Summary

Anne Bonfert documents her daily life in Germany through a "Photo-A-Day Challenge," capturing the transition from winter to spring, local flora, cultural elements, and personal experiences.

Abstract

In the 38th week of her photographic documentary, Anne Bonfert shares her experiences in Germany as the weather transitions from winter to a warmer spring. She captures the beauty of blooming spring flowers, the tranquility of her village at sunset, and the cultural juxtaposition of a Buddha statue in a Christian German town. Bonfert's week is marked by nature's vibrancy, the celebration of her partner's birthday with a traditional Afrikaans braai, and the discovery of unexpected cultural elements in her surroundings. Each day's photograph tells a story, from the multicolored Viola tricolor to the serene cherry blossom alley, culminating in a collection that reflects both her personal life and the environment she inhabits.

Opinions

Bonfert expresses a fascination with the beauty of spring, particularly the blooming flowers and the greening of the forest.
She finds the presence of a Buddha statue in her German village curious and is intrigued by its history and connection to the community.
Bonfert appreciates the simplicity and peace of her surroundings, noting the quiet evenings and the singing of birds.
She values the quality of homegrown strawberries, reminiscing about the aromatic flavor compared to store-bought ones.
Bonfert is open to the diversity of cultural elements within her environment, as evidenced by her interest in the Buddha statue amidst a Christian community.
She enjoys participating in and promoting the "Photo-A-Day Challenge," encouraging others to join and share their own photographic stories.
Bonfert reflects on the importance of being prepared to capture life's moments, as demonstrated by her use of a phone camera when her primary equipment was unavailable.

PHOTO-A-DAY CHALLENGE

Blessed by the Sun

Week 38 of the photographic documentary of my daily life

After our initial winter experience in April in Germany, it is now getting warmer. Day by day. The sun comes out and every day gets a little warmer than the previous one.

We’ve done lots of hikes as usual. Exploring the forest as it is turning slowly green. The branches are filled with tiny buds and the forest floor is covered in all sorts of sprouts.

I’ve walked around with my camera in my hand most of the time because of all the blooming spring flowers.

I’ve shared a picture of these anemones before. But only of the purple ones. Today I saw the white ones too. And in front of this free-standing house, these flowers attracted my attention.

Just before the sun left our terrace during sunset I managed to shoot this beautiful wildflower. Viola tricolor they are called and their three different colors truly come to shine in the twilight.

We were out and about today and when we got back to our lovely flat I got this shot of the village during sunset. It’s getting eerie quiet in town this time of the day. But peaceful too. Only some birds are still singing.

It’s my partner’s birthday and it’s a Sunday. For an Afrikaaner more than enough reasons to have a braai (Afrikaans for “barbecue”). And so we did. I started the fire. He put on the meat. Enjoying the meal afterward on our terrace overlooking the valley.

We drove through this lovely alley full of cherry blossoms and I had to stop to take a picture. But sometimes you are unprepared for life. I didn’t have my camera with me. My GoPro had no battery and my husband left his phone at home.

All I was left with was my own phone. Which is not meant for taking pictures. The 8 MP camera is not making justice to the scene. But hey, this is all I had. I use my phone for nothing else than calling and messaging. Except for now.

There is something in this valley that just doesn’t fit this lovely little German town. It’s the Buddha statue right next to the whisky distillery. I don’t get it where it fits into the Christian community.

Not like I have anything against Buddhism. Not at all. Rather the opposite. I am fascinated by their religion. But I would love to know how the statue came into this German fairytale village. And what the history of it is.

And then today I found this one. A second statue. On the other side of the village. This only made me more curious.

These strawberry blossoms remind me of the flower boxes back home. We had six of them hanging on the balcony. Each of them filled not with flowers but with strawberry plants.

My sister and I would often empty the plants of their fruits before going to school. These strawberries taste different than the ones you get in the store. They are full of aroma.

This has been my week in photographs. 7 days. 7 photographs. Anyone can join. Once of. Or weekly. It doesn’t matter. We welcome anyone! Dennett was the one starting this photography challenge sometime last year and many have participated ever since.

Erika Burkhalter / Eileen Vorbach Collins / Dennett / Sasha Meyer / Tracy Aston/ Lisa Bolin / Juan O. Aguilera / David Wade Chambers / June Nguyen / Mia Verita / Susan Alison and new to the team came LensAfield with “This Week in my Viewfinder”.

More about my photo essays…

Back in the Snow Again

Week 37 of the photographic documentary of my daily life

medium.com

A Cat on a Plane

Week 36 of the photographic documentary of my daily life

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Some More Traveling

Week 35 of the photographic documentary of my daily life

medium.com

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Anne Bonfert is a traveler. Photographer. Writer. Teacher. Skydiving instructor. Adventure enthusiast. Nature lover. And fell in love with the African continent.