Did COVID-19 make backpacking a thing of the past?

Backpacking is for many a rite of passage. It broadens one’s horizons, creates cultural awareness and empathy. Very popular among young people with limited budgets, its grandest appeal is that it's uncomplicated, accessible, and affordable.

But with airlines raising prices and many popular destinations like Thailand and Australia requiring PCR tests plus mandatory quarantine in state-appointed, self-paid hotels upon arrival, the backpacking way of travel cannot fulfill its basic principles anymore.

Read More

Hindsight Project.

This portrait of my mother is part of the “Hindsight” project by Booooooom, a photography project featuring portraits of people captured in a moment of reflection. Photographers ask their subjects to answer the following question:

“Knowing what you know now, what’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?”

My mother: “To compromise but not to settle. And knowing the difference. That compromising is good and essential for harmony, and settling is lethal for the self.”

Raziye (retired teacher) shot by Güzin Mut in Berlin, Germany.

Click here to see: https://hindsight-project.com/Gu-zin-Mut

(Not) a walk in the park.

Spontaneity is gone, and planning is useless. Excitement is rare. Stimulation - physically and psychologically - is practically scarce. Jobs were canceled due to budget cuts or safety issues, and creativity to realize personal work was in fluctuation. So what to do? To keep up hope and the spirit? To find creativity?

Read More