On November 19 2013 02:35 YourGoodFriend wrote:
Very nice and I must say I am so curious to see what Clauf is (or does) that I cannot wait for you guys to go ahead and launch.
I like your descriptions of working together with the mix of all of the cultures that seems very unique (I have never been around an environment with that much variety of cultures before)
Very nice and I must say I am so curious to see what Clauf is (or does) that I cannot wait for you guys to go ahead and launch.
I like your descriptions of working together with the mix of all of the cultures that seems very unique (I have never been around an environment with that much variety of cultures before)
I'm used to multiple cultures clashing in Montreal, but for a functioning company to do it so flawlessly and comfortably is really impressive. At times, the language can hold back some areas, but they are quickly resolved with hardly any fuss.
On November 19 2013 02:42 Paljas wrote:
CLAUUUUUUUUUF
also good blog.
but why do you dislike the random checks in the metro. i think its nice
oh, and just make the waffles yourself.
CLAUUUUUUUUUF
also good blog.
but why do you dislike the random checks in the metro. i think its nice
oh, and just make the waffles yourself.
Inefficient by a mile.
On November 19 2013 02:46 Noobity wrote:
Great write up once again, dude.
I actually applied for a position with Clauf, Frodan was my contact and was a huge help to me in providing updates and what, if anything, he needed from me for the position itself. I've been extremely impressed with the level of professionalism the company has shown. It's actually really exciting to see how things are going for you, and hopefully how positive the overall experience will end up being.
I've got a friend who's actually 1/2 French Canadian, and 1/2 German, both his parents are 100% Canadian and German respectively. His dad is the German half, and I know exactly what you mean about the "to the point" attitude. I'm very wordy, he only tolerates it at this point because we've known each other for 20 years now. Even after the 35+ years of American-living, the guy is still very short. My friend describes his father very succinctly using one of his "Uncle Heinz" stories. The story goes like this "I had an uncle Heinz. He brought me chocolates." that's it. He'll often say something along those lines to add to another conversation, such as favorite uncles or something in this case. It's just funny how similar you describe the people in Berlin you run into.
I'm glad things are going well, and keep the updates coming! Take care!
Great write up once again, dude.
I actually applied for a position with Clauf, Frodan was my contact and was a huge help to me in providing updates and what, if anything, he needed from me for the position itself. I've been extremely impressed with the level of professionalism the company has shown. It's actually really exciting to see how things are going for you, and hopefully how positive the overall experience will end up being.
I've got a friend who's actually 1/2 French Canadian, and 1/2 German, both his parents are 100% Canadian and German respectively. His dad is the German half, and I know exactly what you mean about the "to the point" attitude. I'm very wordy, he only tolerates it at this point because we've known each other for 20 years now. Even after the 35+ years of American-living, the guy is still very short. My friend describes his father very succinctly using one of his "Uncle Heinz" stories. The story goes like this "I had an uncle Heinz. He brought me chocolates." that's it. He'll often say something along those lines to add to another conversation, such as favorite uncles or something in this case. It's just funny how similar you describe the people in Berlin you run into.
I'm glad things are going well, and keep the updates coming! Take care!
Thanks a whole lot!
On November 19 2013 03:12 Mafe wrote:
It's nice to see to that you like europe/germany/berlin.
About most of the stuff you notice, let me tell you that some of those are less, but others are even "more" extreme in other parts of germany. Well at least according to common prejudices, some of which are however easily to check:
-Berlinians (is that even correct?) tend to be less welcoming, ruder and less interested in smalltalk with people they don't know than other germans. I think that's what many other people say about all germans though
-The public transportation in Berlin, at least the S-Bahn, is said to be very unreliable compared to other german cities. I can't confirm this from my personal experience; but I've never been in Berlin in the winter when it often makes headlines for trains not running etc. The berlin ticket system is amongst the worst I have experienced indeed.
-Usually most people get a yearly ticket for U-Bahn/S-Bahn-buses. I would like to be trusted be authorities and this of course means I'm not going abuse their trust for a small personal gain. And I know that many people here think the same way.
-Living in Berlin is generally quite cheap, many parts of former west germany, and especially the south are (much) more expensive. In cities like Munich, Frankfurt or Stuttgart, you could easily pay twice as much or for an equivalent apartment. I say "you could", because you wwould also struggle a lot to find one at all. Many parts of the former east germany are even cheaper however.
-Food is rather cheap in germany in comparision to other similar countries. Restaurants/fastfood are usually cheaper in Berlin than in the rest of germany.
It's nice to see to that you like europe/germany/berlin.
About most of the stuff you notice, let me tell you that some of those are less, but others are even "more" extreme in other parts of germany. Well at least according to common prejudices, some of which are however easily to check:
-Berlinians (is that even correct?) tend to be less welcoming, ruder and less interested in smalltalk with people they don't know than other germans. I think that's what many other people say about all germans though

-The public transportation in Berlin, at least the S-Bahn, is said to be very unreliable compared to other german cities. I can't confirm this from my personal experience; but I've never been in Berlin in the winter when it often makes headlines for trains not running etc. The berlin ticket system is amongst the worst I have experienced indeed.
-Usually most people get a yearly ticket for U-Bahn/S-Bahn-buses. I would like to be trusted be authorities and this of course means I'm not going abuse their trust for a small personal gain. And I know that many people here think the same way.
-Living in Berlin is generally quite cheap, many parts of former west germany, and especially the south are (much) more expensive. In cities like Munich, Frankfurt or Stuttgart, you could easily pay twice as much or for an equivalent apartment. I say "you could", because you wwould also struggle a lot to find one at all. Many parts of the former east germany are even cheaper however.
-Food is rather cheap in germany in comparision to other similar countries. Restaurants/fastfood are usually cheaper in Berlin than in the rest of germany.
If you've ever been to Dublin, Berlin S-Bahn is a godsend. I'm also within the inner-circle; so I assume things are a lot more punctual. Agree on the ticket system; just absolute stone-age stuff.
On November 19 2013 03:27 shindigs wrote:
those fries look delicious
those fries look delicious
They are not and the fries in Berlin are 100% bland and tasteless.
On November 19 2013 03:29 pebble444 wrote:
5/5 for Prodoguction :D
still could use some of
+ Show Spoiler +
5/5 for Prodoguction :D
still could use some of
+ Show Spoiler +
Haha thanks!
On November 19 2013 04:28 UmberBane wrote:
Disappointed by the lack of Döner! Have you been to Curry 36 yet and tried the supposedly best Currywurst in Berlin?
(although I disagree with that it's still extremely nice)
Disappointed by the lack of Döner! Have you been to Curry 36 yet and tried the supposedly best Currywurst in Berlin?

Doner is nice, but it's not for me. I miss Shish Taouks; they had a bit more flavour and less bread.
Been to Curry 36. Wouldn't say it's the best; the one below the bridge near Friedrichstrasse (excuse me if spelled wrong) is what I would consider, thus far, the best for me.
On November 19 2013 05:33 3point14 wrote:
Berlin stands out of all cities in Germany. Its rather poor but supercreative, monstrous but with lots of style and very crazy.
people there really know how to have fun, and are much more openminded than other cities in Germany.
probably one of the coolest places on earth!
Berlin stands out of all cities in Germany. Its rather poor but supercreative, monstrous but with lots of style and very crazy.
people there really know how to have fun, and are much more openminded than other cities in Germany.
probably one of the coolest places on earth!
I would agree, but I have very little to measure it with; but it's good to hear you think so (:
On November 19 2013 05:45 Zetter wrote:
Wow, I've never heard somebody say the S-Bahn and U-Bahn of Berlin were efficient. It's beyond awful, actually. =D
Wow, I've never heard somebody say the S-Bahn and U-Bahn of Berlin were efficient. It's beyond awful, actually. =D
Compared to Montreal and Dublin, I am quite impressed with this system, especially given how intricate and complex it can be.
On November 19 2013 05:52 felisconcolori wrote:
Good blog, glad that the company is running well and smoothly (at least from your perspective) even if we're still fuzzy on what it does, exactly. Sounds like a great environment, at least.
Also, I saw your director of prodogction and thought "Oh my god, Dan kidnapped Chance for CLAUF!!" Then I went - oh wait, no, that's not Chance, and you're in Germany. Makes sense there would be a German Shepherd there.
Good blog, glad that the company is running well and smoothly (at least from your perspective) even if we're still fuzzy on what it does, exactly. Sounds like a great environment, at least.
Also, I saw your director of prodogction and thought "Oh my god, Dan kidnapped Chance for CLAUF!!" Then I went - oh wait, no, that's not Chance, and you're in Germany. Makes sense there would be a German Shepherd there.
Very soon we will launch and things will change. I understand that's asking a lot from an internet world, but nonetheless; there it is. We really aiming to set a new standard and I hope you really get excited when it is finally out. For now, I just think overthinking or even bothering with us a spare thought is really not needed and we're fine with that. The only teasers is from me and these blogs I think.
Also, that is Chance and he is an absolute godsend of a non-human person.
On November 19 2013 06:11 RolleMcKnolle wrote:
In every restaurant in Germany they are obliged to serve you still water for free. You can just ask for Leitungswasser and u will get it. Wondering why noone has told u so far.
In every restaurant in Germany they are obliged to serve you still water for free. You can just ask for Leitungswasser and u will get it. Wondering why noone has told u so far.
Usually, it's just there at the table when they hand fork and knife. If I ask for tap water, I get bottled water and charged.
On November 19 2013 06:13 Thaniri wrote:
This.
Also, I'm hoping that after I finish a software engineering degree I will be able to work in Berlin. Apparently it is a good city for start ups, and of all the european cities I've been to that are known for start ups it is my favourite. I have yet to see what Scandinavia has to offer though, so I will still figure out where I want to work.
This.
Also, I'm hoping that after I finish a software engineering degree I will be able to work in Berlin. Apparently it is a good city for start ups, and of all the european cities I've been to that are known for start ups it is my favourite. I have yet to see what Scandinavia has to offer though, so I will still figure out where I want to work.
That's what I heard too but I am not knowledgeable enough to figure out why.
On November 19 2013 06:46 Sooooil wrote:
About the water thing: As most germans prefer sparkling water it's highly unusual to order tap water, but still restaurants have just normal water bottles.
I think the whole concepts of restaurants in Germany (or Europe for that matter) is completely different than in USA/ Canada. Our waiters are paid real wages and not 2$/h or whatever it is, but in return we don't tip as high. The food is relatively cheap, but instead drinks are more expensive so they still have kinda the same profit margin. The sad thing is people ALWAYS complain how expensive their food is even though it's fucking cheap compared to other countries. Also don't be surprised if people value quantity or quality when being in a restaurant. Some will actually believe a dish is good just because it's a huge amount of food.
Why do you dislike Bavarian food? You're in Berlin, most of the "Bavarian" food there will not be any good (i.e. Weißwürste or Leberkäse).
EDIT: The jaywalking thing is true for all of Germany. There may be a random person here or there, but most of us will just wait until it's green. It's a nice way to spot Germans when you are travelling to other places. Just look out for the people that wait for a green light and most of the time, they are German.
About the water thing: As most germans prefer sparkling water it's highly unusual to order tap water, but still restaurants have just normal water bottles.
I think the whole concepts of restaurants in Germany (or Europe for that matter) is completely different than in USA/ Canada. Our waiters are paid real wages and not 2$/h or whatever it is, but in return we don't tip as high. The food is relatively cheap, but instead drinks are more expensive so they still have kinda the same profit margin. The sad thing is people ALWAYS complain how expensive their food is even though it's fucking cheap compared to other countries. Also don't be surprised if people value quantity or quality when being in a restaurant. Some will actually believe a dish is good just because it's a huge amount of food.
Why do you dislike Bavarian food? You're in Berlin, most of the "Bavarian" food there will not be any good (i.e. Weißwürste or Leberkäse).
EDIT: The jaywalking thing is true for all of Germany. There may be a random person here or there, but most of us will just wait until it's green. It's a nice way to spot Germans when you are travelling to other places. Just look out for the people that wait for a green light and most of the time, they are German.
I don't understand how anyone can enjoy sparkling water; just no for me. Never ever. Even sparkling juice is quite repulsive sadly ):
Standard tip is 10% in Germany, no? I tip 10 in Canada as well. Your tip about food sounds like a general observation internationally haha, good point!
Yeah, it was 3AM once when I was walking home. Dead in the night and Germans still waited til it was green. Eerie shit man!
On November 19 2013 07:15 Nebula wrote:
Hahaha the thing about waiting for greenlights is hilariously true. My gf is german and i go visit her and whenever we go into town or whatever, road empty, light red, i go to cross, gf gets pissed off with me :D
Hahaha the thing about waiting for greenlights is hilariously true. My gf is german and i go visit her and whenever we go into town or whatever, road empty, light red, i go to cross, gf gets pissed off with me :D
That green walking man is their Jesus I think!