Fiction

### **MOUNTAINS – Stories about the climb** ### **Live Storytelling Night (Berlin)** “It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” — Edmund Hillary Some mountains are made of rock. Some are made of doubt, distance, language, love, grief, ambition, or simply getting out of bed when things feel heavy. This May, THE BEAR invites you to an evening of true personal stories about going uphill — about effort, resistance, resilience, and the quiet (or loud) voice that says: keep going. Our host, Izzy Ahrbeck, returns to Berlin fresh from the landscapes of Patagonia — where the mountains are wild, the wind is real, and every step reminds you that climbing is never just physical. Come as you are. Bring your uphill story. Or simply sit back and listen. We climb together. *** ### 🎤 What this event is An evening of **true, personal storytelling—told live on stage.** No scripts. No acting. No fiction. Just real people sharing real moments when life felt steep: * choosing the harder path * starting again from zero * pushing through thin air * reaching a summit that wasn’t what they expected * almost turning back Some stories will be funny. Some raw. All of them human. Music for the evening comes from Rory, adding sound and atmosphere to our climb. *** ### 💭 Why come? Because storytelling isn’t just entertainment—it’s connection. You’ll leave feeling: * more connected to others * reminded of your own experiences * maybe even inspired to tell your own story *** ### 🐻 How the evening works * **Open Stage** \- We randomly selected storytellers' name from our legendary top hat 👉 Want to tell a story? Put your name in the hat during the evening. First time? Even better. We’re known for being a welcoming space for new storytellers. *** ### 🎤 Want to prepare a story? If you’d like feedback before the event, you can send your idea to: 📩 hello@thebear-storytelling.de When booking, choose a **Storyteller Ticket** so we know you’re interested. 📍 **Venue:** Theatre Pool 📅 **Date:** May 21st 🕖 **Time:** 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm 🗣 Language: English (welcoming to all levels and backgrounds) *** ### [🎟 Tickets](https://www.thebear-storytelling.de/events/2026/05/21/mountains-stories-of-the-climb) Entry is **by donation** (Recommended: €15–20) https://www.thebear-storytelling.de/events/2026/05/21/mountains-stories-of-the-climb Give more if you can, less if you can’t. Everyone is welcome. *** ### 💬 Audience question of the night **Tell us about a time in your life when the path felt steep. What kept you climbing?** *** ### ✨ Final note Whether you’ve climbed mountains, careers, identities, relationships, or invisible inner walls — this night is for you. ## **Our Mission** ## *THE BEAR* **has grown into one of Berlin’s most beloved live storytelling events: a place where strangers become a community through the simple act of listening.** Supported by: [THE BEAR e.V. ](https://deref-web.de/mail/client/3fe0d0dh9KM/dereferrer/?redirectUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fthebear-storytelling.us6.list-manage.com%2Ftrack%2Fclick%3Fu%3Db5d7f087b587f8f081c447437%26id%3Dfc0e2d8df3%26e%3D711d4db9af), [Moving-Speaker.com](https://www.moving-speaker.com/), [Female Speaking Berlin](https://www.femalespeakingberlin.com/), and [Experience Berlin Youtube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/@Berlin-Videos).

RSVP on Luma: [https://luma.com/y7jwd3nm?utm_source=Meetup](https://luma.com/g59otttt?utm_source=Meetup) Silent Reading / Creating Club is a gathering for people who enjoy focusing together in public. Bring a book, a notebook, a sketchpad, knitting needles, whatever you’d like to spend a quiet hour doing. All projects and all participants are welcome. We’re building a community of readers and creators who value depth, presence, and shared silence. The reading and creating isn't the real highlight, though, it’s in the people who return and make it feel like a familiar room. (Please RSVP “yes” only if you can make it, so we can save a seat for you and others on the waitlist.) Our Meeting Point is the **W66 Café**. There’s no entrance fee, but please order at least one item from the café and don’t bring outside food or drinks 🙂 No assignments, expectations, or pressure. Just a shared hour of intentional silence, followed by the opportunity for good conversation. 🕰 Our Agenda **10:30 – 11:00** Arrivals, ordering drinks/food, light social time **11:00 – 12:00** The Great Quiet Hour (Read. Write. Sketch. Code. Think. Sit.) **12:00 – 12:30** Optional socializing: share what you were reading or creating, or simply continue in quiet focus. ## 🏡 House Guidelines To keep this space calm and welcoming for everyone: • Silence during the focus hour (no calls or conversations) • Put cellphones on silent mode • If using technology, please avoid meetings or audio (headphones please!) • Arrive before 11:00 if possible to minimize disruptions

Silent Book Club is a group of book lovers who enjoy reading together in public. All books and all readers are welcome. (Kindly RSVP 'yes' only if you can make it, so we can save a seat for you and our fellow readers on the waitlist!) This page-turning party will unfold in the Café (1st floor) at the Bode Museum. There's no entrance fee, but please order at least one item from the cafe and don't bring any outside drinks :) No quizzes, no pressure, no assigned books - just a group of book-loving souls basking in the beauty of silent reading. **Our thrilling agenda:** 10:30 am - 11:00 am - Arrivals, ordering drinks/food (social time) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - The Great Quiet Reading Hour (where silence is the star) 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm - Optional socializing, share your reading adventures or just keep exploring the pages Stay for lunch, and who knows? You might just find your next favorite book over a pizza. NB: If you plan to go for lunch, please consider bringing cash, as some restaurants only accept card payments after a certain amount.

Join us for a relaxed after-work gathering of the Berlin Options Trading Round Table. Experienced traders come together to share insights on strategies, risks, and opportunities in today’s markets. We discuss volatility, market sectors, commodities, individual stocks, and also dive into future megatrends and their impact on society and markets. Connect, exchange ideas, and gain fresh perspectives—all in a casual, friendly atmosphere. We speak German and English!

📚 **Short Story Sunday** 📍 **Location:** Iska Café 📅 **Timing:** Every second Sunday 🕰 **Time:** 11:00 – 13:00 **Selected story: The Outcasts of Poker Flat by Bret Harte (\~15 pages)** 1st Link: [https://americanliterature.com/author/bret-harte/short-story/the-outcasts-of-poker-flat](https://americanliterature.com/author/bret-harte/short-story/the-outcasts-of-poker-flat) 2nd Link (backup): [https://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks/w00107.html](https://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks/w00107.html) 3rd Link (backup): [https://www.owleyes.org/text/outcasts-poker-flat/read/outcasts-poker-flat-1#root-75305-1](https://www.owleyes.org/text/outcasts-poker-flat/read/outcasts-poker-flat-1#root-75305-1) **A Slow Sunday Morning with Stories** The **Sunday 15 Pages Short Story Book Club** is a gentle way to begin the day — a cozy literary gathering for people who enjoy slowing down, listening to stories, and sharing thoughtful conversation. Instead of reading alone at home, we experience literature together. Each meeting invites us to step out of the Berlin’s rush into a calm space of imagination, reflection, and human connection through short fiction. **How the Morning Flows (Approx. 2 Hours)** **11:00 – 11:30 \| Arrival & Settling In** Gather at the café, order something you enjoy, and ease into the morning. **11:30 – 12:15 \| Collective Reading** We read a carefully selected short story together. **12:15 – 13:00 \| Discussion & Reflection** An open and informal conversation about impressions, emotions, interpretations, and ideas ✨Feel free to join only for the discussion part if you feel like reading on your own ✨ **What to Expect** Short stories are selected by the hosts and announced online before each meeting. No preparation is required — simply arrive and immerse yourself in literature and conversation. **What to Bring With You** • Your own copy of a story • Curiosity and openness • A willingness to listen and share perspectives • Optional: a notebook if you enjoy jotting down thoughts • Your appetite for coffee, cake, and good stories **📍Location:** * We meet at the Iska Cafe at Kalckreuthstraße 7, 10777 Berlin. There is no pin at the google maps yet, so please just come directly to the location and find us at the right door at Erdgeschoss. * 🚇 **U1\, U2 Wittenbergplatz \|\| U1\, U2\, U3\, U4 Nollendorfplatz** * 🚌 **106\, 187\, M19\, M29 An Der Urania \|\| M46 Motzstraße**

Welcome to **I WRITE**, a gentle space for anyone who wants to write—quietly, freely, and without judgement. We are a Berlin community of writers who gather together weekly to write, talk and recharge after a long week. Some of us journal, some write novels, some do academic writing, many people come without a project in mind and see where the inspiration flow takes them. This is a space to simply show up and write, a safe place to be yourself and to release all your layers onto the paper. There’s no set topic, no feedback circle, and no pressure. Just warm people, a calm atmosphere, and time dedicated to yourself. 🗓️ **Agenda:** * 14:30 - 15:00 **→** 30 min arriving, optional socialising (arrive early, meet other writers) * 15:00 - 16:00 **→** 1 hour of silent writing (headphones welcome, focus encouraged) * 16:00–16:30 **→** 30 mins break + optional chat or solo time (stay and chat or go celebrate the rest of your Saturday) * 16:30–17:30 → 1 more hour of silent writing (for those staying) * 17:30–18:00 → 30 mins of chat, and leaving 🎒 **Bring:** * Something to write with (laptop, notebook, phone, typewriter… anything goes) * Something to drink (there is no cafeteria, unfortunately) * Your current project or a blank page * Yourself, exactly as you are **👉 Responsibility:** * Our location is limited; thus, I am kindly asking you to RSVP only if you are willing to attend. **📍Location:** * We meet at **Heinrich Schulz Library in Charlottenburg**. In the library, go look for the Gruppenraum; I will be waiting for you there. Any trouble finding the room, I will come to meet you outside. * 🚇 U7 **Richard-Wagner-Platz** * 🚌 M45 Bus **U Richard-Wagner-Platz** **About me:** Hi, my name is Anastasia. I started this writing club back in May 2025. Since then, it has been hosted weekly at the Heinrich Schulz Library (who is kind enough to allow us to use this room for free). Over this time, I’ve been privileged to meet some of the most creative and kind minds in Berlin. And I would be happy if you joined us. Whether you're an experienced writer or just at the beginning of your journey, you're welcome. If you know how to hold a pen or how to type, there will always be a space for you. Let's write together!

Attend a free seminar on how to have successful and lasting relationships. At this seminar you will learn: How to spot and handle negative and toxic relationships. How to get through the "rough patches" in a relationship. How to choose the right people to work with. The three things that make or break any relationship. How to make a good relationship great. All are welcome. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. Hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

Join us as we kick off Summer Movie Season with a Happy Hour & a movie event to see the sci-fi action-adventure, THE MANDOLARIAN AND GROGU! The sci-fi action-adventure follows a lone bounty hunter and his apprentice Grogu (Baby Yoda) embark on an exciting new Star Wars adventure. Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: In the film, Djarin and his apprentice Grogu are enlisted by the New Republic during a period where remaining Imperial warlords threaten the galaxy. The film is written/directed by Jon Favreau (the mastermind behind the early MCU films) and stars Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwild1rw7Aw HAPPY HOUR PLAN: For Happy Hour food and drinks before the show we’ll meet in the bar area at nearby Bravo at 5:15pm! We’ll have a section reserved for the group, so keep an eye out for us and we’ll keep one out for you! CMG Pro Tip: If you can, bring cash as it helps make for a quicker exit from the restaurant. MOVIE PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:45pm showing and meet in the lobby area at 6:30pm! Tickets on sale now and advance purchase as soon as possible is advised! Once you have yours, please list you seat number in the Comments section of this event. Happy Summer and See You Soon, Dan

This is a free, in-person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

By popular demand, the group wanted to read and discuss the semi-autobiographical novel by Henri-Pierre Roche, that inspired the Truffaut movie we watched last year. The book is available through the Columbus Library's interlibrary loan system. They reported there are twenty-eight copies available in the state of Ohio. If you have a library card, you can file an interlibrary loan request here: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/library-services/ . There are also used copies available on Amazon and eBay for under twenty dollars. You may want to rewatch the movie after reading the book, so we can compare and contrast in our discussion. The Columbus Library has four copies on DVD, and it's streaming on HBOMax.

🌙 **Online Speed Dating for Cleveland Singles — Real Connections, Long-Term Thinking** If you're tired of apps that lead nowhere and want real face-to-face conversation with Cleveland singles who mean it — this is that event. Live on Zoom. Guided from start to finish. Designed for people looking long-term. **Pick your age bracket to claim your spot:** - Ages 18-32: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=532.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0) - Ages 30-46: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=532.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0) - Ages 40-58: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=532.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0) - Ages 55+: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=532.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=55+&face_v=2.0) 🔔 Clicking RSVP here is not enough. Register through your age group link and finish the personality quiz to be confirmed. --- **How it works:** 1. Register via your age group link and complete the personality quiz. 2. Join Zoom at the event time — works on any device, no downloads needed. 3. Chat one-on-one with Cleveland singles in timed rounds guided by a friendly host. 4. Mutual matches are shared after — take it forward at your own pace. 🌿 Small groups on purpose. Real rounds, real people, all local to Cleveland. Register before spots fill.