Walking from Gare du Nord towards Ixelles emerges to a journey through Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Brussels is a melting pot of different cultures, although critics say that its segregated cultures living their own lifes. Still, for a visitor it is astonishing and amazing.
In the past, the Danube river posed a risk in winter when the sheets of ice pushed upon each other and blocked the water flow. Severe flooding was the result. Today, it just looks peaceful when the ice sheets slowly pass by.
Széchenyi thermal bath in Budapest is certainly the most beautiful spa which I have ever seen. The unique setting within the 19th century building complex and the variety of different thermal baths make the visit an exceptional experience. Despite air temperatures of -10 degrees Celsius people enjoy the outside pools – even playing chess in the water. The biggest challenge is to expose the camera to the freezing temperatures outside and the humidity within the bath.
About two hours drive from Cologne the landscape is still covered in snow and ice. Next to crowded ski resorts one can hike through lonesome nature. The perfect setting for cross country skiing.
Swimming in summer and ice skating in winter: as far as temperatures allow, the small quarry pond of about 20 hectares offer many leisure activities. On a Sunday early morning the lake is almost yours, except few joggers.
This landscape reminds me of my early childhood. Sure, this tree could be anywhere, the grassland could be anywhere and the sky could be anywhere. The smell of the soil, the air and the water, however, is distinctive and intriguing. ‘Home’, I would call it. Or trapped in backwardness?
The reputation that Germans turn loads of money into ear-splitting noise, glistering fire, and breathtaking smoke to welcome the New Year is truly true. Picturing the detonating fire crackers was a particular challenge which may require further experiments in the coming years.
