Thomas Holbach

Longer time ago, I took part in the protest against the policy of the G8 in Rostock. It was an amazing experience to be part of such a big event, but on the other side quite sad, that it became violent at some places.

During the protest I took a lot of photos, which received mostly rave reviews, but on the other side, it was said that they just represent one point of view, or one perspective of such a protest.

One the one hand, I have to admit, that the pictures cast a damning light on the police, gaining a view of a police state, and ignore the quite aggressive black block at such events. It was a safer spot, to take photos close to the police, out of harm’s way - at least at moments, where they weren’t “in action”. Photographing a member of the black block would have meant to get a paving stone fair in the face.

On the other hand, people that took part in the protests agree, that the presence and measures of police were at some points violating the basic rights. A helicopter was omni-present and so noisy, that it was impossible to listen to the speeches at the main stage. In addition to this, the police intervented at some points of time where it was not necessary at all, unsettling peaceful and pacific protesters. But especially operations in the sourroundings of the G8 meetings were constitutionally most dubious.Use the “Read more”-link to watch the photos..

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Yesterday, I finally managed to move away from Münster’s district “Coerde”, which is totally outside. I’m now living close to the central station, and close to the city center.

Without the help (and the cars) of Hanna and Malte I wouldn’t have been able to move all the things to my new home.

One week ago the European Union celebrated its 50th birthday: Everybody is talking about the 27 countries being members of it. But unfortunately not everyone knows about a state-in-a-state, which is part of the European Union as well: Not Bavaria, but Užupis.

Užupis, meaning behind the river (lt:Už upis), is a small part of Vilnius old town. Exactly 10 years ago the (mock) Republic of Užupis was proclaimed with a modern constitution, which entitles its citizens to have the right to:

§ 1: live by the river Vilnelė, while the river has the right to flow by everyone.

§ 3: die, but it’s not necessary.

§ 5: be unique.

§ 6: love.

§ 16: to be happy.

§ 17: to be unhappy.

§ 21: appreciate their unimportance.

The small area between the rivers is often compared to Montmartre in Paris, and they even have a some kind of community partnership.

The Užupis angel is probably the most famous monument in Užupis. It symbolizes the freedom of art in the republic.

There is a lovely tradition in Vilnius (and in many other countries, too): You place a padlock at bridges when you become a fresh couple, to ensure that your interpersonal connection is safe and eternal.

“Nes man atrodo aš tave įsikliopinau…” meaning “Because it seems to me that I fell in love with you.”

So, all in a nutshell, in the words of John F. Kenndy:

Two thousand years ago, the proudest boast was “civis Romanus sum.” Today in the world of freedom, the proudest boast is “Ich bin ein Berliner.”

Nowadays (more than 40 years after his speech) the proudest boast is “Aš esu Užupio biurgeris.”

During the last days, I got a few mails, which asked me to take part in “an action against the climatechange” and to “dimm down the lights” between 7.55 and 8.00 PM, today. The aim was to set a sign, because of the distribution of a new file of climatologic experts of the United Nations. The mail asked to “bring out a message that will attract the attention of our politicians and leaders”. I like the idea of this action, but on the other side, it’s maybe a bigger challenge drawing everyone’s attention to this global problem.

Anyway, people in Münster didn’t like the idea too much - here the difference between 7:43 and 7:58.

But Betty, my flatmate, and me enjoyed the time, having a fancy dinner.