Here at Generator we know the journey is at least as half the fun as getting there, so we have put together some tips for the newbie passenger who are looking to travel around Europe this summer. Don’t forget to pick up your free t-shirt and Generator passport as you hostel hop to each destination.

1. Obvious stuff

It’s got to be said probably the most important thing about travelling by train is to make sure you are on the right platform with the right ticket at the right time. If you’re used to English trains don’t get caught out by the punctuality of trains on the continent! Equally, don’t be surprised if your over-ground train is a little late in London.

2. When you are bored of looking out the window

Some of the most interesting people you will meet on your travels will be sitting right next to you on the train; a smart business man who is going home to his family for the weekend or a group of teenagers heading to the next town for a concert. This is a great way to brush up on the local lingo. It is probably a good idea to have a book, a pack of cards or a music player just in case there is no one to talk to.

3. Am I valid?

In many European countries you will need to validate your ticket when you get on; this is usually just a date/time stamp, otherwise you may find yourself let off at the next stop. Also note that some long trains in Europe split half way through the journey so make sure you are in the right half to get to your destination.

4. A little light refreshment

Food on trains is often expensive so stock up in the local supermarket beforehand. Sharing can be a great way to meet new people as well; however, beware of stinky food as nothing makes you unpopular with a car full of passengers than a tin of pickled herrings, even on the Copenhagen metro.

5. Particular country quirks

It is pretty obvious that each country will have a slightly different attitude to train travel. For example it is worth making a reservation on Italian trains as they are often purposely overbooked. In some countries you will often have to manually open the doors so make sure you know where the button is so you can get off before the train departs for its next station.

6. I have a problem

It is arguably the most common cause of strife on trains – “You are in my seat!” It is always helpful to be polite and not raise your voice. If you don’t have any luck by yourself then get a conductor involved. Generally, rail staff are no nonsense people who have seen it all and they don’t want any trouble either.

Jibbigo Translation

Translation can be key in most situations and anyone who has used Google translate will know that there’s a world of difference between what you want to say and the way it comes out. But working out the language barrier, even if you’re already half-fluent, can be half the fun. With Jibbigo you can negotiate the tricky labyrinth of meaning by having the app do the translation (and speaking) for you. While no translation app is perfect it can be a good way to refresh your memory about key phrases.

XE Currency

While you’re probably quite capable of making the conversion in your head, it’s always good to know how much you’re paying in your own currency. This is a simple, quick free currency converter app.

TubeStar

TubeStar pulls together everything you need to know about using the London underground (which lines and when), as well as entertainment in the form of tweets about each underground line from official sources, and occasionally disgruntled passengers.

Sunscreen

Found some sun? Don’t want to look like a lobster? Try out this no-nonsense timer app which works out when you next need to apply sunblock for your skin type and the UV intensity in your location.

Tip Calculator Free

If you’re going to leave a tip, you might as well do it right. This is great for splitting the bill with a group.

Whatsapp

Whatsapp is the go-to for most travellers who want to stay in touch with those back home without the fuss of email. It’s an easy to use multi-platform messaging client. You can plug in to almost any chat system you use including Facebook, Messenger, Skype and Google Talk.

Museums Mobile

A superb mini museum guide in your pocket offering a vast array of information and a huge listing of all sorts of museums and galleries, including where they are, exhibition information, contact details and opening times. The “Nearby” feature is great if you’ve just missed your train and need to kill an hour nearby – who knows, you might even find gem of a museum off the beaten track.

WiFi-Finder

While Generator offers free WiFi to all its guests sometimes you need to get online while roaming the city. To avoid costly data charges why not look up a free (or cheap) WiFi Hotspot nearby with this handy app. It’s free, easy and lists over 500,000 of WiFi Hotspots across all our cities (and more!).

Win a 5 night stay at any Generator!

Simply answer the questions here

Hi there……

I would like to make sure that you have the most enjoyable and memorable stay with us. Because I believe, I always could do better than I already do, I need to know a bit more about you as a distinguished globetrotter and hostel expert.

I created a short survey in which I would like to ask you about your travels; how you book and organize them; what you expect from your perfect accommodation, and some questions about how you stay connected while travelling. By getting a better insight in how you handle these areas, I can improve my services to you. So that the only thing you need to take care of, is having the most exciting time with me while you are staying in one of my stylish European cities.

And to say thank you, I’ll enter you into a prize draw to win a 5 night stay at a Generator of your choice. I am in Barcelona, Berlin (times two), Copenhagen, Dublin, Hamburg, London and Venice. So there really is a destination to suit everyone! Stay with me, Generator!

To enter the survey click here.

Good luck and I’ll see you around.

To get an inspiring taster* scroll down, additional artists’ masterpieces are featured in Part 1 of #WILBCN.

From the 26th April, all the finalist will shine on my Facebook cover picture, so share the talent by tweeting or liking it. The next milestone will then be the 14th May,when I will showcase all the artist pieces in the Barcelona hostel.  Join me for a  joyous, exciting and mischievous celebration of talent, art and what lies in between…..

Muzai

Where you are from, what/where did you study? What do you do for a living?

Muzai, 45 years old, graduated from Federal University Uberlândia(MG)-Brazil, works with ilustration, urban art and photography.

How long have you been producing art?

Since 1995

What’s the place in the world you would most like to visit before you die?

Athens-Grécia

Your hero calls you one day and allows you to ask them one question – who is your hero and what would the question be?

I don´t have heroes.

Complete this sentence – Life is amazing.

What inspired you most to pursue an artistic direction?

My grandfather.

Is there an underlying message to your art? Are you attempting to communicate something?

I seek to rescue the childish side of man. In my universe, playful elements predominate, fanciful, lyrical and children placed in an atmosphere of serenity. Your search trace a less flowery, with a more direct language, but loaded with small subtleties. In my drawings, I seek the development of new textures, mixing drawing and digital manipulation.

Neus Lozano

Nombre, edad, de donde eres, que/ donde estudiaste? Que haces para vivir?

Neus Lozano, 29, Barcelona, estudie Ilustración en Escola superior de disseny i art Llotja, Barcelona.

Completa la siguiente frase: La vida es para vivirla.

Cual es tu tema preferido y por que?

Siempre ilustro personajes, también niños, la infancia y los recuerdos son temas que me encantan.

Hay algún mensaje en tu arte? Intentas comunicar algo?

Bueno siempre se comunica algo, yo solo pretendo que mis ilustraciones no sean indiferentes que provoquen algún sentimiento, ternura, alegría, nostalgia…

Pavle Masterart

Pedro Veloso

Pedro Miguel Moreira Veloso, Vila Franca de Xira, Portugal, studied traditional animation in Lisbon, freelance.

What inspired you most to pursue an artistic direction?

The fact that while creating you forget all around and the hours fly by, and also the feeling of satisfaction when you finish a piece.

In your own words, how would you describe your style?

I would describe it as something mysteriously funny.

Is there an underlying message to your art? Are you attempting to communicate something?

I don’t try to communicate anything in particular, I let the viewer take his or her own conclusions, each viewer has a different perspective.

Ramon Conde Corbal Varela

Ramón Conde-Corbal Varela a.k.a. Mon Devane. 27 años. Ourense (Galicia, España). He estudiado Artes Plásticas y Diseño en la rama de Ilustración y un grado de Diseño Gráfico. Trabajo como freelance, realizando murales para empresas y particulares y como diseñador gráfico para empresas y particulares también.

Your hero calls you one day and allows you to ask them one question – who is your hero and what would the question be?

Una de las personas que más “idolatro” es Ghandi, y quizá le preguntaría como llegar a ser tan coherente sin perder la cabeza en el intento.

Complete this sentence: Life is La vida es lo que te pasa mientras intentas llegar a algo, un camino en el que importa más el viaje que el punto de llegada.

In your own words, how would you describe your style?

Estilo realista con tendencia popular o pop-art que trata de captar la atención del espectador.

Raul Villaba

Argentino, nacido en Buenos Aires. Autodidacta.

Empezó a incursionar en el mundo de la fotografía a la edad de 17 años, y de ahí en mas no se aparto jamás de ese camino que él decidió recorrer, volcando en el mismo todo su caudal creativo, que con el tiempo se transformo en uno de los fotógrafos creativos más reconocidos tanto nacional como internacionalmente. Paso por todas las ramas de la fotografía, ya sea trabajando como fotógrafo publicitario, retratista, ilustrador fotográfico creativo para portadas de libros, discos, cuentos, poesías, de numerosas e importantes editoriales de nuestro país.

Reflexion

Trato de mostrar a través de mis imágenes el mundo de los sueños, de la magia, de lo onírico, de lo místico y todos esos mundos de la fantasía que tengo dentro de mí, que nacen y renacen a cada instante, y así poder regalárselos a los espectadores de mis fotografías, que tal vez sean, el mundo interior de cada uno de ellos.

Sonia Ferre

Sònia Ferré, 24, Aiguaviva (Tarragona), Arts & design

I’m working as a model and waitress, but I hope to work as an artist in a near future.

Complete this sentence: Life is COLOUR

What inspired you most to pursue an artistic direction?

I think that I born with that.

What is your preferred subject and why?

Theory of the perception of colour and form, because it is very useful for my way of working and to capture the attention of the viewer.

Yes, of course. Art is a means of expression. What I want is to help each viewer, giving him a moment’s pleasure, meditation, bring your imagination to the limit, and this will serve to other aspects of their lives.

Artistically, something you have never tried but always wanted to?

A short film, based in abstract art, experimenting with painting and music together and a very strong connection.

How does Barcelona inspire you?

Barcelona is home to all cultures, human warmth, and colour, colour of so the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains of Montjuïc or Collserola make our special, magical light. Great artists like Miró and Gaudí flow between the ideas of young artists in the city. Including food, wonderful Mediterranean diet! gives us the explosion of colour that makes us unique.

Want to see our other finalists’ masterpieces? Check out ‘Why I love Barcelona’ – Finalist pieces part 1.

*Featured artwork and artist quotes are an extract of submitted final pieces and interview questions. In some cases the submitted artwork had to be altered to fit website requirements.

On the 14th May the artists pieces will be showcased in the Barcelona hostel, and I will have my own bespoke gallery designed by you! The exhibition will be followed by a panel discussion and opening party. Check out what mischievous event I have planned to highlight the artists’ expertise and of course, to put on a good event for all of us.

For a sneak peek*, how the artists expressed their love to Barcelona, keep scrolling down. First 10 finalist pieces are below and the additional masterpieces are featured in Part 2 of #WILBCN.. From the 26th April onwards each artist will be in the spotlight and their art piece will adorn my Facebook cover picture! #LoveBCN #WILBCN Happy sharing….

Anita Zaira Haas

What/where did you study?

I’m a nurse

Your hero calls you one day and allows you to ask them one question – who is your hero and what would the question be?

My street art hero is for sure swoon. I really like her work. I would ask her if she like to make a paste round with me.

In your own words, how would you describe your style?

Feminine urban art

What excites you about Generator as an exhibition space?

Because I can show there my artwork to the right audience in a vibrant atmosphere.

Antone Garcia Seoane

Estudié Ingeniería en Diseño Industrial en Ferrol y posteriormente en Bacelona. Intento ganarme la vida con el Diseño industrial, diseño gráfico, ilustración, graffiti y tatuaje.

How long have you been producing art?

Toda mi vida… Aunque empecé con el graffiti cuando tenía 12 años.

Complete this sentence: Life is DESIGN OR DIE

Who are your greatest artistic influences?

Difícil pregunta… Nunca terminaría de responderla… Pero voy a intentar resumirla mencionando algunos directores de cine que admiro como Tim Burton, Quentin Tarantino o Stanley Kubrick. También algunos de los videojuegos de mi adolescencia como Skullmonkeys o Medievil. Por supuesto muchos graffiteros nacionales cuyo nombre no será necesario decir… Y entre otros muchos ilustradores me interesa especialmente Matthew Woodson.

Calum Houldsworth

I wanted to transcribe what a young tourist might see whilst spending their time in Barcelona. I wanted the piece to have a connection with tourists so that they perceive the piece in a different way when they go compared to how they saw and thought about it when arriving……. Barcelona is a very visual city with colours, a good art history, architecture and full of life.

David Martos Ra Es

What/where did you study? What do you do for a living?

He estudiat al carrer, vaig començar pintar al carrer i aixo he fet durant anys. Ara estic fent un cicle a l’escola Llotja. Estic parat, vull sortir a treballar a l’estranger, poder estudiar anglés, i continuar pintant.

Your hero calls you one day and allows you to ask them one question – who is your hero and what would the question be?

En Kenor va ser el meu heroi durant un temps, el veía a tots llocs per Barcelona, encara i tot no creec en herois. El meu heroi es aquell que aconsegueix fer allo que es proposa, i algún dia m’agradaria ser el meu heroi. Que el meu nen interior li preguntés al meu futur adult, como t’ho has fet per fer de la teva passio una forma de viure?

Complete this sentence: Life is un moment que s’ens ve donat, estem aqui i hem de fer tot allo que volem, atenin’hos a les consecuencies, aixi com un momento per disfrutar i per poder fer de la nostra existencia algo inolvidable i positiu.

Studio Doeke

I’m Doeke van Nuil, 25 and my artist name is Studio Doeke. I studied at the ArtEZ School of Art in Zwolle, the Netherlands and I did an Erasmus at the Escola Massana in Barcelona. I’m an illustrator, so I draw for a living.

Your hero calls you one day and allows you to ask them one question – who is your hero and what would the question be?

The Dinosaur in general. I would ask them: what happened?

Complete this sentence: Life is.. I’m sorry: I’m really bad at those things. I almost hate all those motto’s/sentence stuff. I usually say: Everybody dies at the end! So enjoy your life!

Who are your greatest artistic influences?

I really like Merijn Hos a.k.a. Bfree, a dutch artist who makes really cool work. He keeps playing around (in a good way) and you can see he’s having fun while making things. I got to talk to him in my 3th year of school and his work and way of living where a true eye-opener for me.

What motivated you to enter this competition?

The fact that this competition combines the two things I love the most: Illustrating and Barcelona! Drawing for this competition made me remember all the good times I had in Barcelona. It made me feel really good

Eduard Sacrest (aka RICE)

My name is Eduard Sacrest. I come from a little city from Girona, called Olot. I’m actually living in Barcelona; I’m studying fine arts in University of Barcelona. I work hard in order to get my images across to many people, not only from Barcelona but also from abroad. This is my intention.

Your hero calls you one day and allows you to ask them one question – who is your hero and what would the question be?

Freddie Mercury. I just give him a big, big hug of gratitude for all he done in the past, and nowadays. He is my real hero.

What inspired you most to pursue an artistic direction?

The people, always the people, cause I believe that a change is possible, if we stay all together and fight from inside for our rights and our freedom.

Is there an underlying message to your art? Are you attempting to communicate something?

Yes. It depends on the work; actually I’m working in a series of stencils of street children. I want to portray the invisible, marginal part of society, to show it. I want to make it visible, because I feel invisible too sometimes.

I would like to fight for the freedom of people, for human rights, cause all we are beautiful, and I try to transmit it on my work.

How does Barcelona inspire you?

Is just question of looking around of you, when you are in the street, on the train, in the University. My senses are opened to capture anything.

Elisa Battiston

Hi, my name is Elisa Battiston….and I was born in Udine, Italy. I have a bachelor in Educational Science from the Univesrite’degli Studi de Bologna in 2007. I worked in this area for few years and then I got a scholarship to go to Uruguay, where I had the opportunity to perform an artistic residence and cultural interchange.

Your hero calls you one day and allows you to ask them one question – who is your hero and what would the question be?

My hero is “myself from the future”! And I want to ask “myself from the future” if, in the future, I am happy and doing what I love, because if I am not I gotta change it now!

Complete this sentence: Life is wonderful

My personnal and professional life are guided by my dreams and thoughts and by the idea of showing it to the world.

Who are your greatest artistic influences?

I don’t have one person that influences me, but I do like to follow the street-art movement and I’m also influenced by the childhood innocence.

In your own words, how would you describe your style?

I can define my style by saying this phrase: “Take a bit of street-art and mix with childhood illustration; put some pieces of paper, lots of smiles, fantasy and freshness. Shake it all and serve in a plan surface.”

Gustavo Cipriano

(Balrog) Gustavo Henrique de Oliveira Cipriano, Brasileiro, Designer Digital, formado no Brasil, “Viajante”, Designer gráfico artista plástico e grafiteiro.

What’s the place in the world you would most like to visit before you die?

Marroco, Russia, Germany, Egito

In your own words, how would you describe your style?

Caótico, poético, sublime, sujo. A busca da poesia no caos e do sublime na sua essência.

What is your preferred subject and why?

A vida, por apresentar infinitas possibilidades de materializar sentimentos através das cores e formas.

Is there an underlying message to your art? Are you attempting to communicate something Sim, sempre. Nos traços, nas massas de cores. Em todos os meus trabalhos uso as cores azul, significando o sublime e o elemento agua, e o vermelho, o amor e o elemento fogo. Desta forma, procuro equilibrar ambos no ciclo da vida.

Laura Garcia

Laura Garcia, 32, Mexico City. Graphic Design/ Illustration. Mexico/Barcelona. Freelance Interpreter.

What’s the place in the world you would most like to visit before you die?

The Alhambra.

Your hero calls you one day and allows you to ask them one question – who is your hero and what would the question be?

My hero would be MC Escher and I would ask him to come to the Alhambra with me. Life is just a ride.

Who are your greatest artistic influences?

The thing that has inspired me to pursue an artistic direction has been the support of everyone that likes my art.

Is there an underlying message to your art? Are you attempting to communicate something?

My artistic influences have changed throughout the years. I have a huge influence from Mexico, the colors and shapes that the native Huichol use in their art are amazing. I love Dr. Seuss´s illustrations, M.C. Escher, Gaudí, street art, sacred geometry… I love little details, little “easter eggs” left everywhere for me to find. I also love music, I hear it everyday all the time. Music has influenced me a lot too. I love old school reggae. ……

More than a containing a message, my pieces are for the enjoyment of the observer. I love to make eye candy.

How does Barcelona inspire you?

Barcelona is a very stimulating place for the mind, the eyes and the spirit. If you learn to observe as you walk through the city you can find amazing details everywhere. It has inspired me long before I came here. The little details found everywhere exercise my mind and my imagination.

Michaela Xydi

Love in Barcelona matters, that’s why I love this city.

There are many ways to prove your love, in every sector all over the world. In Barcelona there is no reason to doubt it as you can see it everywhere, all the time. People look happy, open and spontaneous more than every other city I’ve visited or lived, and this is what makes me see so much beauty in Barcelona. Besides everything happens underneath such a beautiful great blue sky.

Where you are from, what/where did you study? What do you do for a living?

My name is Michaela Xydi, I am Greek and at the moment I am working as a graphic designer/ photographer at Metropolitan Magazine. I’ve studied both business and photography. I completed a bachelors degree in HRM in Manchester UK and my Masters studies in Creativity and Advertising in Barcelona, I also took many courses in photography on many categories in Barcelona for approximately 4 years.

Your hero calls you one day and allows you to ask them one question – who is your hero and what would the question be?

My hero is Friedrich Nietzsche and my question to him would be: – “Why do people think lies makes other people happier?

Complete this sentence: Life is rich regardless money.

In your own words, how would you describe your style?

Conceptual, Surrealistic.

What is your preferred subject and why?

Philosophy and psychology, there is always something more then what you see and touch and I want to know what that is. People use their minds quite well. Happiness and thought, is the balance in between mind and heart.

Artistically, something you have never tried but always wanted to?

Definitely one day I would love to write a book, saying what people have provide me through their behaviour I saw on the pictures I made.

What excites you about Generator as an exhibition space?

Generator Hostels are the Hostels with more artistic identity than many others I’ve seen or visited. When something with such a strong and personal style gives me the opportunity to be part of that, it becomes more than an opportunity rather an experience!

Want to see our other finalists’ masterpieces? Check out ‘Why I love Barcelona’ – Finalist pieces part 2.

* Featured artwork and artist quotes are an extract of submitted final pieces and interview questions. In some cases the submitted artwork had to be altered to fit website requirements.

9 Free Things to Do

This might sound crazy, but Copenhagen is actually not as expensive as it is made out to be. In fact, there are a number of things you can do for free there. Yes, free. Who’d have thought it?

Because it is such a small city it is easy to walk from one side to the other which means that you can cut out any transport costs. Of course, if you want to head further afield to attractions outside of the city you might have to actually get your wallet out – don’t worry though, transport is particularly cheap and well-run. Madness, right?

So, what can you do in Denmark’s capital for free? Walk, and walk some more – that’s what! Yes, I hear your collective groans, but there are so many quirky nooks and crannies around the city that walking becomes an adventure rather than a chore. Plus, if you’re there when it’s cold (i.e. most of the time), excessive amounts of walking is a great way to keep warm.

1. The Little Mermaid

Ah yes, Copenhagen’s most famous landmark. For many, the Little Mermaid is greeted with disappointment but, if you’re there, you might as well check it out to see what all the fuss is about. Situated near the main cruise pier, not far from the old harbour of Nyhavn, a brisk stroll to the Little Mermaid is a city meets water experience that takes you to a more deserted part of Copenhagen.

2. The Latin Quarter

The rustic Latin Quarter comprises a network of winding alleyways lined with interesting buildings and cute little cafes. Keep an eye out for the colourful courtyards that break off from the streets every now and again – they are like peepholes into the lives of locals.

3. City Bikes

Tired of walking? No problem! Bikes are quickly becoming the most important form of transport in Copenhagen, and you can join the throngs of cyclists with the city’s free service. Yes, you have to deposit a single coin to release your bike, but you get it back as soon as you return it. Look out for the blue-and-white models and hit the streets with the best of them.

4. Walking Tour

A great way to spend a day is to create your own walking tour itinerary that encompasses everything you want to see; you might wish to include the sixteenth century naval barracks, Rosenborg Castle, and the Amalienborg Palace in your route. If you want to go inside, however, you will have to hand over the cash, but the buildings’ exteriors make for spectacular viewing on their own. Walking tours are a great way to explore a city, and the Generator offers them in all of their properties from the 1st April to the 1st November – great if you can’t decide on a personal itinerary!

5. Christiania

Copenhagen’s hippy district is a popular hit with tourists. You can wander around the colourful, artistic area amongst self-built houses, locally-run cafes, and some of the city’s most interesting people.

6. Soak up some Culture

Entrance to museums can often be pricey, but Copenhagen has a deal for its culture-loving visitors; on one day of the week, the city’s galleries and museums open their doors for free. Wednesdays mark free entry to the Statens Museum for Kunst, the Hirschsprung Collection, and the Tøjhusmuseet, whilst Fridays mean the Københavns Bymuseum is free, and Sundays are the day to visit the Carlsberg Glyptotek if you don’t want to pay a penny.

7. Changing of the Guards

If you find yourself at a loss, head to the Amalienborg Palace which sees the changing of the guards take place every two hours. Not exciting enough? Then head to the Rosenborg Castle at noon to see a whole bunch of new guards set off to take over duty accompanied by drums and a gaggle of onlookers.

8. Window Shop Along the Stroget

The Stroget is Copenhagen’s shopping area. Doesn’t sound that impressive, right? How about the Stroget is Copenhagen’s shopping area and also the longest pedestrianized shopping street in the world? If you don’t want to part with any cash then don’t buy anything – easier said than done, though.

9. People Watch in Nyhavn

Nyhavn harbour is probably Copenhagen’s most recognisable sight. The colourful cafes are the focal point of many a photo of the city, which means only one thing – it’s not cheap. However, you can find yourself a bench along the river, wrap up warm, and watch those who can afford a coffee go about their daily lives.

Copenhagen has a reputation for its hefty price tag but, if you know where to go and what to do, you may find yourself spending a lot less than you anticipated!

Author Bio: Lizzie, a culture-loving travel enthusiast, visited Copenhagen one weekend with the challenge of spending as little as possible. Guess what? She managed to do it whilst ticking everything off her list and staying away from McDonalds! You can find more tips and tricks on making the most out of a budget break over at her blog, Wanderful World.

Slap bang in the centre of the edgy city of Berlin is where you’ll find me. I’m this city’s newest, slickest hostel and I’ve got news for you, you’re invited to soak up what is anything but middle of the road hospitality. I the second of two Generator hostels in Berlin and I am much, much, much more than a hostel.

Your Berlin adventure starts here, I am right in the heart of the action in one of Berlin’s oldest districts, Mitte. You have the Brandenburger Tor, Friedrichstrasse, Unter den Linden, Fernsehturm, The East Side Gallery and the Museeumsinsel just on my door step – walking distance I should say. But if you don’t want to trek around the city, take the bus no 100, which stops at most sightseeing places and costs next to nothing.

So besides all main Berlin tourist attractions, Mitte also covers some of the best shopping in the city. Alte Schönhauser und Hakesche Märkte are the ideal spots for quirky finds and newcomer labels. Check out the outlandisch label Search&Destroy on Oranienstrasse, browse vintage @Made in Berlin or design your own trainers at the Adidas flagship store.

Whats next your asking? Sightseeing tick, shopping tick, nightlife outstanding.

Berlin Mitte is the hub for clubs, bars, eateries and all other unusual finds. If it’s entertainment you’re looking for – check out my first event which was held before I even opened my doors. #origin was the theme of my bash and its been truly original. I’m pretty good at hosting all sorts of revelry’s and I’m sure this is completely up your street.

And when its time to close your eyes and put your head on a pillow, I’m there for you. I have over 550 beds at my place, all styles, and shapes, from bunks to twins, or ladies only! Bunk up and snooze with your friends and let the excitement and memories of the night be the stuff that your dreams are made of.

The next morning awaits you with a bright smile and a tastylicious breakfast in my holy walls. Did you know, that Thierry Noir, one of the Berlin wall artists, graced me with his presence and designed the art that adorns some of my corridors and walls?! Absolutely spectacular…and while you are busy taking and posting pictures and changing your status on Facebook, I’ll take care of your WI-FI! It’s free, umsonst, kostenlos (that’s the German for free, good word to know!) and available in out bar, lounge and other social areas! 

Now I’m asking you – where are you going to stay when you are in Berlin next time? Correct – Generator Berlin Mitte, I’ve got it covered for you….

[Show as slideshow]

Initially when you think circus, your association is with clowns, elephants, acrobats and tightrope walkers.

With its origin in the ancient Rome and Greece the circus started in the early 14th century. The idea was to entertain the common public with a spectakulum of some sort. The circus evolved over the century’s and became part of every country’s tradition, a travelling group of performers that magically suddenly appear in town and within a fortnight they disappear again.

An afternoon or evening hosted in a magnificent tent with a voluptuous ringmaster, who announces acts and all sorts of other entertainment and visual stimuli. You have acrobats flying through the air and you can hear astonishing ‘ohhhhs and ahhhs’ from the audience.

And then there are the clowns, we cannot forget to mention clowns when you talk about circus. They come in all forms and shapes and are usually easily recognisable by oversized cloth, wild hair and intense make-up. Initially created to entertain larger audiences by self deprecating jokes and clumsy stunts.

However, with clowns it is like with marmite, you either like them or hate them. If you really, really hate them, you might suffer from Coulrophobia, commonly known as the fear of clowns. You might find them sneaky, scary and just grotesque. When you hear the word clown you might instantly think of the Joker in Batman, Donny Darko (although more of a rabbit than a clown, but similar effect) or Stephen King’s IT. Pennywise the Dancing Clown is the personification of the evil clown, which are the building blocks to the clown phobia.

And then there is the ‘other type’ of circus.

It evolved slowly and subtly in the 21st century or maybe even before. It is full of energy and surprise, it’s a mischievous mix of provocative shenanigans, a patchwork, a kaleidoscope of surprise, disguise, diluted boundaries and perception. Weird and wonderful, unexpected, alluring and insane. There is no real term to describe it, some people refer to it as cabaret, variete, night circus, gipsy or burlesque. It is fluid, evolving, captivating and unleashes unexpected passions.

Plato famously once said ‘beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder’; what appears is all subject to interpretation, perception and emotional connection.

As a human being, you like the enchanting element of escapism, you like to leave your worries behind and just BE, be entertained, be transformed and be surprised; either through sound or movement. The combination of both dazzles senses, thoughts and anything beyond.

Be prepared to be provoked, captivated, allured, spoofed and amazed. Not many bands and performers do that nowadays, especially in light of a 21st century circus, but these 4 marvellous troupes nail it: Chivaree Circus from London, Projecte Otradnoie from Barcelona, Gentle Mystics and Molotov Jukebox. Each an entity of their own, one of a kind and not to be compared with others; all crews are influenced and inspired in any shape or form by circus performances.

Projecte Otradnoie capture the attention through sudden changes of movement, possibilities and expression.

Chivaree Circus is a collaboration from famous London town and describes themselves as an international troupe of performers of discord and harmony.

Molotov Jukebox are a 6 piece band, relentlessly known for their sound, energy and stage presence. To quote the Washington Times ‘ a hodgepodge of cultural flavours spiked with rock and soul to create an eclectic cocktail of musical genius and frivolity’.

Gentle Mistics are a just ZAAANNNG, weird and wonderful. They only meet every once in a while during the year and are performing at selected shows.

 All of them mixed together are an intoxicating blend and motley potpourri of breath-taking performances. Their subtle variances in style make them even more interesting and to combine them in one event is an occasion that needs to be celebrated.

Brace yourself to a night of beauty and poetry, surprise and delight, suspension and persistence. You can experience the illusionists, acrobats and performers live at a raucous soirée at Generator Barcelona.

Its your time to join the circus…..

About the artists

Gentle Mystics have been creating musical wonders for the past 7 years, maintaining an underground yet vibrant existence across many countries of the world. Often riding individually outside of their native London, the band only come together for a few weeks in a year to perform a handful of shows, where their unique fusion of otherworldly music hypnotises many. Their fans are loyal, their shows are immense and their self-titled debut album has sold a few thousand and counting, gaining international respect as it transcends all walks of life.

In May, they will be releasing a 20 minute classical remix, a video for ‘Hark’ taken from their debut album and completely fresh material later in the year. Potent solo projects from Noémie, Cosmo and Harky are also well underway, much of which will be released through their label, EMSP.

This summer they are playing main stage at Boomtown Fair with other UK appearances at Secret Garden Party, Kendall Calling and Sunrise to name a few, with dates in Spain, France and many more TBA. 2013 is another great year for the Gentle Mystics and their fans and they stoke the fire even more.

FLAGONS!!

Molotov Jukebox are a six-piece, genre dodging, leviathan of an experience, poised to take the world by storm. Incorporating trumpet, accordion, violin and the sultry tones of lead singer Natalia Tena over the most concrete and inventive rhythm section since Buddy Rich and James Brown had an illicit love child, this is a band born out of love; love of each other, love of music and a love of making whole roomfulls of people dance til they fall over (or fall in love).

Causing a riot from the UK festivals all the way to Brazil (their most recent tour destination), here is a band with almost universal appeal. Innovatively blending such diverse style’s as gypsy, samba, ska, dubstep, swing and anything else you care to mention, all in their own inimitable style, the unique sound of this band has been christened “Gyp-Step” and is guaranteed to make everybody dance.

Feature images courtesy of Lilu Khaos, all artist images their own.

Nearly all scrawling on the walls of Berlin in protest can in part be traced back to Thierry Noir – thought to be the first person to paint on the Berlin wall in 1984 – which he continued to do until it fell in ’89.

While the remainder of the wall may be under threat from developers these days, Generator is bringing street art in from the cold and Thierry Noir is painting a mural for the new hostel in Mitte!

What better way to celebrate a symbol of international peace than in a place where people of all nationalities come together to celebrate this wonderful city?

While everyone knows Thierry Noir’s work (it’s reproduced and plastered across Berlin’s tourist strips) they don’t always know it’s his! We’d like to take a little time to look back over his role in Berlin’s now world famous street art scene.

Thierry Noir and The Berlin Wall

Thierry Noir is best known for his work on the most famous civic canvases of all time: The Berlin Wall. Thierry’s faces – brightly coloured heads in profile with large lips or jutting jaws, all outlined in thick, black paint – have become synonymous with not only the protesting of the wall, but the city itself.

Thierry’s work on the wall in the 80′s often put him in danger of being discovered, and shot – especially around such guarded hotspots as Checkpoint Charlie or where the boarder and the wall did not align perfectly.

Thierry was often confronted during his time working on the wall – many asked why he wanted to make it pretty; but this was not the aim. Instead he aimed to demystify it – to mark it as a sad, dangerous killing machine. It is a statement that his works survived the fall of the wall longer than any others and that it has come to be recognised as a symbol of international peace.

Thierry Noir in Berlin Today

You can still find some of Thierry’s work on a remaining part of the wall, known as the East Side Gallery. This is the longest remaining stretch of the wall at about a mile in length and displays some of the most iconic protest art of the last century. While Berlin has much dedicated to its own, and Germany’s, history it is one of the few places where you can get a firm grip of that strange time.

While it can be difficult to find Thierry’s original works elsewhere in Berlin right now you will see his work reproduced (legally or otherwise!) in the tourist shops of the city. While it’s hardly to the scale and power of the originals it goes to show how deeply embedded his street art is to the psyche of the city.

Thierry Noir at Generator Berlin Mitte

Thierry will be working at Generator Berlin Mitte in April as he brings his brilliant, irreverent street style to our new hostel – helping us to weave the history of the city right into the experience of every one of our visitors.

At Generator we like to give our guests a real experience of Berlin, helping them get under the skin of the city. As such we’re bringing the history of Berlin right into the hostel with Thierry’s work – there’s something fitting about having our guests, from all over the world, meet each other for the first time in front of a Thierry Noir mural.

There are many other sights in walking distance from Generator Berlin Mitte besides the East Side Gallery. Here are our Top Tips.

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Great location…tick. Fearsome events…tick. Comfort…tick. Security…tick.

Sky Sports…NOW YOU’RE TALKING!

We’ve just installed Sky Sports on the big screen in our Berlin East hostel. So you can sit back, relax, chill with your mates and watch your favourite F1 driver take the podium, tennis player smash an ace, or football team bring the trophy home.

Where were you when Manchester City one of the most exciting Premier Leagues of all time? Or when Borussia Dortmund made history by winning their first domestic double in club history? People remember these moments, even when they’re bad memories, and we want you guys to share these experiences with each other. Maybe it’s a Sky Sports News presenter that you love watching or an F1 grand prix that you will not miss, the big events WILL be included.

You can now wake up after a long night, munch down a tasty brekkie and slouch in your pjs on our comfy sofas in front of the TV to watch your favourite sports channel…we know everyone needs those lazy days whilst travelling, especially when you are in the capital of culture, Berlin. Kick off the night with a few drinks whilst watching the football, don’t fret, it will be shown; whatever the scenario, we’ve got you covered.

Picture this, the sun is shining, the drinks are flowing and the biggest game of the season is on the big screen. What better way to watch it than with like-minded people enjoying the Generator experience?

Ahhhhh living the perfect life.

“What have you got for me?”, we hear you ask.

Well, check out our Sky Sports calendar in our Berlin East hostel events to see what we’re showing. If there’s a sport event on and it’s not included in our schedule, just let our Berlin bar team know and they will bend over backwards to get in on for you.