can also find interesting items for free or giveaway. You can find them in Zu verschenken category or the giveaway. There are items like furniture, shoes, clothes, appliances that people here living in Berlin, would be giving them away to others. It’s quite busy and/or competitive the person that’s going to take those free items though. The problem would be some of the appliances like washing machine might not be working anymore, and big items will also be a big problem when it comes to picking up.

*Screenshots of the website **eBay Kleinanzeigen** in the category, giveaway.*

Question #4: Do the people speak English?

I’ve been living here in Berlin for more than six months, and I still don’t know how to speak Deutsch (German language). Every time I have to ask someone, I have to ask them, “Sprechen Sie Englisch?” It means, “Do you speak English?” And if the person does, I’d be able to talk or ask him/her in English easily. I say “Danke” or “Vielen Dank” when saying “Thank you.” I know the basic greetings and friendly questions like “Wie gehts?” which means, “How are you?” Gut means good. Ciao or Tschuss when we greet “Good bye.”

*Rainy Christmas Market in Alexanderplatz, Berlin last December, 2019.*

Some people speak English, and some people don’t. Most elders don’t speak English. But since there are various nationalities of new immigrants living in Berlin, which some of them speak English.
Immigrants are still in need to learn the language because most companies or corporation they’re going to work for is speaking German.
I don’t know the main reason why but they don’t speak English.
One time in the meat section of a supermarket, I asked the butcher if he speaks English in German. He said, “No.” And then he added, his English is not good, but he’ll try. But as we were talking about the meat he’s selling, I completely understand what he’s saying. Though there are Germans I met who speaks English or a bit of it.

Question # 5: Rate Berlin from 1-10

I’d rate Berlin at 7. Why? Maybe because I still need to adapt further with the city. To be honest, I’m still adjusting with the climate, weather and learning the language.

For comments, questions and suggestions, just comment down below. Or you can also privately send us a message on the Contact form.

See you next time!

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Blog Posts

Food

Making Greek salad at home!

June 15, 2020June 15, 2020

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THE ART OF MAKING SANDWICH – The Homemade version

May 8, 2020June 15, 2020

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I cooked a Traditional Greek food and it was amazing!

February 15, 2020February 16, 2020

My First Blog Post

January 17, 2020February 14, 2020 Valyn TheofanidouLeave a comment

Welcome readers!

I am glad to finally have my own blogging website. I am really into writing stuff but seemed lazy, so, let’s see what we can do here. Cheers!

Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.
— Winston Churchill.

This is the first post on my new blog. I’m just getting this new blog going, so stay tuned for more. Subscribe below to get notified when I post new updates.

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This is House of Vnyla

January 17, 2020February 14, 2020 Valyn Theofanidou2 Comments

Where creativity starts.

My husband and I call it as House of Vnyla, because he watches the TV series, “House of Cards” and as well as both of us love watching one of our favorites, “House, M.D.” which is pretty cool, right?

The word “House” has also a cool presence on the House of Vnyla. I like the term House because I studied architecture and it’s something that relates (literally) to my personal interests as well. It’s just cool how pretty well this word connects the two of us (me and my husband) in such context.

The mission of House of Vnyla is to share ideas, help people answer their questions and create threads for the readers and authors to interact and discuss openly.

The origin of the word “Vnyla” is a scramble term for my first name, Valyn.
People who knows me, calls me Val in short. At first, I made myself a YouTube Channel, named after the pseudonym I came up with. After that, I realized I should also make a separate channel or website for blogging. And since my husband is a really private person, as he doesn’t want to be a lead character (which could still be part of it, anyway), I thought of making name for it. It turned out to be House of Vnyla which doesn’t sound bad and he likes it (with passion!).

Now, we’re almost done with the intro, let me state to you the reasons why and further lists of this whole blog thing about House of Vnyla.

Reasons WHY am I blogging?

Because I know it is one of my great excuses to share our thoughts, adventures, and ideas together, with a bit of privacy guarded at the same time. (You don’t want other people look at you as a public icon, as if it’s full of “CCTV cameras” around).
Because it will help me grow as a human being, person and as a wife. I’m still learning every/other day!
Because I know it is one of my passions and there’s nothing you can do about it (Seriously).
Because the stuff I’d write/blog is something I’d like to share with other people.
Because I know there are bunch of people who’d love to know or read about the stories/blogs I’m going to feature here.
Lastly, because I know people who read my blog posts would appreciate the work I had put in it (I’m doing the best I can).

What am I blogging?

Things we’ve (me and husband or each of us) experienced that I’m going to share to people who needs their questions to be answered, with just one click away from their computer, anywhere and anytime. (e.g. steps, how-to, what-are, etc.)
Tips for the encounters/events and in places I’ve been (refer to the first item on the list). (e.g. “important” things to bring, DOs and DON’Ts, etc.)
Some family-agenda kind of blogging.
Travel, vacation and flights: Europe, Philippines (my experiences could be limited at some point, but I could always research and still share some tips and legit information – with references).
Personal thoughts/opinions about particular topics, events, whether local or international.
Personal encounters, that I’d think is appropriate for me to share and for the readers to read.
Personal interests.

Why am I doing this? What am I doing this for?

I’m blogging publicly, because this is one of my personal getaway to share my thoughts, experiences and interests to others (without even asking me to).
I’m blogging to help other people.
I’m blogging to connect to other people through this.
I’m blogging to discuss openly to other authors/readers.

The mission of House of Vnyla is to share ideas, help people answer their questions and create threads for the readers and authors to interact and discuss openly.

For me, this is my “new chapter” as what most people would call it. Blogging stuff could be random, organized/planned, and cited from other authors. I am very glad to finally come up with this creative type of side job for me.

Ever since I was a kid, I knew I wanted to write poems, stories, even songs (as a passion). I think blogging is not bad and could be first step towards that childhood dream of mine.

I am lucky to be here (blogging) this 2020. What about you? What are you proud of or looking forward to achieve this year? Let me know about it in your comments below.

See you soon!

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