The Kiev (Ukraine) I remember

During the christmas vacation at my parents house, I rediscovered a box which contained several of my "old" analogue photographs. A good amount of these pictures were taken during trips and vacations to foreign cities and countries.

Back in march 2003, as part of a historical research project at my secondary school, I had the opportunity and privilege to visit and discover Ukraine, Kiev and its people. During our stay we worked upon a documentary concerning the life stories of former forced laborers, deported from Ukraine to my former hometown, during the German occupation in WW2. Despite these gruesome events, most contemporary witnesses, their progenies and even other foreign people, were friendly and candid to us. We learned a lot, during our trip, about Ukraine's people and their rich culture and history. We also made new acquaintanceships and friendships. Unfortunately the mutual outcome declined somewhat, during the past 19 years. But nonetheless, today's thoughts and prayers are with my Ukrainian friends and their families.

Initially I thought to publish these pictures at the 20th anniversary of this trip, by march 2023. But recent events triggered me to change my mind. Almost 19 years after we met for the first time, some of my friends have to defend their home country against an invading aggressor.

Take these pictures as a reminder that history was written today and the world, but especially Ukraine, will never be the same again.