ONLINE EXPERIENCE
Back in Time with My WW II Pen Pal
Online experience hosted by Maria
2 hoursHosted in English
Join online
Meet your host live on Zoom.
Up to 10 people
Private groups available for up to 30.
What you'll do
Our virtual meetup in Berlin will bring us back in time, to the dramatic 1930s in Germany. I'll share my special, inspiring and quite unbelievable true story with you.
One of the best ways to learn about a period in history is through personal stories of people who witnessed that era. Our talk will give you this type of experience.
I'll tell you a story about a Jewish boy who once lived in the house where I live now in Berlin. He accidentally met Hitler, fled Nazi Germany, and was my pen-pal for a while before passing away. His life with its crazy coincidences could be a script for a movie, and I feel really blessed to be able to share his story with you.
I'll show you his letters to me, old photographs, his memoire, and tell you why a vintage typewriter traveled all the way from Berlin to New York, why is a tiny rose bush in my courtyard is so precious to me, and why it is so important to pay attention to little things around us.
In the first part of the session, I’ll tell you about the specifics of ''remembrance culture“ in Germany, and we'll have a discussion about it, recalling significant memorials, museums, history books/movies.
At the beginning, we’ll get to know each other a bit, and on the way, everybody is welcome to participate in discussions, sharing their thoughts and opinions on the subject. So, it‘s not just my storytelling, but also communication!
Other things to note
Feel free to request another time slot if you have a group of friends who are up to a private experience in English or in Russian, I‘ll do my best to make it work. But, pls, check the time difference to avoid confusion! I will really appreciate if you propose a time slot using BERLIN time! Thanks!
One of the best ways to learn about a period in history is through personal stories of people who witnessed that era. Our talk will give you this type of experience.
I'll tell you a story about a Jewish boy who once lived in the house where I live now in Berlin. He accidentally met Hitler, fled Nazi Germany, and was my pen-pal for a while before passing away. His life with its crazy coincidences could be a script for a movie, and I feel really blessed to be able to share his story with you.
I'll show you his letters to me, old photographs, his memoire, and tell you why a vintage typewriter traveled all the way from Berlin to New York, why is a tiny rose bush in my courtyard is so precious to me, and why it is so important to pay attention to little things around us.
In the first part of the session, I’ll tell you about the specifics of ''remembrance culture“ in Germany, and we'll have a discussion about it, recalling significant memorials, museums, history books/movies.
At the beginning, we’ll get to know each other a bit, and on the way, everybody is welcome to participate in discussions, sharing their thoughts and opinions on the subject. So, it‘s not just my storytelling, but also communication!
Other things to note
Feel free to request another time slot if you have a group of friends who are up to a private experience in English or in Russian, I‘ll do my best to make it work. But, pls, check the time difference to avoid confusion! I will really appreciate if you propose a time slot using BERLIN time! Thanks!
Our virtual meetup in Berlin will bring us back in time, to the dramatic 1930s in Germany. I'll share my special, inspiring and quite unbelievable true story with you.
One of the best ways to learn about a period in history is through personal stories of people who witnessed that era. Our talk will give you this type of experience.
I'll tell you a story about a Jewish boy who once lived in the house where I live now in Ber…
One of the best ways to learn about a period in history is through personal stories of people who witnessed that era. Our talk will give you this type of experience.
I'll tell you a story about a Jewish boy who once lived in the house where I live now in Ber…
How to participate
- Join a video callUse Zoom to participate on your desktop or mobile device. After you book you’ll receive an email with a link and details on how to join.
- Book a private groupMaria can host private groups of any size, up to 30 guests. Private group rates start at $119.
What to bring
- Keen interest in history
- Desire to listen to a lot of stories (thought-provoking rather then fun and entertaining)
- Desire to connect with other guests, listen to their thoughts and share your own opinions
- Pls, keep in mind that this session might boring / uncomfortable for children
- 255 Reviews
- Identity verified
I am Maria, a passionate storyteller and a tour guide in Berlin. Throughout the years, I have been exploring the history and the unique spirit of this multifaceted, frenzied, and incredible city, I have discovered so many amazing stories, that at some point I realized I want to share them with people.
Working in PR and cultural journalism, I mastered the art of storytelling. Now, tour-guiding gives me a great opportunity to put these skills into practice.
Apart from showing visitors Berlin's hidden gems, I do translations, organize cultural events for kids and grownups, do yoga, and raise my two awesome sons.
Working in PR and cultural journalism, I mastered the art of storytelling. Now, tour-guiding gives me a great opportunity to put these skills into practice.
Apart from showing visitors Berlin's hidden gems, I do translations, organize cultural events for kids and grownups, do yoga, and raise my two awesome sons.
I am Maria, a passionate storyteller and a tour guide in Berlin. Throughout the years, I have been exploring the history and the unique spirit of this multifaceted, frenzied, and incredible city, I have discovered so many amazing stories, that at some point I realized I want to share them with people.
Working in PR and cultural journalism, I mastered the art of storytelling. Now, tour-guiding gives me a great opportunity to put these skills into practice.
Apart from showi…
Working in PR and cultural journalism, I mastered the art of storytelling. Now, tour-guiding gives me a great opportunity to put these skills into practice.
Apart from showi…
From $15
/ person
Availability for this experience is rare.
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Maria brings storytelling and history together in an intimate and interactive way. She engaged our family in the most interesting discussion, bringing history and it’s importance to the here and now. She helped us learn about ourselves without asking us too. We laughed and learned and loved the experience
Maria brings storytelling and history together in an intimate and interactive way. She engaged our family in the most interesting discussion, bringing history and it’s importance t…
5,000 stars! Exactly the human, heartfelt story and cross-Atlantic connection I needed mid-COVID. Maria’s knowledge was impressive, and I learned WWII from a completely different angle. She had such a way of connecting people — I felt close to everyone on the Zoom! Thank you — an experience I’ll never forget.
5,000 stars! Exactly the human, heartfelt story and cross-Atlantic connection I needed mid-COVID. Maria’s knowledge was impressive, and I learned WWII from a completely different…
Choose from available dates
4 available
Things to know
Cancellation policy
Any experience can be canceled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase, or at least 7 days before the experience starts.
Guest requirements
You’ll need an internet connection and the ability to stream audio and video to participate. A link and details on how to join will be included in your booking confirmation email.