PHOTO-A-DAY CHALLENGE
My Last Week in Germany
Week seventeen of the photographic documentary of my daily life
It’s that time again. Time to say goodbye. Say goodbye to your family and friends. When will you see them again? Who knows. Especially these days everything is so uncertain.
Most of my friends I haven’t see more than once within the six months I spent this year in Germany. Barely more than when I would have been out in the world.
It’s been a weird time in Germany. Different than normal. I spent less time with people and more time with nature. I’ve been on lots of walks in forests and across the fields.
I spent some quality time with my family. Living four weeks at my parents' flat towards the end of my stay. They loved it. They haven’t seen me a lot in during the past few years and then all of a sudden I’m there. Everyday.
But it’s over now. We got to do some more paperwork before we will be settling down to spend the winter months in the warmth of the Namibian desert.
So here are the last pictures from Germany. For this year at least.
Today we were invited. My sister and her boyfriend had cooked lunch. All four of us sat down together. We discussed topics like future travel plans. Which might fall into place or not. We spoke about our work. Or more their work since we aren’t working at the moment.
When my sister asked me last week about a get-together she mentioned she needed a photo of the two of us. She needs a photo for her bookshelf. She wants us to do a photoshoot so that she can select one afterward.
If that’s what is important to her I guess that is what we will do. Being the big sister I obviously care for her wellbeing. Having been so far away from her for years she needs my attention now.
Walking across the fields we are talking about the future while she is looking for spots for the photoshoot. All I’m seeing is autumn’s end. Lots of leaves covering the forest floor. Lots of brown leaves.
Most of the yellow, orange, and red ones have vanished. The grass is still green. But that’s about it.
My sister made me climb a tree, pose in front of the last rays of sunshine, and sit on a bench. My legs were not allowed to be crossed and my hands had a specific spot to be on. Trying to make her happy while the cold wind is blowing in my face.
Later we played some card games I haven’t even heard about before. It was entertaining. Creativity was requested. A challenge we all loved.
I’m glad I blocked this day from other appointments to spend some time with her. I do know how much it means for her. And after all, she is still my little sister.
Do you remember what this is? An old telephone cell. Recycled and revamped into a modern library. Take a book, leave a book. Or something like that. A shelf was put into this cubicle and books were added. As easy as that.
Waking up this morning my phone told me there are minus three degrees (Celsius) outside. I get up, roll up the blinds to open the balcony door, and get hit by a wall of cold air.
It’s white outside. No, it did not snow last night. It’s just frost. A thick layer of frost is covering mother earth. Cars, roofs, trees, and grass are painted white.
In between all of this whiteness, there are thin strings combining poles and branches. Spiderwebs. Usually invisible. Now the center of all attraction. Nature created some art. Once again.
Visible to those only who look for beauty in life.
Whenever I’m walking to my parents' garden plot I walk past this bush. This bush of pure brightness. The orange of these berries is incredibly strong. It looks so colorful since everything else has faded out by now. Autumn has vanished.
But not entirely. Now and then some colorful leftover pieces are waiting for you. Just around your corner. So keep your eyes open.
Next to the sparrows, there is one more bird commonly seen in our area. The robin. A red chested songbird was usually alone. Not often seen as a pair. But their bright chest is a good give-away.
This one I spotted on my way home from my parents' garden plot. Sitting on the garage, looking around and jumping on the edge. A little robin.
Our bags are all packed. Full to the rim. And lots of things still lying around. Guess they won’t make it. Not this time. Having heavy gear-related hobbies and jobs there is never much space in our bags when traveling.
I have a few valuable things which always travel with me. It’s memories to family and friends across the globe. A small and steadily growing collection of Polaroid photographs taken on special occasions.
These photographs turn any flat into my home away from home. A metal string and a few magnets and my photo wall is finished. The photographs don’t take much space but bring me lots of joy and heartwarming feelings.
These last days I took a few more shots. Now the stack is ready for the next journey. Just like me.
Winter is here. Minus four degrees Celsius this morning. No snow yet, but almost every morning frost. Frost on the roofs of the neighboring houses. Frost on the cars, the bushes, and the grass.
The first signs of winter. Yet the last ones I will be seeing this year. This picture is taken from my room. The view onto the fields. It’s time to say goodbye.
Tomorrow morning we will be leaving the house. With lots of baggage and a long journey ahead of us.
I hate goodbyes. I’m not good with them. I am not a hugger. And I am not a person who takes long farewells. But the older I get the more sentimental I become.
I get mood swings a day or two before the departure. I get over-sensitive. I get stressed and sad. And this year everything is more intense. Getting on a flight involves so much more preparation this time. Which means more stress.
I just want to fast forward this scene. Up to the point when I’m on the plane tomorrow. Then I relax. I always do.
Hopefully, my next post will come from a different continent. If everything goes as planned. This has been my last week in Germany. This year. See you soon from the other side!
Since July I’ve joined this challenge started by Dennett. Every week I document in photographs. One photograph a day. It doesn’t have to be the best one. Just one that describes your day.
Lots of writers have joined the challenge over the months. Some only once, some more regularly. It’s up to you. Try it out and enjoy the fun!
