Antwerp · Hotel

Sleeping Around

Next to pop-up stores, pop-up restaurants and pop-up windows, there is now a unique pop-up hotel called “Sleeping Around”. “These days, we are all in search of a lot more than just comfort and luxury,” says Ellen Wezenbeek, PR-manager of the Sleeping Around concept. “Authenticity, comfort, adventure, design and the unexpected, these are experiences we all seek. We are all carried away by the thought of a relaxing yet stimulating retreat whether it be in our vibrant cities or in the quiet countryside.”

The idea originated when the owner of the Sleeping Around hotel, Didier Opdebeeck, was renovating his house. Sleeping in a container, decorated as a living area, made Didier think about this new concept:  a compact yet luxurious hotel room, equipped with all the mod cons: a box-spring bed, rain shower, iPod docking station and air conditioning – all contained in a 20ft recycled sea container.

(c) sleeping around

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“We think green and employ only ecologically responsible materials. The containers themselves are produced in China, after which they are used for worldwide transport. As it is not always profitable to return the containers empty, they are often left behind in ports, including Antwerp’s. This unique concept offers the ideal mix of adventure and comfort at some of the most impressive locations in the city,” Ellen continues.

(c) sleeping around

(c) sien josephine

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Sleeping Around contains 4 hotel room containers, a breakfast/lounge container and a sauna container. The hotel rooms provide a superior and comfortable night’s stay.

The hotel containers are currently located at the Antwerp Waagnatie, close to the Scheldt river. Who knows where they ship of to next. Maybe Tel Aviv? “Presenting our concept in Tel Aviv would be amazing,” Ellen replies. “Bring on the proposals!”

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4517_web20121206_sleeping_around_2306 (c) sien josephineAbove: trying out the bed (much approved!)

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For more information about the current location and online booking visit www.sleepingaround.eu or visit their Facebook page

Architecture · Art · Entertainment · General · History · Lifestyle · Music · Restaurants · Tel Aviv

Live music on Jaffa Port’s waterfront

Tel Aviv is divided into 9 districts that have formed naturally over the city’s history. The oldest of these is Jaffa, the ancient port city out of which Tel Aviv grew. There’s much to write about Jaffa, I’d talk about the flea-market or the ancient city but let’s focus on the port today. The Old Port of Jaffa is reputed to be one of the oldest ports in the world, notably being the port from which Jonah set off in the famous Biblical story of Jonah and the Whale. Its long and fascinating history as  strategic port in the Eastern Mediterranean continued until only recently when new ports were built south of Tel Aviv in Ashdod and north in Haifa, to cater for modern-day shipping methods. Still functional as a small fishing port, the port is currently a recreational zone featuring many restaurants and cafes with lots cultural and artistic activities.

One of my favorite spots in the Namal (port in Hebrew) is called The Container. The Container is an industrial warehouse from the 1920s that has been converted into an art project space, bar and restaurant, located on the waterfront. The NY times recently wrote: “The space fuses Red Hook grit with Levantine glam, incorporating a sweeping, 45-seat horseshoe-shaped bar under a warehouse-high ceiling that affords nice views of both the oversize wood oven in the open kitchen and the rotating exhibits on the walls. Adding to the mix is a three-times-a-week D.J. set.” And live gigs:

As my brother is coming to visit Tel Aviv again, we set up a little concert there. On Friday July 6th at 10PM, N8n will perform with his Israeli band led by drummer Ori Raz for another night of good vibes by the water, some good old funk and some new ‘raw’ material. People are advised to reserve tables, entrance is free. Join us!

More info: http://www.namalyafo.co.il/http://www.container.org.il/  03- 683 63 21

Jaffa Port – photo credit Dani Jordan

The Container by night – photo credit The Container

The Container inside – photo credit Liron Erel

The Container inside – photo credit The Royal Excursion

https://www.facebook.com/events/318911194866710/

http://n8nmusic.com/