WOW Berlin 2024
International Writing Retreat & German Culture Tour
Berlin, Germany
May 19–25, 2024
Only 12 4 spots left.
Breaking Through Another Side of Your Story
Everyone has the desire to tell a story or two. WOW helps you put your story into words on a page.
“Berlin, the greatest cultural extravaganza
that one could imagine.”
– David Bowie
Virtual meet-ups, classes, and networking will expand your creative mind.
And to go further than you’ve ever gone, stepping away from the familiarity of your space and the comfort of your local yoga studio to fully immerse yourself in a new culture will unlock a greater vision than you ever imagined possible.
Traveling to a captivating place will take you further.
Explore your next-level transformation right alongside an intimate group of creative adventurers and kindred spirits.
The most thought-provoking storytellers in the world have one thing in common.
They value the power of taking a break from the busyness of their lives and stepping back to reflect on where they’ve grown, what they’re making next, and how they want to create the next chapter.
Writing On Water (WOW) is a live retreat and cultural experience that’s been purposefully designed to propel the curious to their next level of story writing accomplishment.
That’s why we’re setting aside seven days so you can unplug from your day-to-day and tap into unexplored territories of your inner terrain while immersing yourself in a new culture.
The WOW Berlin Sojourn
Cultural and Storytelling Immersion.
A sojourn is a creative writing retreat experience.
A temporary stay in a space and time stolen from our ordinary days.
A sacred time spent discovering, living, and connecting as a local in a foreign culture.
Join us for 7 inspiration-filled days of culturally immersive tours, mindful movement, guided creative writing workshops, storytelling salons, and plenty of free time.
A traditional writing retreat would mean quiet, alone on a beach, or isolated in a mountain-top cabin.
But this is WOW Berlin.
Where we write WITH the noise.
Learning to write while life goes on around you is a skill you'll take with you forever.
Here’s a taste of what to expect over your 7-day cultural sojourn…
A lightly structured, focused, and spacious schedule, giving you dedicated time for learning, writing, connecting… and resting, recalibrating, and recharging. Perfect for introverts, extroverts, and everyone in between.
Indulge in lightly sweetened eis cream while relaxing under clear blue spring skies. Nestle your creative spirit in a hip, cozy home at the heart of bustling Berlin.
Changing your creative writing scenery unlocks fresh ideas.
You’ll inhale vibrant city art, music, and life and exhale your fresh inspiration onto the page. Balancing it all with the abundance of nature and flowing with creativity while surrounded by interlacing waterways and good company.
The city of Berlin boasts more bridges than Venice and more combined waterways than Amsterdam, Stockholm, and Venice combined.
Break Through to a New Side of Your Story.
The WOW Berlin Cultural and Story Writing Experience is for you if…
You’re tired of the pressure from the day-to-day and just want a good time
You love your quiet writing practice but if you’re being honest, you’re feeling a little isolated and craving connection
You have the freedom to travel, and are tentative about solo journeys
You’ve just begun and are bumping into some storytelling blocks and have a sense it’s time to shake things up and change your scenery
Your curious mind wants to see new things, uncover surprises, and enjoy exciting experiences
Prepare to be WOW-ed:
Create meaning in your life
Find adventure
Fulfill your need for curiosity
Enjoy group travel
Deeper layers of self-expression
Relaxation and an unrushed experience
Let our team look after everything
Stretch your individual experience out to the wider world, reconnect with nature and return home to yourself with a deeper understanding of life.
Your WOW Berlin Retreat Includes:
-
Luxurious Accommodations
6-night stay in the heart of Berlin.
-
Delicious Local Meal Selections
Savor breakfast, lunch, and dinner like a local with curated selections of global fare.
-
Movement & Meditation
Guided gentle exercises and stillness indoors and in nature.
-
Writing & Storytelling
Creative workshops and salons to find, develop, and start telling your untold stories.
-
East Side Gallery
Follow the history and art of the former Berlin Wall.*
-
Auf der river Spree
Sail along culturally rich shorelines.*
-
Tiergarten
German pretzel and lunch along with nature bathing.*
-
Free Time
One full open day to explore and savor Berlin on your own.
*includes transportation and fees.
The Location
Lulu Guldsmeden Hotel
A 4-star, eco-conscious, cozy hotel in Berlin.
Situated between Berlin’s trendy neighborhood Tiergarten and the upcoming Schöneberg, you’ll be within walking distance of many of Berlin’s loved attractions.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Sunday, May 19
3:00 pm - Check-in and get settled.
4:00 pm - Welcome session followed by a walk and dinner.
Day 2-6: Monday, May 20 to Friday, May 24
Each day begins with breakfast between 7:00 - 9:30 am and closes with dinner at 7:00. You’ll enjoy daily movement, lunches, and expert-led storytelling and prompt following. Each day also features a guided cultural experience.
There’s free time built into each day plus one free day (Thursday, May 23).
Day 7: Saturday, May 25
On our final day, we’ll enjoy some reading and reflection time after breakfast and check out at 12:00 pm.
Also available upon request: One-on-one 45-minute WOW advisory sessions
Meet Your WOW Sojourn Experience Facilitators
Berlin Lead Facilitator
Rose Marie Sabangan is WOW’s Creative Director and the smiling face you’ll greet upon arrival in Berlin.
Rose migrated to the United States from the Philippines in 1972 but spent her early childhood years schooled under the British in North Borneo.
A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and Goddard College (MFA, Creative Writing), Rose launched Writing On Water (WOW) in 2016 to indulge her passion for storytelling, travel, and community.
Growing a team of international professional creatives, Rose is thrilled to bring you opportunities to explore creative cultural sojourns in stunning spaces.
Learn from Guest Artists
-
Kavita A. Jindal
Prize-Winning Writer, Poet, Essayist & Reviewer
-
Jessica Gaynor
International Choreographer, Performer & Teacher
-
Martin Jankowski
Award-Winning Writer based in Berlin.
Write On Water With Us
Why water?
Water is the foundation of all life on Earth.
Water and its creatures have retained all memories from our planet’s beginning, and we find them flowing freely in our oceans, lakes, rivers, and human bodies.
As a fetus, we're 99% water
At old age, we're about 50% water*
* Emoto, Masaru. The Hidden Messages in Water. Hillsboro: Beyond Words Publishing, Inc., 2001. pp. xv-xviii.
Treat Yourself to the WOW Sojourn Cultural Experience
Traveling with WOW, we realize we belong to a way of life larger than we have been accustomed.
We learn and absorb stories outside of our own, ancient and new.
We grow our own stories.
We look after all the details so you can recharge. The retreat schedule allows plenty of spaciousness to slow down — to nap, to read, to have a stretch, people-watch at a café, and to make new life-long friends. Stroll and soak in energetic street art, historical sites, wafts of musical variety, and even a spa treatment before retiring.
Return home buzzing with new ideas, feeling refreshed and revitalized.
WOW Berlin Experience Investment
BEST VALUE
WOW Berlin
Single Occupancy
Invest in Full — Save $225
USD $3775 $4000
4 Spots Left
MOST FLEXIBLE
WOW Berlin
Single Occupancy
Deposit — Only $500
USD $3500 balance due by April 19.
4 Spots Left
Space is limited to 12 participants.
Includes all accommodations, meals, and activities as listed in the Itinerary.
Berlin airport transfers to and from hotel are not included.
Double occupancy is available upon request. Each room has one double bed (no twins) to share.
Are you ready for your WOW Berlin adventure?
Here’s how to sign up:
Step 1: Click the WOW With Us button below and submit your payment.
Step 2: You’ll receive an email confirmation with your receipt within a few minutes of registration and sending payment.
Step 3: You’ll get all your next steps and an official welcome from the WOW team, including all the details you need to prepare for an exceptional sojourn experience. You’ll also hear from our creative team with an invitation to share an optional writing sample 30 days before we begin.
To grow and foster a new sense of self expression that honors all life on our planet, the WOW experience may push, challenge, and change your perspectives — in the most beautiful way.
Questions about Writing On Water Berlin?
-
We meet you where you are and are completely inclusive. That goes for your story writing level and interests. We’re open to participants from all walks of life. We welcome all storytelling writers, creatives, artists, photographers, and anyone with an open mind to the page.
-
The nearest airport is Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), which is a 35-minute taxi ride to
Lulu Guldsmeden Hotel. The average cost for a one-way taxi ride is 45 Euros.
-
Check-in begins on Sunday, May 19th, at 3:00 CEST, so we recommend you arrive early in the day on May 19th or the day before.
Please note that grocery stores and pharmacies are closed in Berlin on Sundays. If you
need something upon arrival, stores are open at the airport after you pass through security. For pharmacy needs, please visit Metropolitan Pharmacy located in T1 Arrivals Level EO. For groceries, please visit the REWE market, which is located in the train station.
Checkout is on Saturday, May 25th, at noon.
-
All accommodations are single occupancy unless you request otherwise.
-
If a double occupancy room is still available, we’d love to welcome your guest too! Double occupancy rooms feature one double-sized bed.
-
All meals are locally sourced and organic when possible. Please let us know if you have any allergies or preferences.
-
Wear comfortable clothes that feel good to you. Loose or flexible clothes are best for meditation and gentle movement sessions. The average temperatures in May are from 72° F (22° C) to 82° F (27° C).
-
A light jacket or sweater for evenings
Short and long-sleeved shirts for layering — it can get cool at night, so layer up!
Comfortable shoes for walking in the city, a nice flat or boot with cushioning support
You may also need:
Sunscreen
A camera
Water bottle
A rain cover
Charger adapter – In Berlin, the power plugs and sockets are type C and F. The standard voltage is 230V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Spending money – To purchase souvenirs or gifts. Let’s not forget spa treatments!
Berlin is part of the European Union, and vendors and stores accept Euros as the preferred currency. Credit cards are accepted by some vendors. There are ATMs all over the city, so Euros can be easily accessed via a debit card.
-
Movement sessions are tailored to participants. Daily movement is designed to be gentle and inclusive. Our expert movement guide will work with you on any modifications needed. You’re welcome to participate in all activities or only a few.
-
You are not required to pack anything besides your favorite writing tools, such as your laptop, tablet, or notebook.
-
You may receive a full refund of your payment to your original payment method if you send a refund request to inquiries@writingonwater.net at least 90 days before the first day of the event you paid for.
After that:
60 days before the paid event: 50% refund of payment
During the event: A 100% refund if you’re present during the first day of the event paid for, but the event is canceled by Writing on Water (WOW) Corporation.
Please note that there are no refunds for leaving a Writing on Water (WOW) experience early, arriving late, or skipping meals. All activities are optional; however, if you choose to opt out of any of our activities or offerings, that is your choice, and you will not receive a refund of any part of your registration fee.
Still have questions?
Email us; we’re happy to help:
inquiries@writingonwater.net.