A series of interviews with creative people in Berlin

Thanks to a post in a Facebook group for Israeli women, I got to meet 

, an artist living and creating in Berlin. After I dropped Robin off, I drove from the quiet residential neighborhood where his Kita is located, to the center of Berlin’s oh-so-popular Friedrichshain. This area is known to be very cool, alternative and artistic, and it is the exact opposite of our south-western neighborhood, both in vibe and physical location. That made me extra excited to visit Anna’s exhibition, for which she collaborated with 

, right in the center of the architecturally impressive Frankfurter Tor.

I was immediately attracted by the location, as well as the colorful and interesting three-dimensional pieces inside the gallery. I always respond to installations that allow you to see the pieces from different angles and walk around them. My experience at the exhibition, titled “A lying sun”, was made extra special thanks to the amazing actual sunlight that came in through the large glass doors, and the soft and delicate movements of the fabrics that were part of the art pieces, both creating a magical ambiance.

Afterward, we sat down for some mediocre coffee, but awesome conversation, in a gorgeous cafe, which seemed like it was frozen in time, thus providing us with an amazing vintage atmosphere.

I’m currently focusing on creating 3D digital images and printing them on different materials. I use primarily two-dimensional surfaces, like paper and textiles, to make three-dimensional forms and installations. I studied fashion design at Shenkar college for engineering and design in Israel, worked as a designer and a stylist, and taught design. I still love this field and these days I design costumes for dance and stage productions. That enables me to continue exploring textiles and textures while avoiding the polluting aspect of the fashion industry and mass production. I created costumes for the show Girlanda performed by The Batsheva Ensemble. last year I collaborated with the choreographer 

 fellowship program, which connects Jewish artists living in Berlin, and I recently worked with 

In the past, I was a street artist, creating under the name Foma, and in 2011 my work was showcased as a part of a street art exhibition at Helena Rubinstein Pavilion for Contemporary Art in Tel Aviv. Painting on walls is still something that I do, but nowadays I do it commercially for firms, restaurants and hotels that hire my services, and as a collaboration with interior design studios, such as the Israeli Yaron Tal and Studio Mu. You can see my art at the Urban loft hotel in Berlin, The Voco Düsseldorf Seestern, Benedict restaurants, the NYX Herzliya hotel, and two Mindspace office spaces in Israel, to name a few.

Tell us a bit about your professional journey, what led you to do what you do?

I studied art in school, and later, in college, studied fashion design to direct that interest towards an actual profession. After graduating, I was looking for another form of creative expression and was looking to explore the emotional aspects of my journey as an artist, so I turned to street art. However, I found that it had certain limitations, such as the conceptual and physical materials that I had to work with. That made me transition to installations, which is my favorite creative outlet. I enjoy creating spaces that can be both seen and experienced.

Could you share a bit about your relocation to Berlin? When, why, how?

I moved to Berlin four years ago, and all of my friends were already living here. I realized that Berlin offered me more artistic opportunities. Here I can physically experience current exhibitions of artists from all over the world, which is much more exciting and inspiring than seeing it only online.

Has Berlin or the experience of relocation changed your art/design in any way?

In a way, I moved here to allow myself to start over artistically, and that takes away the pressure of the comparison. At first, I closed off, and it took me a while to process my materials again. But I am really happy with what I’m currently doing and I feel that I have more freedom here.

I like to go out and enjoy Berlin’s nightlife. I also explore nature, flea markets and exhibits.

What is an essential tool/instrument for your daily work?

A free and open-source program for 3D models named 

. It makes processes, that used to be very time-consuming, much easier and more accessible. I use it to take photos using my phone and then transform them into 3D models, without needing years of modeling or coding experience. It’s really amazing.

The second part of my collaboration with Katharina Trudzinski will take place in 

 in Tel Aviv this spring. The first part, which you visited, was showcased in Berlin’s Gallery im Turm a couple of months ago. Both exhibits form a connection between the physical surroundings of the two galleries. I used 3D scans of the public spaces around them and created surrealistic collages of imaginary landscapes. My idea was to explore the way we perceive and remember the public spaces around us, and how our external environment becomes our inner environment.

I really enjoy collaborating with other artists and feel that it produces unexpected things. I think a certain way, and suddenly someone else comes along and brings something new to the creative process. Katharina and I both have backgrounds in fashion and textiles, and similarly. we both use two-dimensional materials and transform them into three-dimensional objects.

Can you share one big dream or aspiration of yours?

Anything to recommend to our community? Book, movie, series, exhibition…

, who I also met during my fellowship with LABA. She is collaborating with Jens Brand and they are showcasing kinetic sculptures with sound at the 

 in Berlin. You can catch it until February 4th 2023.

Creatives in Berlin - Anna Mirkin

Family-friendly recommendations in the southwest of Berlin

A recent Facebook post in one of the groups I follow asked "where in Berlin do you live, and why do you like it?" Well, we live in Steglitz which is located in the southwest area. There's nothing really special about it, it's not considered cool or hip and it's not exactly the kind of Berlin that I had initially imagined us living in. However, what you know about a city when you visit it as a tourist is quite different than what you know as a resident. 

We spent the first year here moving between sublets in different parts of the city - Neukölln, Wilmersdorf, Prenzlauer Berg, and then ended up in Steglitz. Each area had its advantages and disadvantages, but when it came down to it we chose a green, quiet and family-friendly environment, a train ride away from what my grandma Billy used to refer to as the "hustle and bustle" of the city.

 have a lot to offer, especially for those who have already visited the main attractions of the city and are looking for some new activities. We have personally visited all of the following recommendations with our young kids, so naturally, they are all family-friendly. You can see them all and add them to your traveling plans 

Go on a shopping spree on Schloßstraße 

This is the main shopping street in the area and a hidden gem when it comes to massive shopping streets. It stretches between a few U-Bahn stations, so you could take the U9, get off at the last stop (Rathaus Steglitz) and then walk the way back to Walter Schreiber Platz station, or do it the other way around. You will find here most of the big chain stores like Uniqlo, C&A, Zara, H&M, New Yorker, and many more, all in a much quieter and more relaxed atmosphere than other branches located in other parts of the city. Note that there are also three shopping malls along the street, and some stores are located inside.

, all have a variety of lifestyle and home decor goods in addition to children's departments, stationery, gifts and much more. 

If you are looking for some 2nd hand finds, check out 

, they have a great selection of kids' clothes, toys, books, and also items for adults. 

And in case you go shopping around here with young kids, make sure you give them a small break at a nice playground, such as the Zirkus or Rüdi Nord playgrounds.

For coffee, breakfast or a light snack check out these terrific spots:

 - a bakery and coffee place with heavenly pastries, snacks, cakes and light food options, located conveniently around the corner from the Zirkus playground.

 - located a short walk (or a couple of bus stops) from the main shopping area, but it's so worth it! It's beautifully designed, the food is excellent and they serve yummy homemade pastries. They have two spots, side by side - the cafe LuLa am Markt and the restaurant LuLa Deli&Grill, both are fantastic.

 - great coffee, great smoothies, great breakfast and great pastries.

 - a wonderful patisserie with amazing cakes, pastries, sandwiches, drinks, and more. Across the street is a small but sweet playground, perfect for all that sugar-rush energy.

 - if you are traveling with babies and/or toddlers you shouldn't skip this one. It's a fabulous Kinder Cafe, which means there are well-equipped play areas where the kids can play while the adults can drink their coffee in peace. The menu is of course very suitable for kids as well.

A day at the lake is one of the favorite summer activities for Berliners and there are numerous lakes around the city. The lake at Grunewald is surrounded by a beautiful forest and is easily accessible with public transportation. You can walk around the lake on a stroller-friendly and circular pathway, drink a cup of coffee at the small bistro, and, if the weather is warm enough, also enjoy the water. Note that there are many dogs in this area because dogs can walk around without a leash here, so if you're not a dog person you should probably visit another lake, such as Schlachtensee or Krume Lanke.

Those of you who live by the sea or ocean will probably not be very excited by this, but this is as close to a beach as we can get, without driving a few hours outside of Berlin. It is also very accessible with the S-Bahn (S-Bahnhof Nicholassee) and the walk from the station is really nice with greenery all around. The beach itself is perfect for families because it's equipped with all the necessary facilities, such as a snack bar, shop, bathrooms and beach tents for rent, so you can focus on enjoying a nice and relaxed day in the sun. There is also a playground on the premises but we haven't had a chance to check it out for ourselves yet. As for now, it is required to book tickets in advance through the website, and take note that Germans are planners, so you better purchase in advance if you don't want to miss your opportunity.

It is currently summer, but if you're reading this and planning a spring vacation in Berlin you shouldn't miss this beautiful avenue of cherry trees, donated to Berlin from Japan with the help of the Japanese television channel, TV Asahi, celebrating the fall of the Berlin wall. The avenue marks a pathway where a part of the wall once stood. The cherry blossom is short and lasts usually only a few short weeks during April, but it really depends on the weather. This year for example, spring came later than usual, so it blossomed in mid-May. You can get here easily with the S-Bahn, but know that there aren't any shops or cafes nearby, so it's better to bring something with you for a nice and pretty picnic.

my husband is originally from a small village in northern Israel, but I am, and probably always will be, a city gal. I do, however, love to visit the countryside and enjoy some peace and quiet from time to time. That's why I was really excited to discover this gem. It's a working organic farm in the middle of the city, easily accessible via bus or U-Bahn. There are crops, animals such as chickens, pigs, goats and horses, tractors and much more. There are comfortable walking paths around the farm and on Saturdays, you could also enjoy a small farmers market. We visited a few times and have always enjoyed it here.

Explore the botanical wonders of the Botanischer Garten

strolling around the beautiful botanical garden is very relaxing and inspiring. I love getting lost in its many small pathways, walking around the lakes and noticing different plants, colors and details every time. The marvelous greenhouses have been closed due to Covid for the past year and recently reopened its doors. I was able to see them before the pandemic and they were extremely rich and interesting. You should also know that every year they hold the "Botanical night" exhibition, featuring installations with lights and music along a guided path throughout the garden. Usually, it takes place around Christmas, but this year it was rescheduled to the end of August and the beginning of September, so check out their website if you are in the area.

Go green in the nature reserve of Schöneberger Südgelände

Berlin is extremely green and there are many wonderful parks all over the city. One of our favorites in the area is this nature reserve, located in the south area of Schöneberg. The paths follow an old railway, visitors are greeted by an old train locomotive upon entry and there are different railroad relics scattered throughout the park. Our son is a huge train fanatic, so it was a big hit. The circular paths are slightly elevated above the ground and therefore easily accessible for strollers and young kids. Artistic elements and structures are located along the pathways, making it extra fun and exciting for the little ones.

Good American-style food, a large selection of tap beers, a bowling alley, arcade game machines, a beer garden, a beer museum, and an amazing space for the kids to run around while the adults are having a drink. We go here often and really enjoy it, with and without the kids. 

Berlin southwest with kids - Updated 2023

As I was walking from my car to the Cafe where the current exhibition of 

 was showcased, I realized that the last time that I interviewed anyone in person was before we moved to Berlin, meaning over 4 years ago. And boy, did I miss it! Sitting down with interesting people, talking about art, design, architecture, entrepreneurship, life in Berlin, and life in general, is really one of my favorite things.

As I told Itamar and his work and life partner Shir, his work spoke to me immediately. It is so delicate and relatable, thought-provoking and highly sensitive, artistic and yet could very easily fit in many different spaces. Itamar and Shir are travelers and entrepreneurs, and in Berlin they went on a journey to explore their passion for the craft of embroidery and make it their own

Contemporary three-dimensional embroidery.

I am a self-taught artist and my work combines thousands of years of embroidery traditions with different techniques, some of which I developed myself, all to create a new and contemporary language of three-dimensional embroidery pieces. Each piece tells a personal and cultural story, using natural objects as inspiration. I find that nature is global and relatable, and I use it as another form of vocabulary to create a representation that evokes different emotions and feelings.

, for example, depicts two sticks on different stages of the decay process. It’s small in scale but represents large concepts such as life and death, as new life is already emerging from the sticks in the form of fungi and mold. The entire natural cycle is represented by this specific snapshot. People find it very moving and see themselves in it. For instance, a couple who were expecting their first child saw it and immediately expressed their desire to add a third stick to the piece, because they could see their future family in it.

In general, I portray the aging, dismantling, decaying and rotting processes in nature, and not so much the blossoming and growing. I find it aesthetically appealing, and relate to the idea of accepting those difficult changes as a natural part of life. That said, I believe that every depiction of a part of this course, contains and represents the cycle as a whole.

Another aspect of my work concerns the common perception of embroidery as a craft, while I consider it art and treat my pieces as such. Traditionally, this was a craft carried out mostly by women, who created napkins, tablecloths and other objects for the home. I treat my pieces as fine art - I frame them behind glass, in white minimalistic picture frames, with passe-partout, and also create an illusion that the piece is hovering inside. All of that plays a role in the story that I am trying to tell.

Along with my partner Shir, I traveled the world and lived in different places for over a decade. We were always fascinated by traditional crafts and cultures and visited local markets and museums, but still haven't done it professionally ourselves. Embroidery was always a part of our lives. Both my mother and Shir's grandmother, who were and are very significant parts of our lives, did embroidery. During our travels, we noticed how global this craft is, and how different cultures have been using it for thousands of years as a storytelling platform. During our travels, we used to carry with us fabrics and threads so we could embroider our experiences, just like a journal.

Only when we arrived in Berlin three years ago, I started experimenting with it professionally. My first project was a combination of embroidery with 3D printing. It was at the beginning of the pandemic and it was a bit too innovative and different. It didn't really take off, but we learned a lot from that experience.

My current project emerged instantly while we were visiting Austria with friends. Beautiful pebbles by the river bank caught our attention, and as we were playing with them and creating different shapes and structures, the thought of making an embroidered pebble came to my mind.

When we got back to Berlin, I started learning, experimenting and exploring materials and techniques. Even though the first attempt wasn't yet polished or refined, it was clear that there was something there. The juxtaposition between the weight of the stone and the lightness of the threads, and the texture that formed, were very interesting to me. I spent hours on the sewing machine, using and developing different techniques to create the hovering effect and three-dimensional shapes. I was overwhelmed by how expressive and esthetically beautiful this technique and medium is, and people immediately responded to it. The pieces resonate with the viewers on different levels - emotional, conceptual and esthetical, and depict many contradictory aspects and principles that I find fascinating, such as traditional and contemporary, stiffness and softness, and beginnings and endings.

Could you share a bit about your relocation to Berlin? When, why, how was the experience?

After a decade in the Americas, we wanted to explore a country that is a bit closer to Israel, our home country. In 2019 we spent a week visiting friends in Berlin and experienced an amazingly vibrant summer. We don't consider ourselves urban people, but we love throwing ourselves into different and challenging situations. The same goes for the decision to pursue art professionally - we've never done it before, but why not give it a try? In both cases, we decided to go all in and see what happens. We reinvented ourselves in every place that we got to, and in Berlin we became artists.

Even though we are not big fans of city life, we do really love this city, and we fall in love with it even more the longer we are here.

Berlin itself is a part of my art. The natural objects that inspire my pieces may look like they came from the forest, but in fact I found them on the city streets, sidewalks and the backyard of our building. Except for the pebbles, all the elements originate from the city. My pieces tell the story of contradictions, and this adds another layer of that.

I take the time to read, study history and archaeology, travel and spend time with my friends.

My vintage-made-in-Germany sewing machine. I use a combination of hand stitching with freehand machine embroidery, which is similar to freehand drawing or painting, and is not limited only to straight lines like traditional use of a sewing machine.

 until November 26th and participating in a group exhibition titled 

 between 3-19/11/2022. On top of  that we are preparing for the Christmas art fairs and applying for various art competitions.

To make a living through my art, which is no easy task. I would also like to go bigger in the scale of my pieces and take this technique further. It is already extremely expressive, but I believe there is always room for growth and improvement.

Travel. Always and for as much time as possible. Take a year to explore and really get to know another culture. No book on a country could ever compare to actually living in that place.

 account to check out more of his incredible work.


Creatives in Berlin - Itamar Yehiel

Everything you should see in Berlin if the love for design and architecture runs through your veins

When we moved to Berlin in the summer of 2018, I was immediately amazed by its diversity, but it wasn’t love at first sight between us. The first time we visited, the city felt huge, complicated, and uninviting. The second time, we warmed up to it and understood why people love it so much. But I only truly found my place here after we moved, when I strolled the streets with a baby carrier and a backpack. The city’s eclectic nature is still one of my favorite things about it - the mixture of old and new, the way that the rough and industrial edge meets the classical European chic, the combination of contemporary trends with places that look like they’re stuck in another era.

One of the first things that I did after we moved, was to create a few lists of shops, attractions, galleries, cafes, restaurants, and streets that I wish to visit. As you can imagine, given how big this city is, these lists were very long, and I keep adding to them as I read about new spots. Until now, I posted mainly family-friendly activities in and around the city, because since the kids were born, my time to explore places that don’t offer any slides, swings, ball pits, or other kid-related attractions, is very limited. But over time, I did manage to feed my soul the design and architecture that it craves and put together a list of places that I personally really liked. Naturally, Berlin has even more to offer, and I hope to continue exploring, discovering new locations and maybe publish a sequel to this post.

, you can find updating highlights of shops, restaurants, and sights.

In the quiet neighborhood of Weisensee in north-eastern Berlin, stands the last residential building of the world-renowned architect in Germany. Visitors can enjoy the elegant interior of the L-shaped house, which today doubles as a small contemporary art gallery, and relax in the backyard overlooking the lake. If this speaks to you, don’t miss the 

, a modern art museum that was designed by Mies van der Rohe as well, and re-opened to the public in 2021. Even just passing by it and admiring it from the outside is worth it. While the two buildings are completely different in type, materials and scale, they both showcase the architect’s point of view and demonstrate the power of the modernist style.

The Soviet architecture of Frankfurter Tor 

The center of the monumental boulevard in Berlin’s Friedrichshain, which was a flagship project in Eastern Germany after WWII. I find that this is a great example of the astounding mix of styles throughout the city. Make your way from there to 

 to get the full Friedrichshain experience. There are many cool shops of all kinds to explore during weekdays, and on the weekend you’ll find the local flea market.

A small yet very cool museum of lettering and typography collected from public spaces. You’ll find signs from public transportation, shops, malls, office spaces, and various other locations, that were salvaged from dismantling to be displayed as urban history. While you’re in the area, take a walk around the gorgeous Tiergarten, or visit the Bellevue Palace. And if you visit the museum on the weekend, make sure to stop by the 

A photography and visual media gallery with rotating exhibitions in Berlin Charlottenburg. The building itself, titled Amerika Haus, was built in the 1950s and designed by the architect Bruno Grimmek. Originally it was used as a cultural and information center for the United States in Berlin, and was sensitively renovated in 2015. Not far from the gallery stands the Bauhaus Archive, designed by Walter Gropius, which is currently under renovation. 

, featuring a small gallery, shop, and other related events is also worth a short visit.

An old listening station from WWII, located in the middle of the forest in the west side of Berlin, which was transformed into a street-art gallery. It features numerous huge paintings as well as smaller pieces all around the deserted building, and at the top is a beautiful view of the city. You can take the S-Bahn and walk up the mountain through the Grunewald forest, which is a lovely location on its own.

A museum dedicated to street and urban art. The museum was established to provide a safe place for graffiti and street artists since art in the public space is always at risk of being removed or destroyed. The impact of the museum on the neighborhood is felt strongly as you walk along the street, which is filled with urban art and graffiti of all shapes, sizes and styles. Stop by Frühstück 3000 on the other side of the street for an amazing breakfast or snack. And If you visit the museum on Wednesday or Saturday, then you should grab a bite at the nearby market at 

Grab a beer by the Spree river, listen to live music, get something to eat, and spend an evening at this super cool and oh-so-Berlin spot. This old industrial location became the home of a cooperative association for artists, makers, creators, and small business owners, so they could work together and exchange knowledge and ideas. Design-wise, this place is all about reusing, recycling, and repurposing of different objects, and of course, wood, which connects back to the original use of the place as a timber-trade market. Make sure to check their 

Berlin is a huge city, and almost every district (Bezirk) has at least one strolling-worthy street, with cute little shops, cafes, restaurants, pretty buildings, and sweet hidden corners. On a side note - the zip codes are crucial when navigating around the city because there are streets with the same names in different districts. Here are a few of my favorite streets, make sure to wander off to the smaller streets around them as well-

# Goltzstraße (10781) in Schöneberg, with highlights such as Jones ice cream, The Visit coffee roastery, Sironi for pizza and pastries, The Goods for home decor prettiness, Nordliebe for Scandinavian wonders, and Hobbyshop Rüther for arts, crafts and beyond.

# Bergmannkiez (10961, between Gneisenaustraße and Bergmannstraße) in Kreuzberg. Stop by Barcomi’s Café for a cup of coffee and cake, Mjot for children’s heaven, Broken English for Great Britain’s finest, Schwesterherz for paper products, and Tranquillo for home decor and gift ideas.

# Kollwitzplatz (10405) and the surrounding streets in Prenzlauer Berg with great food, drinks, and shopping at every turn. Stop by ting for beautiful interior design objects, Die kleine Gesellschaft for toys and accessories for the little ones, NOVeL for home decor, fashion and accessories, and Cookies&Co for a sweet break.

# Continue to explore Prenzlauer Berg towards Helmholtzplatz (10437) and check out Victoria met Albert for clothes, accessories and home goods, Mia und Leo for kids’ clothes and toys, YOnkel Ork’s lovely collection of stationery, gifts and decor items, Schoemig Porzellan for hand made porcelain creations, and Popkornditorei Knalle for surprising Popcorn flavors handmade in Berlin.

# Walk down Kastanienallee from Eberswalder Straße towards Rosenthaler Platz (10119), and continue on Rosenthaler Straße to Hackescher Markt. Along the way you’ll discover many cool spots, like Zeit für Brot’s dreamy pastries, Broke + Schön’s fashion and lifestyle products, the English books in Love Story, the stylish collection of clothes and accessories at GE03, Granit’s minimalistic and monochromatic interior accessories, Schee’s amazing poster and home goods selection, the wonderful combo of home, lifestyle and clothing pieces at Kauf dich Glücklich, fresh coffee at the Barn, and more.

# Oranienburger Straße (10117) offers many galleries, such as the newly reopened KW Institute for contemporary art and the Michael Fuchs Gallery, which is located in a building that used to be a Jewish school for girls. Don’t miss the photogenic and peaceful atmosphere at the hidden courtyards of Heckmann Höfe, and the upscale shops, like Amodo and Parkhaus that offer hand-picked design brands, and Hay’s Berlin flagship store. For a sweet bite to eat check out Princess Cheesecake and/or Loti Pantón for delicious Macarons.

# Walk along Suarezstraße for antique, retro, and vintage shops.
# Modulor and Idee for art supplies, stationery, gift ideas, and more.
# Visit Søstrene Grene for an affordable and beautiful home, kitchen, nursery design, and more. They have stores all over the city, but the flagship one on Schloßstraße (12163) is by far the best.

# For design, art, and architecture books go to Taschen, she said, and Do you read me?
# If second-hand finds speak to you, like a true Berliner, then you should make the trip to Nochmall, Berlin’s first second-hand mall.
# check out HEMA for affordable design, stationery, toys, kitchenware, gifts, and even snacks.

Have more time to explore the city? Here are a few additional ideas:

 - a museum dedicated to applied and fine arts with collections of art nouveau, art deco and functionalism pieces, in addition to temporary exhibitions.

 - a contemporary art gallery located in an old train station building.

 - an old palace-turned-museum with a fascinating and controversial history. The courtyard is open to the public and you can walk through the building to check out the architecture.

 - a small gallery of temporary exhibitions. Its location in a house overlooking the lake, and the wonderful cafe make it a true gem.

 - one of the most famous locations in Berlin, but I have to admit that the Dome, which was designed by Norman Foster is very impressive and architecturally remarkable (visit is free, but requires an online ticket). 

Berlin for design and architecture lovers

My personal experiences of pregnancies and births as an expat living in Berlin

I can’t believe it’s already been almost three months since  I gave birth to our daughter Libby. She was born less than an hour after we left the house, in a candle-lit room with dimmed lights and a bathtub. Yes, it was intense, painful and exhausting but it was also beautiful, powerful and empowering. I felt extremely supported and I couldn't have wished for a better experience. Thankfully, despite Coronavirus-related obstacles, my parents were able to visit and support us before, during and after the birth, taking amazing care of us and especially of Libby's brother Robin.

We've been living in Berlin for almost three years and Robin was also born here, 2.5 years ago. His birth was also on the quicker side (around 13 hours since the contractions started until we held him in our arms in the hospital) and with the help of our wonderful doula, I managed to get through most of the contractions at home and to give birth naturally.

Obviously every woman, family, baby and birth is different, but no matter how and when it happens, giving birth is a life-changing experience on every possible level. It is also extremely unpredictable. I have had two really good and different experiences, but both times we had to deal with additional challenges that made it even harder to prepare for - with Robin we had to plan in advance for giving birth in another country without the presence and help of our immediate family and close friends, and with Libby we had to face Covid related difficulties.

Initially, I wasn't sure if I wanted to share my birthing experiences here on the blog. However, knowing firsthand how intimidating giving birth as an expat can be, I thought that if this post can help even one of you, give you information and confidence and lead you to a good birthing experience, then my work here is done.

" post, we moved to Berlin from Israel when I was seven months pregnant. Around two months before moving, I started researching and reading in relevant Facebook groups about how things work here. I contacted a Hebrew-speaking doula living in Berlin 

, and she was generous and kind enough to give me a lot of information, even though she knew that she wasn't available during our expected due date. Most of what she told me really shocked me because the Israeli way of doing things is so different from the German way. Germans love to plan ahead, while Israelis, well, not as much. Also, there is a shortage in all baby-related services, such as midwives, pediatricians and daycare centers. Therefore it is necessary to take care of the logistical side of things, prepare, and contact all the necessary people as early as possible. After that conversation, I knew that I had much work ahead of me. Even though I was still in Israel and it seemed so early and far away to me, I followed Julia's advice and signed up to give birth at 

 hospital, started looking for an English-speaking midwife and doula, and scheduled an appointment for a gynecologist in Berlin.

The second time around I was already living in Berlin, and I did all of that right after the first appointment at the gynecologist. I started with contacting our amazing doula again and got her advice regarding where to give birth this time and all other current concerns, but more on that later.

Support is not a luxury - choosing a doula

We knew quite early on that we wanted a doula. It was our first birth, neither of us knew anything about pregnancy, birth and babies and on top of that, we were new to this country and didn't speak the language. I don't remember exactly how I found 

, but I knew that I wanted them there with us right after our first video call. Their calm energy and voice gave me confidence, even though everything was still so vague.

Their presence at Robin's birth was incredibly helpful. They met us at home, rode with us on the taxi to the hospital, spoke to the staff on our behalf when we got there and almost got sent to another hospital (yeah, apparently that can happen here) and of course supported me through the pain and stress of the situation.

When we found out that I was pregnant again, we wanted to recreate as much as possible the good experience that we had the first time around, so we contacted Gem once again. We weren't sure that having them there was necessary and we wondered if it wasn't a luxury that we didn't really need this time, but I'm oh-so glad that they were there! On all pregnancy and birth-related issues, I believe that there is no such thing as "too much support". Gem knew exactly what to say and do and when to do it, in order to improve the atmosphere in the room and to support us on this crazy ride.

Even though it's not easy to move to another country mid-pregnancy, there were many advantages to giving birth in Berlin in relation to Israel, like the year-long paid maternity leave, the existence of birthing centers, the softer and more natural approach of the hospitals, and the services provided by the midwives in the prenatal and postpartum phases. In Germany, there is a continuity of care that simply doesn't exist in Israel. The midwife of your choice can do regular checkups before and after birth and in some cases, like if you choose to give birth at home, at a birthing center (Geburtshaus), or with a support of a Beleghebamme (a midwife that is certified to work in a specific hospital), the midwife could also be there for the delivery itself.

With Robin, we got to enjoy this amazing service only during the postpartum period, but it really made all the difference for us. Again, we were clueless new parents to a tiny and too sleepy baby without a support system nearby. Our wonderful midwife Stephanie helped us through breastfeeding difficulties, mastitis and even surgery. She visited us daily for two weeks, gave us a ton of advice and much-needed support.

After that experience, as we were about to become parents of two, we knew that choosing the right midwife for us was extremely important. This time I got to experience the advantages of the entire process. Because it was during Covid, Rafael couldn't join me on most of the doctor's and birthing center appointments, but still, I felt less alone during the process thanks to the amazing midwives at the 

. Even though the birth was super fast and the first few weeks went much more smoothly than with Robin, I still feel that this service is a real gift to new parents.

Location, Location, Location - Where to give birth

While growing up, I heard on many occasions that the birthing experience really depends more than anything on the hospital staff, meaning the midwives and doctors on duty, and in Israel, in most cases, that can't be predetermined. I'm somewhat a shy, quiet and introverted person, so it takes me a while to feel really comfortable with people. On top of that, as expats we face language barriers, and naturally, there is a lot of uncertainty regarding the whole situation. That's why having a familiar face and knowing who is going to be there when we arrived was extremely important for us. Like I wrote above, that could be possible with a Beleghebamme, home birth, or birthing center.

I started with contacting English-speaking Beleghebammen but they were all already fully booked on our expected due date, even though I contacted them while I was only 8 weeks along. Add to that the fact that this was in the middle of the Coronavirus pandemic, which meant that during hospital childbirths every woman could be accompanied by only one person, meaning a spouse OR a doula.


So our doula Annie suggested that we consider a birthing center, and added that I would be an ideal candidate for that kind of birth, because I gave birth to Robin naturally, without pain medication and without complications. I wasn't sure about it and neither was Rafael. We deliberated for a few days and really struggled to make a decision.

Here are a few things you need to know about birth at one of Berlin's Geburtshäuser:

There are only midwives present, which means that for every medical intervention, even Epidural, you need to be transferred to a hospital.

A large percentage of births get transferred for different reasons, for instance giving birth before 36 or after 42 weeks. There are many other reasons that make it impossible to give birth at a Geburtshaus, some are determined during pregnancy and some only during birth. In that case, you could transfer on your own, along with a midwife and your partner, to the hospital of your choice, or in case of an emergency with an ambulance to the nearest hospital.

There is no long-term stay at the birthing center. You would stay for a few hours after birth for some quality skin-to-skin time, routine check-ups for you and the baby, and then you will go back home. Your midwife will come to visit you a few hours later to check up on you all. That was perfect for us because we have a toddler at home that requires our love, attention and care, but as first-time parents, the few days we spent at the hospital after Robin's birth were really helpful. When a family room was available Rafael came to stay with us, and having the Midwives there 24/7 was very reassuring, as we didn't know how to change a diaper, how to wrap a baby like a burrito or how to deal with the breast fullness after the milk came in on the third day.

The atmosphere in the birthing center is completely different from the hospital. Don't get me wrong, the atmosphere at the hospital where I gave birth to Robin was great. They were nice, calm and relaxed, the lights were low, there was the opportunity to give birth in a bathtub (which I didn’t do back then because I arrived at the hospital fully dilated) and we were given a couple of hours in the delivery room after birth for breastfeeding and skin-to-skin time. But the birthing center is the closest thing to a home birth as it gets in terms of privecy, intimicy and a natural approach. And if you are anything like me and don't want to give birth at home, that's a good thing. It is quiet, and relaxing, the staff cosists of wonderful, caring and supportive midwives and the ambiance is very homey, cozy and warm.

To conclude, it was perfect for us but it's not for everyone. For example, I know that many Israelis consider the worst-case scenario in making birthing plans, so some would choose a large hospital with a neonatal unit. I can totally relate to that, and as I wrote, we thought about this long and hard, went back and forth, but eventually decided to go with our gut feeling and not let our fears take charge. We did however prepare ourselves for any situation and for the option of being transferred to a hospital. I don't know how I would have felt if the birth was longer and more complicated, but personally, I feel like we made the best decision for us. I was able to get all the support that I needed, give birth in the bathtub, have a couple of hours of quiet time before going home, ,and celebrating the birth with a small and beautiful ceremony with our doula and midwives.

In between lockdowns - Giving birth during Covid

When I first found out about the pregnancy, way back in the summer of 2020, I couldn't imagine that I would have a "corona birth". But there we were, in the middle of another lockdown and a lot of uncertainty regarding hospitals, flight and travel regulations.


The pandemic hasn’t impacted us dramatically, however, it did give us another reason to choose to give birth at a birthing center and not in a hospital. During pregnancy it meant that besides two specific examinations (Frühdiagnostik and Fein Diagnostik) Rafael couldn't accompany me to any of my many appointments.

Other than that, we had to endure the added stress and uncertainty brought by this pandemic, especially in regards to our main support system - my parents, who wished to travel to Germany from Israel for the birth. Obviously, traveling during this time was somewhat impossible and up until the flight itself, we weren't completely sure that they would be able to make it in time. When Robin was born we were here alone, and really loved having the space to figure out our new reality and the dynamic of our new family together. But with Libby everything was different and we had Robin to think about.

So there we were, with a 2.5 years old toddler that, thanks to the Coronavirus, went through months in and out of daycare, without spending quality time with other kids and adults and not used to being taken care of by anyone but us.

We had a plan B (brother-in-law) and a plan C (babysitters) but not knowing who would be able to be there for him at the moment of truth really kept us awake at night with worry.

Eventually and against all odds my parents did make it as planned, and landed in Germany three weeks before the birth. Even though we had planned it this way, we didn't even realize how much we would need their help and support during these days. When we arrived home after the birth my mom and I had the most amazing and emotional moment, one that I will never forget, and on top of spending time with Robin and providing him with much-needed attention, they helped us with grocery shopping, cooking and all household related chores. We, like most expats, are not used to having this type of support on a daily basis, so we really don't take it for granted, especially during Covid.

A new set of worries - giving birth for the second time

Like I wrote above, we worried who would be there with Robin during the birth but that was only the tip of the iceberg of our concerns. We worried how he would take this whole idea of a new baby sister, wondered if and how we could take care of a toddler and a newborn at the same time, and thought about how to best prepare him, and ourselves, for it.

We bought a couple of books on the subject, talked to him about it and saw a zoom lecture by Israeli parenting expert Einat Nathan on the subject (her wonderful 

 is now available in English by the way). We also took care of all the material things - sorted out our basement, got additional second-hand clothing, organized the storage in the nursery and around the apartment, did initial shopping for the first few weeks, and, of course, organized the bag for the birth. I listened to an Israeli 

 about pregnancy and birth and continued to follow relevant profiles on Instagram with excellent and generous content such as 

 (all in Hebrew). In other words, we did everything we could to minimize the feelings of uncertainty and insecurity.

Given that this was our second child (and third pregnancy) we already knew what to expect, but somehow that didn't make things easier. My body still remembered the pain of the first birth and the physical and mental difficulties from the continuous lack of sleep. So to an extent, it was even harder. On the other hand, I thought of this as my last pregnancy and was determined to enjoy that feeling as much as possible. I always wanted two kids, so even though we knew first hand that not all pregnancies end in a beautiful and healthy baby, I tried to stay positive and optimistic, not worry too much and cherish this amazing thing that is happening to me, my body and my family.

We are very aware that every child is different and Libby has already proven that. Most things that worked with Robin as a newborn don't work with her and getting to know her is a process on its own. They have different temperaments and characters and that's perfectly okay. As second-time parents we are more laid back, we know that every behavior can change from one day to the next and that all phases eventually pass. So we go with the flow, get to know her and our new family dynamic and do the best we can.

My pregnancy and birth in Berlin

A list of museums, attractions and suggestions for a family-friendly winter vacation in Berlin

Before moving from the Mediterranean weather of sunny Israel to Berlin, one of my main concerns was the cold weather. I remember taking our dog Louie for a walk in our neighborhood just outside Tel Aviv, during what was a typical Israeli winter evening, and worrying about how I would adjust to the European snowy and frozen days. 4 years and 3 winters later, I can say that it’s not that bad. Yes, the winter here is long. Yes, I find myself enjoying every tiny bit of sunshine that I can get during the colder months. And yes, exploring the city with kids during the wintertime can be very uncomfortable. Just getting dressed to get outside the door, when all four of us have to put on our winter gear, can be exhausting. And don’t even get me started on pushing the stroller around town after it snowed.

Having said that, a city like Berlin has a lot to offer families who wish to visit during winter. The true locals don't believe in bad weather, only bad clothing, and can spend a day out on the playground or the forest, even when it's extremely cold. We are not there yet, and after an hour or so we need to warm ourselves up and run inside. Luckily for us, since the winter is very long, there are many indoor activities to choose from. 

Here are a few of our favorites, all are listed in this 

 in Prenzlauer Berg with temporary exhibitions on different themes and a permanent indoor play area on the second floor. We were there twice for two different exhibitions and really enjoyed it. There are also craft tables with relevant materials and lots of areas to explore. If you visit, don't miss the amazing pastries next door at Cookies and Co.

Most of you are probably familiar with this 

 with different backdrops for exploring, playing, and of course - photographing. It's a bit pricey, but suitable for different ages. We went there with a baby, a toddler, young kids, pre-teens and adults, and we all liked the experience, and got some great family photos from it. 

That being said, an hour or so was enough for us, so it's possible to combine it with something else. You could easily take a hop-on-hop-off bus from there, explore the beautiful Tiergarten if the weather is nice, go shopping at the Mall of Berlin, visit the museum of musical instruments if you're up for something more educational, and/or grab a burger at Burgermeister.

Walking distance from Hauptbahnhof and by the lovely Spree river is the 

, which explores the future from different angles, such as climate, housing, technology, food and innovation. The building is amazing and very accessible, and the exhibition is very interactive and could appeal to different ages. On the top floor, there is a restaurant and a balcony overlooking the city. Oh, and it's free! If you are here, you could check out what is showcased at the Hamburger Bahnhof museum or visit the Museum für Naturkunde.

 with a permanent exhibition on all aspects of food - how it is grown and made, how it reaches our plates, shopping, cooking and eating, while discussing topics like environment, healthy eating, distribution and much more, all in a very child-friendly and interactive way. It is far from the city center but easily reachable using public transportation (S2 - S-Bahn station Lichtenrade).

Technisches Museum + Science center Spectrum

Two large museums, located side by side. Entry to both is possible with one ticket per person. 

 is all about the development of different vehicles, such as trains, airplanes and ships, and types of machinery like textiles, print and computers. 

 is devoted to science with different experiments on sound, vision, gravity, electricity and more. It is smaller but more interactive, and I imagine that most kids would love it. If you need a break between the two, and the weather is not too cold or stormy, you could visit the enjoyable Park am Gleisdreieck and its many playgrounds, green areas, skatepark and street-art views.

Another great duo for a fun family-friendly activity for every weather. 

 is very large and offers a few indoor areas that would allow you to escape bad weather, such as hippo bay, the empire of the hunters, the home of the monkeys and more. There are also amazing playgrounds that could offer the kids some excitement in between animal-spottings. 

 is right next door and is entirely indoors. There is a large area at the edge of the first floor where the kids can run (or crawl) around and it’s always my kids’ personal favorite.

One of Berlin’s most famous sites is the glass dome above the 19th-century building, which functions as the home of the German Parliament. 

 was designed by the British architect Sir Norman Foster in 1994 and is made out of steel and glass. Spiral ramps lead the visitors up to an amazing view of the city, and kids (mine at least) love running up and down the pathways. It is a very impressive building and the visit is completely free, though you do need to book your tickets in advance.

, even though it’s not as impressive as others that I mentioned here, it still offers some nice and interesting indoor time with the kids. Definitely better than a crowded indoor playground. The exhibition takes place in a large industrial building and focuses on ecological themes such as protecting the environment, climate change and animal kingdoms. If you made it all the way there, consider visiting the children’s farm Pinke-Panke, I haven’t visited it yet personally, but heard that it’s really charming and well worth a visit. The farm is outdoors though, so take that under consideration.

There are quite a few cute ones around the city, most of which I haven’t gotten around to visiting myself. The concept is very simple - you can have a cup of coffee, with a piece of cake or a bite to eat, while the kids are playing in the play areas. Amazing, right? The menus and facilities are naturally very accommodating for young kids and babies. The quality of the food and drinks, as well as the variety of toys and activities, vary from one cafe to the other. One cafe that I highly recommend (and have even mentioned in a 

 in Steglitz. The food and drinks are great, lots of toys and activities for babies and toddlers, and the owners are super nice and accomodating. You need to go out of the city center for it, but there are great shopping opportunities and playgrounds in the area. 

Other well-known cafes are - Kindercafé Wunderland, Mini Me Kindercafé, Kreuzzwerg and Kindercafé Spielzimmer.

If you are visiting between November and December, then you should definitely grab a good coat and all your winter accessories to visit one of the Christmas markets. There are many all over the city, some are more family-friendly than others and offer rides and different attractions, while others are organized around a theme like medieval, arts and crafts, local artists, etc. 

. A few of the best-known markets are Gendarmenmarkt, Schloss Charlottenburg, Alt Spandau, Rotes Rathaus and RAW Friedrichshain. You should try to come early before they get too crowded. 

If you want some more holiday vibes, the KaDeWe and Ku’damm offer one of the best locations for some sparkling holiday decorations.

A few other ideas for a winter vacation in Berlin -

- A cafe that allows kids (and adults) to construct ball tracks using wooden blocks, I haven't visited yet but heard great things. 

 - the children's section of the Jewish museum, it's supposed to be amazing but it's very difficult to get tickets (entry is free but tickets need to be reserved in advance).

 - we visited once, two years ago. It's going through some renovations at the moment, so make sure to check the website to see what is currently offered.

 - we had a great time here, but that was before the pandemic and I can't be certain that things are still exactly as they were.

Tag: Berlin