If restaurant dining here is somewhat expensive due to the exchange rate from Canadian dollars to Euros (each Euro cost us $1.30 to $1.45 CAD, depending on when we converted), we’re noticing that basic groceries are somewhat less expensive than at home, and wine and beer are MUCH less expensive than in Canada.
We completed the first of what will be many small shopping excursions today. When you look at the size of our apartment’s tiny IKEA refrigerator (below) you’ll understand why apartment dwellers shop multiple times per week.
Within a block of our apartment is a well-stocked LIDL grocery store, with an in-house bakery. It opens at 7 a.m. for those looking for a fresh croissant or breakfast bun, and is open until 9 p.m. with a selection of ready-to-heat dinner entrees. Our total today was €36.87, or around $50 CAD/$39 USD, and included 2 x 750 ml bottles of wine and a single serve Prosecco. FYI, the wine, while EXTREMELY inexpensive, is not total plonk – it’s of the same calibre as my “house wines” at home (El Toro Bravo tempranillo, and Black Tower Rivaner) for which I pay $10CAD for the same size bottle)
We didn’t buy beer, but the same Berliner Kindl that cost €5 per 0.5 litres at the restaurant last night was €0.79 per 300ml can at LIDL.
There are several other grocery stores within walking distance: an ALDI, a REWE, and an EDEKA, as well as a couple of organic groceries, a Wednesday farmers’ market, and a huge DM (Drogerie Markt, or drug mart). We’re not going to have any problem staying fed!
Rose and Ted’s Excellent Adventure 
I started following you on the world cruise, and it was delightful. Thank you for continuing to let us follow your travels and for the details!
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Glad to have you following along!
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I lived in Germany for a few years in 1989-1993. I loved how every few blocks, they had a local grocery, bakery and fruit market as well as fresh flowers.
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It really is convenient. I’ve been surprised (so far) though at how few florists (compared to our last visit in 2016) – the vase in our apartment is still empty!
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The picture of the apartment brings back memories of how my aunt, uncle, cousin and grandmother lived in Augsburg. Their apartment was about the same size and 4 adults lived in it together. We are so spoiled in Canada. Enjoy Berlin and have a beer on me!!
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We truly are spoiled. That said, with very few modifications (I’d want a slightly bigger fridge and an oven), we could do this!
I’ll toast to you with my next beer – right now, it’s Sekt time!
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We are so accustomed to kitchens equipped with super sized appliances but it’s surprising to see the “typical” kitchens in Europe…yet they manage very well in spite of it…& create delicious meals…it”ll be interesting in visiting the markets…enjoy…thanks for sharing. I’m along for the ride.
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