Meet Bettina
Bettina Zydatiss is an education adviser for families with gifted and talented children in her native Berlin and is fascinated by how children learn and the way we use language to communicate. Bettina began her career in the late seventies, studying English and physical education at the Berlin Free University (Freie Universität) before working as a probationary teacher. In 1988, she became assistant to Professor Wolfgang Zydatiss, a didactics professor at the University. The new job changed her life as she and her new boss fell in love. They got married and their son Kolja was born the following year. It
Activity Highlights in March 2023
Besides our Annual General Meeting on 20 March—the highest highlight of the month!--the Club offers many opportunities to get out, see the city, and make and maintain friendships. Get Out and Explore Bröhan Museum Sunday, March 5 Did you know that March is the European Month of Photography in Berlin? Share in the events by coming with us to the Bröhan Museum for a look at Andreas Feininger’s evocative black-and-white photos of New York in the 1940s. Monday, 13 March Join a guided tour of Tempelhof Airport, providing an in-depth look at the historical and architectural background.
Activity Highlights in February 2023
Overcome the February blahs! Join us for a visit to an artist’s studio, a hike through southwest Berlin, a lunch or book or language group … So many opportunities to get together and enjoy! Get Out and Explore Monday, 6 February Follow the fascinating history of the artworks now in the Liebermann Villa, in the exhibition, “When pictures speak: Provenance research on the Lieberman-Villa collection”. From 1933 onwards, many of these pictures were stolen, taken into exile by their owners, or sold under the most difficult circumstances, and only slowly, later, found their way to their present home. Saturday,
Christmas party and charity event 2023
It was a very special holiday party this year! It was not only a party for the Club, but also a fundraiser for Hestia Frauenhaus, a shelter for women and children fleeing from violence in abusive relationships. After the party we were able to deliver €5.500 to the Frauenhaus, which will help to finance some much-needed projects at the house. A silent auction of wonderful donations culminated with the delivery of the items at the party: from a painting by a prominent Berlin artist to baskets of British food specialties, to silk scarves and a professional photo shoot and
Activity Highlights in January 2023
Get the New Year off to the right start by joining old friends and new for a tour, a lunch, a walk, a chance to polish your language skills, to talk about new books, or just to relax with a coffee and crafts or games. Get Out and Explore Tuesday, 24 January A guided tour of that classic Berlin landmark, the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche, including both the new church building and the memorial hall in the old tower. Our special tour will let us visit the gallery between the spectacular blue windows, which is not normally open to the public.
Secret Santa Christmas 2022
On 6 December our Secret Santa party celebrated the beginning of the Christmas season in our Club, with a Kaffee, Kuchen and Sekt afternoon at Chapeau Brasserie in Charlottenburg. The Brasserie prepared tables with beautiful decoration and the attendance of our members greatly exceeded our expectations. It was a lively and bustling afternoon! We had the pleasure of welcoming members we had not seen for a long time, as well as new members. There were Christmas songs, gift exchanges, chocolates from Rausch, lots of smiles, and best wishes for a successful and healthy 2023.
Activity Highlights in December 2022
Whether it's traditional Christmas events or unusual encounters with history and the arts, there's something for everyone in December! Get Out and Explore Thursday, 8 December Visit the Charlottenburg Christmas Market with us, sample the remarkable culinary offerings, shop for special gifts, and enjoy the spectacular background of one of the most delightful Christmas markets in Berlin. Tuesday, 13 December Meet with opera stage director Jose Cortes, who has directed productions in all of Berlin’s opera houses. In a relaxed venue at a member’s home, learn something of what it is like to direct operas, from the initial planning of
Activity Highlights in November 2022
From the meaning of life to crafts and games to waterside hikes -- there's something for everyone in November! Get Out and Explore Our events this month include inner as well as outer exploration! Friday, 11 November A one-day workshop, "Meaning of Life", with Dr. Bhausaheb Biradar, co-founder and director of the new Institute for Advanced Study in the Meaning of Life and Existence LLC, Eureka, California. Tuesday, 15 November A visit to the Villa Oppenheim, the former summer house of the Oppenheim family, which now houses the Museum Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf. In the special exhibitions we can see how a German
Activity highlights in October 2022
From Greenland to aboriginal Australia, from museum visits to craft groups and language and walking groups, there's something for everyone in October! Tuesday, 4 October Visit to the Samurai Museum, one of the largest collections of authentic samurai artefacts outside Japan. More than a thousand objects reveal the extraordinary artistry of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, while multimedia installations bring the distant era to life. Wednesday, 5 October Visit to Songlines: Tracking the Seven Sisters, an exhibit at the Humboldt Forum. This exhibition presents the Australian aboriginal saga of the Seven Sisters through dance, sculptures, paintings, ceramics, film, and song. Friday, 7
Activity Highlights in September 2022
The weather is cooling down, and our Club activities are heating up again! Join us for your choice of Berlin tours, foreign-language conversation groups, walking groups, restaurant meals together, book groups, a craft group … See old and new friends, and enjoy your city! Get Out and Explore Tuesday, 6 September and Thursday, 8 September Two opportunities to tour the East Side Gallery—the longest surviving stretch of the Berlin Wall, covered with the work of artists who were invited in 1990 to share their reactions to the fall of the Wall. One of the original artists will be our guide!