Our team is excited to welcome our Berlin City Host, Leen Eckman. Originally from London, Leen traveled often before settling into her home in Berlin. She shares our values at Behere in so many ways and has always loved showing people around and making them feel more comfortable in a new city. Leen is excited to show you around in Berlin and help you enjoy the best the city has to offer. Read on to learn more about her…
We’re excited to share more about you, tell us about yourself!
“I was born in London, England but spent most of my childhood in the countryside. When people picture the old English villages surrounded by rolling green hills, oak trees, cows… that was home. I’m the eldest of 4 and we are all spread across the globe. My
sister in Tel Aviv, one brother in the St Martin, the other in London and myself, in Berlin. Our parents infused the love and value of travel and exploration from the beginning.
I moved to Berlin to pursue my love of the arts. I studied Fine Art and have been working with / on various projects here since 2009. Since 2010 I have been working as a city guide, specializing in East German history and the Art and Culture scenes. In 2016 I gave birth to my son and in 2018 my daughter arrived, so the last couple of years have mostly been about motherhood and thinking about what’s next.”
What do you love so much about traveling?
“I love people. I’ve learnt some of my most valued pieces of wisdom from the people I’ve met on my travels. I now have friends all over the world, which is something really magical. Traveling gives different perspectives and new experiences. This has helped form my outlook and given me insight into how little I know and how much there is to discover. Intimidating but exciting!”
We’d love to know, what are you currently working on and what inspired you to start?
“Outside of being a mother, I’m getting back to my drawing. I have always drawn and am now trying to dedicate more time to it to see where it can take me. Additionally, I’m starting a podcast that profiles artists based in Berlin and working on another long-term concept, which I don’t want to jinx so won’t spill yet!”
Why do you think living in new places is so important?
“I believe living in new places and connecting with new people encourages you to think about and question the way you live. This is something people should do more often. Berlin itself, is a city rich in history and culture, open to possibilities and continuously changing. It’s a city unlike any other in the way it celebrates individual expression, nonmaterialistic lifestyles, and independent cultures. It’s something I value a lot, and love to share with people who visit. There is a lot to love and to learn here.
From my experience living in a few of countries and starting from scratch with no friends, job or home, I know how exhausting, time-consuming and lonely it can be. Berlin can be tricky to navigate, as a lot of things are found out through word of mouth, or hidden. I’m really excited to be part of a network of women living life to the max and looking out for / inspiring each other at the same time. I’m honoured to be the one helping get women excited and engaged with what Berlin has to offer, and help them hit the ground running!”
We’re dying to know, what’s your favorite thing about Berlin?
“Berlin really does have something for everyone, and for every mood. For example, I have friends who’ve lived here for years and have never made it to the major historical sights. I met a couple who moved here for 6 months just to go to the museums, of which there are over 300! Also, I have friends who fly here every month to go clubbing, as Berlin has one of the most vibrant electronic music scenes in the world.
One of my favourite pastimes is going to the cinema, and a classic is Kino International – built by East Germany in the 50s. Also, when the weather is good, there are so many parks, there’s nothing quite like watching the sunset, with a beer from a Späti (kiosk), on Tempelhofer Feld.”
Visit Berlin to connect with Leen, and find out all the amazing things Berlin has to offer. You don’t want to miss Leen’s recommendations and tips! To get started, head to Behere and find your new home in Berlin!
