Bridge Clubs Berlin

February book selection: The Path to the Nest of Spiders by Italo Calvino

For our February reading, let's go to Italy, back in time. *Il sentiero dei nidi di ragno*, in English The Path to the Nest of Spiders, is the first novel by Italian author **Italo Calvino**, published in 1947. It is set during **World War II** in a small coastal town in **Liguria, Italy**, at the height of the Italian Resistance against Nazi and fascist forces. The story is told largely through the experiences of a young boy named **Pin**, an orphan who lives with his older sister and is often excluded or mocked by the adults around him because of his sister’s relationships with German soldiers. Calvino presents this harsh historical period through Pin’s eyes, blending gritty reality with moments that feel almost surreal or dreamlike. His narrative combines neorealist sensibilities with poetic touches, making this both a historical portrayal of wartime Italy and a deeply human story of innocence, loss, and resilience. **About the author** Italo Calvino (1923–1985) was an Italian writer born in Cuba to Italian parents and raised in Italy. He took part in the Italian Resistance during World War II, an experience that deeply influenced his early work, including *Il sentiero dei nidi di ragno*. He began writing within the tradition of Italian neorealism but soon moved beyond it, developing a distinctive style marked by imagination, clarity, and intellectual playfulness. Over time, Calvino became known for blending realism with fantasy, allegory, and formal experimentation, as seen in works like *Invisible Cities* and *If on a winter’s night a traveler*. His writing often explores themes such as storytelling itself, the relationship between order and chaos, and the search for meaning in modern life. With a style that is both precise and imaginative, Calvino is widely regarded as one of the most original and influential writers of the 20th century. **About the location of the event** It will be announced at least 2 days before the event takes place with all the details. **Event contribution alert** The event might require a small participation fee (3-5 euros) or the purchase of something to eat or drink in case we are hosted by a coffee shop. I will make sure to communicate that in advance.

Wettbewerb auf Clubebene

🎤 **Interner Wettbewerb – Vorbereitete Reden** Bei diesem besonderen Clubabend stehen die **vorbereiteten Reden** im Mittelpunkt. Unsere Mitglieder präsentieren Reden, an denen sie intensiv gearbeitet haben – mit klarer Struktur, starken Botschaften und persönlicher Wirkung. Jede Rede wird von einer Jury bewertet und am Ende ausgezeichnet. **Was erwartet dich als Gast?** Du erlebst unterschiedliche Redestile, Themen und Persönlichkeiten auf der Bühne und bekommst einen Eindruck davon, wie wirkungsvolle Reden aufgebaut sind. Von Storytelling bis überzeugender Argumentation ist alles dabei. **Warum lohnt sich der Besuch?** Ob Präsentationen, Vorträge oder wichtige Gespräche: Gute Vorbereitung macht den Unterschied. Als Gast nimmst du konkrete Impulse mit, wie du deine eigenen Inhalte klarer, überzeugender und selbstbewusster präsentieren kannst – beruflich wie privat. Komm vorbei und lass dich inspirieren von Reden, die im Kopf bleiben! 🎤✨ 📍 **Wo und wann?** Im Clubraum in der Trinitatis Gemeinde (1. OG Hinterhaus – durch den Hof). Unsere Treffen folgen einem klaren, motivierenden Ablauf, der dir Sicherheit und Raum zum Ausprobieren gibt. 📌 **Neugierig geworden?** Dann schau vorbei – wir freuen uns auf dich! Mehr Infos findest du in unserem Linktree (https://linktr.ee/meisterredner)

#4 social reading club – Kreuzberg · Tempelhof (DE)

**Come together. Read. Talk about it.** Vielleicht liest du viel und vermisst Gespräche darüber. Vielleicht hast du Lust, neue Menschen kennenzulernen – in einem entspannten, ungezwungenen Rahmen. Lesen verbindet, und genau dafür ist dieser Club gedacht. Dieser *Social Reading Club* ist für Menschen, die gern lesen und sich genau das wünschen: mehr Zeit dafür – und Raum für Austausch mit anderen, die das genauso fühlen. Wir treffen uns in einem Café am **Platz der Luftbrücke in Kreuzberg**. Nicht als klassischer Buchclub mit Vorgaben oder Pflichtlektüre, sondern als gemeinsames Innehalten: jede\*r liest für sich, egal ob Zeitung, dicker Roman oder Sachbuch. Im eigenen Tempo. Danach kommen wir ins Gespräch – ganz natürlich, ohne Erwartung. Dein Handy kannst du dabei weglegen – ich behalte die Zeit für dich im Blick. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . **So sieht ein Treffen aus** Der Vormittag besteht aus **einer Leseeinheit**. Wir kommen an, bestellen etwas und richten uns ein. Dann lesen wir, zusammen, in Stille – konzentriert, jede\*r für sich. Zum Abschluss gibt es ein lockeres Kennenlernen und Austauschen – über das, was wir gerade lesen, und das, was es bei uns auslöst: Gedanken, Eindrücke, Stellen, die hängen geblieben sind. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . **ℹ️ Hinweise** * Wir treffen uns in einem Café und sind dort normale Gäste. Also plane bitte ein, dort etwas zu bestellen. * Die Teilnahme selbst ist vorerst kostenlos. Als kleinen Ausgleich für die Organisation und um die monatlichen Meetup-Gebühren zu decken, freue ich mich über eine **kleine** **Spende** (Richtwert: 2 € bis 5 €) – vor Ort in **bar** oder per **PayPal**. * Eine Vorbereitung ist nicht erforderlich. Alles, was du tun musst, ist, etwas zum Lesen mitzubringen. * Die Treffen finden auf Deutsch statt. 🇩🇪 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . **🗓️ Agenda** **11:00 Uhr** Ankommen, Einrichten & etwas bestellen **11:15 – 12:30 Uhr** Stille Leseeinheit (konzentriertes Lesen, jede\*r für sich – gerne Kopfhörer mitbringen, falls es im Café etwas voller wird) **12:30 – 13:30 Uhr** Austausch, Kennenlernen & Ausklang

Saturday morning Badminton @ PLAENTERWALD, beginners/mid advanced, start 9:00

Berlin Arabic Book Club Weekly Session

📚 **Berlin Arabic Book Club – Weekly Meetup** Join us for our weekly book discussion. Whether you're reading a novel in Arabic, a memoir in English, or a philosophical essay in German, you're welcome to bring it and share a few thoughts. Each session is relaxed, with no required reading — just bring a book you’re currently into or one you’ve read and want to talk about. ### 🔸 What to Expect: * We gather, grab coffee or tea ☕, and introduce ourselves. * Each member briefly talks about their book (any language is fine: Arabic, English, or German). * We open the floor for conversation, questions, or thoughts sparked by the books. * Cultural exchange is encouraged! ### 🔸 What to Bring: * A book you're reading or one you'd love to talk about. * An open mind and curiosity. **اللقاء الأسبوعي لنادي الكتاب العربي في برلين** انضموا إلينا في لقاءنا الأسبوعي في مقهى **دندنة** الدافئ! سواء كنت تقرأ رواية بالعربية، أو مذكرات بالإنجليزية، أو مقالة فلسفية بالألمانية — فأنت مرحب بك لتشارك ببعض الأفكار عنها. اللقاء غير رسمي، ولا توجد قراءة إلزامية — فقط احضر كتابًا تقرأه حاليًا أو كتابًا أحببته وتود الحديث عنه. ### 🔸 ماذا تتوقّع؟ * نبدأ بالتعارف وطلب القهوة أو الشاي ☕. * يشارك كل عضو نبذة عن كتابه (أي لغة مرحّب بها: العربية، الإنجليزية، أو الألمانية). * نفتح المجال للنقاش والأسئلة وتبادل الأفكار المستوحاة من الكتب.

Let's Go Play Pool

Are you ready to break, aim, and pocket your way to a fantastic time? Join us for an exhilarating pool playing event that caters to everyone, from beginners eager to learn the ropes to seasoned experts looking for a friendly challenge! **What to Expect:** 🌟 **Fun and Inclusive Atmosphere:** Whether you're a newbie or a pro, everyone is welcome! Our event is designed to create a friendly and welcoming environment for players of all skill levels. 🎓 **Learn the Basics:** New to pool? No problem! Our event will feature a brief tutorial session to get beginners acquainted with the rules, techniques, and fundamentals of pool playing. 🔥 **Friendly Competition:** For the seasoned players, get ready to showcase your skills and engage in some exciting matches. Challenge others, make new friends, and enjoy the thrill of friendly competition. 🍻 **Refreshments and Socializing:** Take a break between games to enjoy some beers and socialize with fellow pool enthusiasts. Share tips, tricks, and stories about your best shots or most memorable games. **How to Join:** **1.** **RSVP**: Secure your spot by confirming your attendance on the Meetup page and purchasing your tickets online. **2.** **Bring Friends:** The more, the merrier! Invite your friends and colleagues to share the joy of playing pool and mingling.

Women’s Book Club: The Thing Around Your Neck by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

This week we are discussing Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - The Thing Around Your Neck. We look forward to seeing you! If you have book suggestions, would like to vote on our next reads, or join us for additional activities, please ask someone at the meeting to add you to our WhatsApp group.

SAT afternoon Badminton @PLÄNTERWALD, try out to play with club, 15:00-17:30

Squash Berlin FRIDAY 6—9pm @Airport

SQUASH SWEAT + TEARS WOMEN / MEN ACTIVITIES Players meetup at the club, play squash (with others around any level), train (if they wish), watch & learn from better players, make new friends, have a few drinks. Please be aware, we must take care to use our allotted courts. We arrange for these based on the sign-up lists. If many people sign up, but do not appear then the courts go unused and those on the waiting list miss a chance to play. In order to ensure this if a party on the attending list has not appeared, their future reservations will be moved to the waiting list. In addition, reservations will be allowed up to fourteen days in advance only. PRICE: €12 Kindly pay at the front-desk reception "before" you play on a squash court. Free for club members. COURTS 3 courts (1 + 2 + 3) @ 18:00 to 21:00 NEW JOINERS / TOTAL BEGINNERS We, the organizers — Oliva or James— are always available to teach you the basics and improve your skills to learn the rules and get introduced to players. Ask for "demo racket" at front-desk if you don't have one. PARTICIPANT RULES 1. RSVP to participate in meetup and play. MAX is 12 players. 2. Cancel your RSVP if you cannot attend. Be courteous to others who would like to attend. 3. Pay fee at club front-desk before playing. Thanks for your understanding and support AIRPORT SQUASH & FITNESS CLUB WEBSITE http://www.airportsquash.de Become a club member for 36 EUR per month and play UNLIMITED! SQUASH CLUB INTERIOR as a [3d view](https://www.keepeyeonball.com/Tour/d77705fd-24dd-44a1-9f12-15bf3648036b/4K?sc=7&y=110&p=-1&tz=100&r=-1.13;0.18&l=0.00;0.00&mz=-8.70&d=0&m=1) courtesy oc keepeyeonball.

Sunday morning Badminton @ PLÄNTERWALD, for advanced and profis, start 10:00

✨ Speak, Lead, and Connect with First Berlin Toastmasters! ✨ (in-person)

Ready to captivate any audience, nail your next presentation, or give feedback that people actually enjoy hearing? Then come check out **First Berlin Toastmasters**, Berlin's oldest public speaking club. We're a warm, supportive, and international community here to learn, practice, and grow together. Our meetings are full of laughter, and every voice adds something special. The stage is a safe space, so come by, listen, and see how much fun communication can be. Please, be our guest! The most important people in the room aren't the speakers, they're the audience. Your presence, energy, and reactions are what bring the evening to life. **When** 🗓️ Every **1st & 3rd Wednesday** of the month 🕒 Doors open at **6:30 PM** \- Event starts at **6:45 PM** sharp **Where** St. Lukas-Kirche (near Anhalter Bahnhof) Bernburger Straße 4-5 10963 Berlin 📍 [https://goo.gl/maps/AhDfDmVndqbC9A1C9](https://goo.gl/maps/AhDfDmVndqbC9A1C9) You’ll find us in the **Gemeindesaal** on the first floor of the building to the right of the church. We look forward to welcoming you! Best wishes, John aka Yevgen Schweden - VP Public Relations Important note: We take pictures and clips during our meetings for promotional use only. By attending our meetings, you agree to that by default. If you don´t want to be on any picture, please let the VP PR or another representative from the board know (for example the president.)

Chess For Fun - back to the game!

A beautiful Kreuzberg Café La Tienda hosts us on regular, weekly basis. The owner is very friendly and plays chess too. Please, please respect the invitation and leave some money on the bar - it's a café, so please behave like in a café and carry your responsibility for the chess community you are part of. More then before small business need our support. Female players, beginners and hobby players -it's our event! Please note that the number of attendees on Meetup doesn't correspond the amount of people coming to La Tienda. There is a vivid community around, so we are always many!