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Introduction to Berlin, Germany: Highlights for Curious Travelers with Dr. Finn Ballard
Introduction to Berlin, Germany: Highlights for Curious Travelers with Dr. Finn Ballard

Introduction to Berlin, Germany: Highlights for Curious Travelers with Dr. Finn Ballard


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The last century of Berlin's history is truly dizzying. The capital of the doomed German Empire was in a state of near civil war following the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II, and the 1920s would see Berlin emerge as the European capital of LGBTIQ nightlife and experimental art - yet would also be characterized by the hyperinflation and political chaos that propelled Hitler to power in 1933. By the end of World War II, Berlin was barely intact, and the linens had hardly been washed after the Potsdam Conference before the tenuous marriage of convenience between the wartime Allies ended in disaster. By 1961, West Berlin was encircled by the Wall whose scar runs through the city to this day. And yet, following the Cold War, Berlin has regenerated itself once more: into one of the most vibrant and exciting metropolises in the world.

During this lecture, participants will receive a crash course in Berlin's most beloved boroughs: Mitte (downtown, where the classic sites are to be found); Charlottenburg (the genteel leisure quarter); Prenzlauer Berg (a once-dilapidated and now delightful neighborhood in East Berlin); Schoeneberg (the Gay quarter replete with galleries and antique stores); and Kreuzberg (the ever-gentrifying Turkish quarter). We will learn about how Napoleon stole Berlin's most famous statue, the Quadriga atop the Brandenburg Gate; where Marlene Dietrich grew up; how JFK made a legendary grammatical slip, and an awful lot more. Our guide will provide an overview of the must-sees, which of Berlin's 170 museums shouldn't be missed, and how to eat, drink and interact as the locals do. Whether you are planning a trip here, or are simply fascinated by Berlin, this talk is sure to enlighten you.

Led by an expert on German history, adoptive Berliner, and city guide since 2008, Dr. Finn Ballard, this lecture will help you master this enormous (and enormously complex) city. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding of the European capital of the 20th century.

Finn grew up in Northern Ireland before moving to England to study and later teach in the department of Film and Literature at the University of Warwick. He completed his doctoral study on German folklore and popular cinema in 2012, and has published extensively in the fields of Film Studies and Gender Studies. Since 2008, he has been living and guiding in Berlin. He now works as a historical advisor for television and film productions set in Berlin, particularly during the Weimar era or Third Reich. He is a journalist for the 'Siegessauele', Europe's foremost Queer magazine, and organises events at Berlin's English-language bookstore 'Another Country'.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

60 minutes

Customer Reviews

Based on 14 reviews
93%
(13)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
7%
(1)
0%
(0)
B
Beth Cogan (Fairfield, US)
Great overview

I have been contemplating a trip to Berlin and found Finn’s lecture very helpful, including both the broad overview as well as some very specific information that will make planning both better and easier. And this was my first experience of his lectures, it won’t be the last. He is engaging and informative, very accessible. Highly recommend, confirmed that Berlin is definitely a place we will visit and would definitely tour with Finn as well.

T
T.D. (Philadelphia, US)
Excellent Overview of Berlin

This was an excellent overview of Berlin which will help me in planning my upcoming trip there. Dr. Ballard is very knowledgeable about the city. He delivers the material in a personable, easy-going manner.

h
harriet segal (Huntingdon Valley, US)

Great overview for a trip to Berlin!

B
B.G. (Ossining, US)
A wonderful introduction to the city of Berlin

I've listened to most of Dr. Ballard's history lectures. It was wonderful to listen to this lecture about present day Berlin. It was filled with lots of useful and interesting information about the city

G
G. (Brantford, CA)
Berlin

This is so informative and interesting.

Customer Reviews

Based on 14 reviews
93%
(13)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
7%
(1)
0%
(0)
B
Beth Cogan (Fairfield, US)
Great overview

I have been contemplating a trip to Berlin and found Finn’s lecture very helpful, including both the broad overview as well as some very specific information that will make planning both better and easier. And this was my first experience of his lectures, it won’t be the last. He is engaging and informative, very accessible. Highly recommend, confirmed that Berlin is definitely a place we will visit and would definitely tour with Finn as well.

T
T.D. (Philadelphia, US)
Excellent Overview of Berlin

This was an excellent overview of Berlin which will help me in planning my upcoming trip there. Dr. Ballard is very knowledgeable about the city. He delivers the material in a personable, easy-going manner.

h
harriet segal (Huntingdon Valley, US)

Great overview for a trip to Berlin!

B
B.G. (Ossining, US)
A wonderful introduction to the city of Berlin

I've listened to most of Dr. Ballard's history lectures. It was wonderful to listen to this lecture about present day Berlin. It was filled with lots of useful and interesting information about the city

G
G. (Brantford, CA)
Berlin

This is so informative and interesting.