A short but sweet weekend with the kids, just 2.5 from Berlin

Our latest family weekend getaway in Germany was quite spontaneous. I read a post about this destination in a local Facebook group for families and I got really excited about it right away. The author of the post had mentioned a few attractions that could fit perfectly with our son’s favorite things, so we checked out calendars for the first opportunity and booked a weekend away.

As anyone familiar with traveling as a young family will tell you, this was not a vacation. It was a great change of scenery and a break from our routine. I really enjoyed not having to clean, cook and do the rest of the day-to-day chores. But all of the regular challenges of the baby-toddler phases are still very present, and you are forced to deal with them outside of your comfort zone. Having said that, I can honestly say that I enjoyed our time there very much, and so did the kids.

, a small town in the Harz district in Germany. Even though I saved on my designated 

 many sites, attractions and trails in other areas, we wound up spending the entire time in town. It offers many things to do, with a number of great attractions for the entire family. The town center is very lively with lots of shops, restaurants, cafes and gorgeous historical buildings. Every time we turned a corner I was amazed by the architectural details of the buildings.

 as a family of four, I knew that choosing the right place to stay is very important. We chose the 

 because of its perfect location and its impressive buildings. The room was lovely, the wonderful breakfast was included in the price and it’s located within walking distance from the old town center and a beautiful park. However, It was a bit unfortunate that we didn't have a kitchenette or even a coffee maker in the room. Having some of the meals and snack times in a private and more relaxed atmosphere could make a big difference when traveling with little ones. The other downside was that the room was a bit too small for us, and we didn’t really have a comfortable place to sit and relax after the kids went to sleep.

Speaking of sleep, it was more difficult for the kids this time around. We have spent quite a few nights away from home in the past, and this was the first time that sleeping became an issue. It did work itself out by the third and final night, but the first couple of nights were long and difficult. We thought that it could be related to the fact that both kids fell asleep in the car on the way from Berlin to Wernigerode, and a little too late in the day. So that is something to consider when you plan your trip.

#1 A coffee shop right outside the hotel and/or a coffee machine in the room is a must for us. The best time to relax with a good cup of coffee is when the kids are playing in the hotel room, and this felt like a missed opportunity for a little pick-me-up for us.

#2 Get in the car early. We wanted to have a quiet lunch at home before making the 2.5 hours trip from Berlin to Wernigerode while taking into consideration that the kids will nap on the way. That resulted in them falling asleep too late and then not being tired enough for their regular bedtime.

Our son Robin (3.5 years old at the time) is crazy about all things train! So this was the main attraction for us and we booked the tickets in advance. We got round-trip tickets that are for a specific train and time on the way up the mountains and can be used freely on the way back, without having to commit to a certain time or place to board the train.

We initially booked a ticket from Wernigerode to Brocken, which is the final stop of the line, but decided to get off one station before that, at Drei Annen Hohne because it seemed that the kids have had enough. I had a 

 marked on the map, but we skipped it and just took another train back to town.

If seeing the steam trains is enough for you and you don’t feel the need to ride them, you can check out the list of stops and timetables on their 

 and catch a glimpse wherever and whenever it is convenient for you.

This wasn’t actually on my list of sites and attractions. We set out to drive to see the monkeys at the 

, but it was a bit far away and there was a high chance of rain so we were looking for an alternative. I caught a glimpse of the park in a brochure and it turned out to be a huge success.

It showcases miniature versions of local buildings and sights, including the famous steam trains, which naturally appealed to our young train fanatic. In addition, there are a small excavator for the kids to operate (for an additional cost), a labyrinth, swing sets and a small food stand.

Right outside is a public park that offers many more play and relaxation areas, including a few playgrounds, a water playground which is an amazing option for warmer days, animals like donkeys, goats and rabbits, an enlarged chess board, a wooden stable with wooden horses, a large lake to stroll around, many benches and hammocks to choose from, and more. We spent a few hours there, and if it hadn’t started to rain heavily then I think we would have spent the entire day there.

This is one of the most famous sights of Wernigerode. The castle is now a highly recommended museum but we didn’t go in, as I thought that the kids are a bit young for that. However, the beautiful terrace is open to the public and offers a gorgeous view of the town and mountains. We got some pastries on the way and took a small break there before heading back to Berlin. The kids loved the fountain, they climbed up and down the staircases and we really enjoyed the view.

You could climb up to the castle on foot, by car or by bike, we chose to ride one of the few train-like busses that drive from the town center up the hill and back. That in itself is a nice attraction for young kids, and Robin was super excited about it.

My husband and I always say that it took us a few times to discover the best travel rhythm for us. Some travelers need to check all the boxes in terms of attractions and sightseeing and some take it more slowly. When traveling with kids you need even more flexibility and offer them chances to play more freely. Discovering local playgrounds is a great way to do that. It falls somewhere in the middle between the new and the familiar and you can immediately tell how easy it is for them to blend in. You could “squeeze” that in at any time, there is no queuing involved and it’s free!

We got to three different playgrounds, and all of them are marked on my 

. One of them is located in the middle of the Lustgarten park, which could double as a picnic location, or just as a green and calming break in the middle of the day.


We passed by this restaurant on our way to the town center, and couldn't help but notice the diverse menu and the amazing BBQ aroma. We ate here twice and sat both in the backyard and inside. The service was very friendly, the food was great (except for the regular schnitzel) and the atmosphere was really nice. The menu is American style with a few Mexican dishes and we tried a few different things that were delicious.


Italian food is always a good idea, especially with kids. We had to wait a bit for a table here for dinner, but the meal was definitely worth it. In general, you should make a reservation for restaurants during the weekend, but we preferred to keep our schedule flexible.


The cafes in town close up quite early, so we found ourselves here a couple of times, their hours are slightly longer and it was located close by to our hotel. While the coffee was okay and nothing special, what really stood out was the service and the little kiddy buggies up front, which are available for the kids to ride in the pedestrian-only street.

Weekend getaway in Wernigerode, Germany

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

Tips and tricks on maintaining a tidy and organized home 

Let me start by saying that I really love it when our home is clean and tidy. Our home is in constant need of organizing, cleaning, and maintaining, and sometimes the mess drives me completely crazy. However, with a toddler, a neurodivergent child, a dog, and two careers, we can’t and don’t want to spend all our time and energy cleaning up. Our time is so valuable, but so is an organized home. Our space can affect our mood and energy, hence I felt that I need to find that balance in a way that works for me, my family and my schedule. Naturally, some days it works better than others, but in this post and the next one that will follow in a few weeks, I’ll share how we do it in our home. You can also jump to my 

, where I gathered all my videos on this subject.

Even though we wake up early, our mornings can be quite chaotic, therefore it does not include any tidying up. We are focused on our breakfast, first cups of coffee, and getting both kids to daycare fully clothed and with snack boxes in hand. However, I have chosen two small things to clean up before I start my workday that don’t take me more than 5 minutes to do - making the bed and cleaning up the dining table, which doubles as my workspace during “office hours”. Those two small things help me start my day more organized and with the feeling that I’m in control. Because I work from home, I have the luxury of doing that after the kids are already in daycare, but even if that wasn’t the case, I am certain that I would manage to squeeze it in before we leave.


Choose two small things around the house that are meaningful to you and that you can get done in a few short minutes during your morning routine. It can be the bed, desk, kitchen counter, or whatever provides you with that sense of calmness and comfort. Make sure to check those boxes before you start your day. If you work from home, it will provide you with a better organized and serene environment, and if you work outside the home, do it for your future self, who will feel better coming back to a slightly more organized home.

To keep myself sane and maintain a peaceful atmosphere in the house, I do my best to tidy up before we start our bedtime routine. We don't do it every day, I must admit. When we had one child it was easier to maintain, but now with two our evenings can be overwhelming and terribly messy. Still, our routine usually works to some extent. One of us is there with the kids, and the other one cleans up, usually after dinner and before bath time. We try to involve the kids but don't push too hard on it. Most of the time it takes 10-15 minutes, and it allows us to feel more relaxed and comfortable, and enjoy what's left of our evening.

I work from home, and as a mom of two without a substantial support system, my time is very limited. Therefore, I really try not to get sucked into housework and chores during my workday. If the house is extremely messy, then I'll set a timer for 10-15 minutes and tidy up whatever I manage to, within that time frame. You could decide on any boundary that suits you, for instance until your coffee is ready, until your meeting starts, etc. As long as it is limited and you stick to the time frame that you established.

Every once in a while, there is a specific area, shelf, drawer, or corner in the house that gets really messy and screams for attention. When our environment is constantly chaotic and disorganized, it can seem overwhelming and almost impossible to get things back in shape. So my suggestion - do it one at a time. When you have a few minutes, use them to dive into that specific area that drives you crazy whenever you look at it.

This tip is about all of those little misplaced items around the house. We constantly have stuff that's laying around out of place - an animal figurine under the sofa, a lost piece of paper in the hall, a dirty towel on the floor, a missing puzzle piece in the kitchen, and the list goes on. Next time you walk around the house and notice such an item - pick it up and put it away. When you do it on the go, like when you go to the kitchen for some water or to the bathroom, you don't need to make time in your day for it. It takes a couple of minutes and you can go on with whatever you were doing.

A big part of keeping an organized home is finding a regular place for every item or group of items, such as craft materials, office supplies, kitchen utensils, towels, etc. It makes everything easy to find and put back into place, and everyone knows exactly where everything is. When every item has a specific place, shelf, box, basket, hanger or drawer, you don't have to waste time figuring out where everything goes. You just do it, without even thinking about it. Store things where it makes sense to you and in a way that best fits your routines. Preferably, every object will be stored in the space where it's usually used.

It's no secret that kids can be messy, but there are a lot of different approaches to dealing with it, involving them in house chores and getting them to clean up after themselves. Our kids are still young (4.5 and 2 years old) and our approach will most likely change and evolve over time, but for now we don't force them to put things back or to help us tidy up. We teach them that a clear and tidy space is better and important to our well-being by modeling it. We do it with them, we talk to them about it, explain that it's important to us, and make sure that they see us doing it. We ask for their help by giving them very specific tasks, and do our best to not get mad when they refuse and leave us to do all the work ourselves. However, when they do agree and cooperate, we encourage and compliment them for being helpful, kind and responsible.

Organization tips for busy parents - Part 1

How to achieve work-life balance as an international parent

One of the reasons for our relocation to Germany was our desire for more balance in our lives. As our family grew, and two sweet kids were born, I found myself constantly reshaping my priorities and schedule. That kept getting more and more difficult as I went back to work, tried to re-establish my business after a very long time off, and with the challenges that life kept throwing at us. I have been working a lot on my own personal growth lately, digging deep and attempting to reshape whatever it is that feels slightly off. Therefore I’m very happy that 

, is here, to share her thoughts, outlook and practical tips on finding work-life balance as a parent in general, and an international mother in Germany in particular. Take it away, Gitanjali!

This is what I think about when I look at my life as a mother.

Remember the time when you didn’t have children? You probably thought you have so much free time. And now that you have kids and think back on that time, you probably think you had soooooo much free time when you didn’t have kids!

When people talk about work-life balance, they often think about their jobs and their kids. Self-care then becomes a luxury or “nice to have” or isn’t even a consideration. While you are taking care of your job and family, no one is taking care of you.

But I propose that self-care is the key to a good work-life balance. Maybe even the most important element.

So what is work-life balance? It has been defined as “a state of equilibrium” between the demands of your career and the demands of your family life or personal life. I think this definition needs to be adjusted to “work-life balance is a state in a person’s life where they have time to prioritize themselves and at the same time have good control over their jobs and family life.” This looks different for everyone, depending on your financial situation, the help you have around, how many children you have and many other factors. It is not 50% work and 50% life and definitely doesn’t work every day. The aim is to feel balanced about our lives as a whole.

Work-life balance for international parents in Germany

As an international parent, parenting becomes even more challenging because we don’t have family and friends close by who we can lean on for support. But we are not meant to live our lives the way we did before we had kids. And we are definitely not meant to do it alone. So it is very important to build a community of friends who we can lean on for support, especially as international families living in Germany. It can be for a couple of hours of babysitting, someone to talk to or meet spontaneously for a cup of coffee or just spend time together with the kids. We live in this world of hyper-connectivity where we can talk to our friends and families across the world but are least connected with the people who are in our immediate neighborhoods. Those are the people we need in our everyday lives.

While most parents find it difficult to balance their work and family lives, this can be particularly challenging for international mothers. We are battling decades of this image of “the perfect mother”, the all-sacrificing woman who always puts herself last, works non-stop to always be there for her children and has the perfect home. At the same time, we are expected to be successful at work. Most women who look like they “have it all” will tell you that they don’t do it alone. They have built a support system to take care of some aspects of their lives or their partners take over their fair share of work.

Germany offers a lot of support for working parents, like daycare, ample paid annual leave, financial support and part-time work. If you are a mother working in Germany, you can use these offers and free up some time in your day to take care of yourself.

The minute you start talking about work-life balance, everyone will mention a to-do list. But then we start adding things to the list and it seems never ending. It becomes a constant reminder of things we haven’t managed to do. But what is important to remember is that these planning tools, apps and calendars are here to work for us and not control our lives. They are there to make our lives easier and bring more structure to them. So don’t let them control you or make you feel guilty.

Work expands to fill the time available. So if you are always available, you will always have work. This is why boundaries are so important. It can be difficult to say no, especially to our kids or people we are very close to. It can be something as small as parting with the last bite of food on your plate because your child wants to have it. Or you look at your phone and have an email and think, “Oh, I can quickly answer this one and then I’m done”. Before you know it, you’ve gone down the rabbit hole and an hour later, you’re still not done.

We also live at work, so we cannot separate the two from one another. It is important to ensure a good quality of life at work as well if we hope to have a good family life. Not only do we have to make sure we don’t bring work into our family life, it is also important to make sure we set boundaries at work. Some people say, “when I’m at work, I’m 100% at work and when I’m at home, I’m 100% at home”. This sounds nice but practically, it is just not possible for most people. You end up thinking about chores and your children at work, and you think about that exciting project or dreading a work deadline. That’s normal. But if we organize our lives in such a way that things are taken care of, we will have fewer things to worry about or distract us.

Maintaining a good balance in your life clearly has a lot of advantages. It can reduce your stress levels, improve your sleep and mood and increase energy levels. I’m sure you’re now wondering what the solution is. Of course, like most things related to parenting, there is no one-size fits all solution. You have to find what works for you. Here are some of my suggestions:

: While we can make some plans, it is important to remain flexible in our minds because life with kids is particularly unpredictable. While we might have a routine that works for us, there are bound to be days when things don’t work as we hope or plan. In this case, we have to quickly find alternate solutions and change our plans. Having a support system of friends and family in this case really helps.

 in the way you live your life. Try to be in the moment, enjoy your life and don’t get caught up in negativity. If you feel extremely unhappy, take some time to think about what needs to change so that you find happiness again and make a plan to get there.

: from work and from technology. Put down your phone, stop scrolling mindlessly on social media or binge-watching TV. I am sure you already know this, but this unhealthy use of technology is ruining our sleep and increasing our dissatisfaction.

: For some self-care could mean going out with friends for drinks, for others it could be finding time for exercise. As mothers, we are often over-stimulated by our kids, our work and all our thoughts. So self-care in this case can be anything that relaxes you. It doesn’t need to be an extra, it can also be a part of your daily routine like stepping out for a walk with your baby and getting some fresh air. For me, the best self-care is organizing my life so that I always have my evenings free to do what I want.

The main message I want to leave you with is that you are important too. You are worthy of being at the top of your list of priorities.

Take care of yourself and be kind to yourself.

If you would like to work on your own daily schedule to find daily work-life balance and time for yourself, join my workshop on March 15. In this intimate workshop, you will also have the opportunity to talk to other mothers, share, inspire and be inspired.

So much work, so little balance

Our family-friendly four day staycation at königs Wusterhausen 

A few weeks ago we took our first vacation since sweet Libby joined our family, and since Covid came into our lives, uninvited. We took advantage of the summer vacation from daycare to get out of town for a few days and treated ourselves to a change of vibe and scenery.

Our son Robin is almost three years old and was at the time processing all of the changes in his life - going in and out of lockdowns and a new baby sister, which meant that his behavior and mood were extremely unpredictable. With that in mind, we decided to keep things low-key, in order to allow lots of flexibility without too many negative vibes if things didn't go as planned.

Our main goal was a slight change in atmosphere after spending so many months indoors and avoiding travel. We wanted a bit of nature, greenery, lakeside views and a relaxing vibe. Slow travel, if you will. So we decided on a relatively cheap staycation, meaning staying close to Berlin.

I searched through different Facebook groups for nice recommendations for farm or lake houses but hadn't found anything nice that was available. All I came up with were a few family-friendly resort hotels, but the really nice ones were too expensive and didn't meet our initial criteria on budget.

So I went about it a little bit differently and just started exploring Airbnb. I looked at the small towns around Berlin, looking for something not too remote but also close to nature, without a specific location in mind. After a few exploring sessions I narrowed down the list to a few houses and with the help of my better half chose 

 at Königs Wusterhausen, around 35 minutes by car from our house. 

The apartment was perfect for us - nice, clean and cozy with a fully equipped kitchen, a few games in the living room storage and plenty of space. There were two bedrooms, one of them with two separate beds for the kids, but we wound up co-sleeping in the master bedroom, which is pretty much what we do at home anyway. It was conveniently located on a main road, which meant that the supermarket was very close by, in addition to a few nice restaurants.

Upon arrival, we had an "official" tour with our lovely hostess, and then we had plenty of time to explore the space. Robin had a wonderful time opening and closing every piece of furniture and running around between the rooms.

If you are planning a trip to the Königs Wusterhausen area, check out the 

 I made on Google maps with all of the recommendations listed below.

 - Our first stop before checking in to our Airbnb. Despite the confusing name, which means zoo in german, this isn't a zoo at all. In fact, we didn't see any animals of any kind whatsoever, besides a few birds maybe. However, this is a nice and stroller-friendly circular path in the woods and along the river bank. Our toddler wasn't too enthusiastic and stayed in the stroller, but we enjoyed the lovely views and the relaxed vibe.

- The weather was really nice but not warm enough to get in the cold lake water. But we did  enjoy this beach, which includes a playground, a water slide and plenty of shaded benches to choose from. Admission is 3 euros for adults, 1.50 euros for kids, and children 3 years old and younger can go in for free. luckily for us, it wasn't busy at all and pretty quiet.

 - actually, the morning we went exploring the town started out completely different. We planned to go on a 

 in the woods, but 10 minutes into the path we were defeated by the hundreds of mosquitoes and the not-so-stroller-friendly path. So we circled back and decided to drive back to town.


The town center is small but very charming. After the drive to and from the planned trail, it was already midday, so we started with a wonderful Italian lunch. Then we walked to the Schloßpark and visited its lovely playground, which includes a few small water streams, canals, pumps and dams, on top of the usual swings and slides. The park itself is not too big and is located near the Königs Wusterhausen palace. We didn't go in, but if you are interested in antique decor and history you could check it out. After some well-deserved ice cream, we went back to our apartment, not before Robin blew off some steam on the pedestrian bridge that connects the main streets and the park.

 - This was our last stop before going back home and it is actually fairly accessible from Berlin (around 40 minutes from the city center by S-Bahn). It is a sweet animal park with birds, donkeys, ponies, goats and more. There are many different buggies available for the little ones to ride along the park paths and also various seating areas and a playground. Adult tickets are 3.50 euros, kids pay 2.50 euros and there are feeding bags available for a small extra cost to feed the animals.

After months of Corona regulations, it has been a while since we took our kids out to restaurants. But because we remembered that it isn't always such a treat, we decided we were better off having breakfast and dinner at our apartment and to rely on restaurants only for lunches.

Upon arrival at Königs Wusterhausen we went to the nearest supermarket and stocked up on snacks and groceries, such as bread, cereal, milk, vegetables, fruit, yogurt, cheese, juice, coffee, etc.

As I wrote above, our Airbnb was perfectly located on a street with a few restaurants, which enabled us to comfortably walk to lunch and back. A great find was a Greek restaurant, with yummy food and super nice and kid-friendly service.

We are no experts, but here are some things that helped us to make the most out of this experience:

Recreate the nighttime routine and vibe from home

 - we brought all the equipment we needed in order to recreate as much as possible the nighttime routine that our toddler is used to, away from home. That made the evenings and nights easier for all of us and helped reduce anxiety and stress.

Pack games and books for the hotel and for the road

 - we were lucky to find an apartment with a selection of books, puzzles and games, but that is a luxury that isn't always available. We packed a few new games to excite our son and a few of his favorite books. A reusable sticker book was perfect for the road, we took it out every time we sat down to eat at a restaurant and had to wait for the food.

Make plans but be prepared to change them

 the weather in Germany isn't always predictable, and don't even get me started on the lack of predictability of children... To best prepare for every situation, I created a Google maps list with different attractions, trails and options in the area. That allowed us to decide what works best according to the situation, mood and weather conditions.

Make sure the hotel is nice and comfortable

 - before having kids, we didn't spend much time in our room while traveling. We would usually wake up, get ready, go exploring and be back only in the evening. Traveling with young kids is different. We spent most afternoons in the apartment, so we really got to enjoy the cozy decor, the huge sofa and all the small details that the hosts so carefully laid out.

Staycation at königs Wusterhausen

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: Family