Paris

Three days after the deadly attacks in Paris on Friday, 52 out of 608 of my Facebook friends still take part in the social network's "French flag campaign" by applying the filter to their profile pictures to show their support for France. So did I.
Why? For the moment it's not a gesture of politics, but of humanity. Of course one could ask, why I don't use a Syrian flag filter or other filters.
Well, firstly, I couldn't find other filters. Secondly, campaigns like these are only active in special circumstances, in Syria for example people are dying almost all the time. When exactly should I change my profile picture? Thirdly, France is a neighbouring country and in some parts of Germany Paris is closer than Berlin! Fourthly and most important: I really feel sorry for my French friends and people I spent time with during my Erasmus semester. These are the ones of my Facebook friends who mainly use the Frensh-flag-filter. In second place are the ones who spent a considerable time in that country.
Thus, applying the filter is a lot about personal consternation. I think at first there is nothing wrong with declaring one's solidarity right after the tragedy happened. You shouldn't blame people for doing so.

Scars of War

While standing infront of this house at Ulica Jakice Altarca in Jajace, Bosnia and Herzegovina, I was wondering about the people who lived here. Maybe a family...? What did their life looked like? Why didn't they come back after the end of the Bosnian War in 1995 to rebuilt their former home?

To put it short, scars of war are deep. Some are visible, others are not. Outsiders are astonished why the country still is not cleared of mines. To the present day, it's dangerous to go hiking in some parts of the mountains. At the sight of beautiful nature in Bosnia you can hardly imagine the hidden danger.  

Anyone at home?

Somewhere in Bosnia-Herzegovina. No sign "Do not enter", that's unthinkable in Germany. You can go sightseeing, but "ruinseeing" is much more fascinating. Even if it's depressing at the same time, because it reminds you of war.

Bosnia and Herzegovina - a young country after the bloody war

Lethargy, distrust, but also hope
In Germany, many people don't know where to find Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) on the map. Well, it's the neighbouring country of Kroatia, where many tourists spend their summer holidays at the beach.

20 years after the Bosnian war in 1992 to 1995, people in BiH still struggle with the aftermath of war. At the theatre, like at the Sarajevo war theatre, they try to come to terms with pain and hate.

Refugees in München - towards a brighter future

 München, Southern Germany. A lot of refugees arrived here during the last days and weeks. 

They try to find a new home, they try to find roads and tracks towards a brighter future. 

Some are successful, others fail.

pic: SF

One weekend in June - Inside Ukraine (Lviv)

Taste the waste - it's good!

This is one of many monster-zucchinis which are saved from the dustbin. It grew at the field of a farmer in Leverkusen and it has only the baby-size of the big monsters! I couldn't carry the heavier ones home... But I decided to give this zucchini a chance, maybe it's tasty?