Leper

I have been working on a story about one of the last leper colonies in Europe, in Tichilesti, Romania. There are about 21 patients who live in what they call a leper hospital. In fact, it's a small community of nice elderly people who share a tiny village. It's more like summer camp, where everyone has their little room or house, with gardens, little vegetable crops, pets, and whatever they please. I'll post the story when I'm done but, for now, I just wanted to post a few portraits of some of the people I've been spending time with.

Russian Embassy Protest

A Georgian man protests in front of the Russian embassy, Thursday, August 14, 2008, in Bucharest, Romania. Approximately 30 people, gathered to protest against the Russian attacks in Georgia.

Oina Strikes Back. Literally.

Here's some stuff I shot at the final of the Romanian Oina Cup in Constanta.
*Straja Bucuresti warming up before the game
*looking for a ball (they're really low on funding, so they can't afford to lose equipment)
*practicing the bat grab (that's how they decide which team starts)
*warming up (remember Mizzou softball, Ben?)

Andreea

Lately I've been slacking, as far as my blog goes, so I decided to throw in here a few shots I've taken during these past weeks. Here's NG writer Andreea, one sunny morning, in front of a tea house.

Back in Prague

I'm back in Prague after just three weeks, for a sort of work exchange with the Czech Mediafax agency.

Seaside

People dance under the close watch of a bodyguard (1), during a concert in Vama Veche.

Oina

Players rest in between two games of oina. I am working on a story on this sport called oina. It is a traditional Romanian sport, very similar to baseball, which originated around the 14th century as a shepherds' pastime activity.

Home Again

Almost home. Back in Romania, on the way to Bucharest, we stopped for a couple of nights in Cluj, at Bogdana's sister. We've been eating and drinking ever since, hanging out with our lovely hosts, Cristina (pictured bellow) and Dani.

Prague

My significant other flew into Vienna. We then drove to Prague and Budapest for a short vacation.

Ode to Stam

A dear friend started a series that is his interpretation of the Olympics this year. Here's my tribute.

Tanzcafe

On the way back from the Tanzcafe (Dance Coffeeshop), where Pelvis was hanging on a wall, I saw this plastic model combing her hair.

Pоссия

Considered the top contender for the European title by most sports journalists, the Netherlands were sent home last night after an amazing performance by the Russian team. The match was in Basel, Switzerland, so I went to the Fanzone in Vienna to photograph the supporters.

* Russians watching the game, celebrating
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* Dutch lady in a square in Vienna, after the game

Spaniard Ghost

As I was walking down a street in Vienna, at 4 in the morning, this Spaniard suddenly stuck his head out the window and urged me to sing with him. Freaky.

Part 2: Vienna

Romania got knocked-out of Euro2008, so the only Romanians who advanced in the tournament are the journalists. I changed my headquarters to Vienna, where I'll hopefully photograph two quarter-finals, one semi-final and the final. And plenty of fans, obviously. It's such an upgrade to be in the same city where the matches/fans are (in Switzerland the closest stadium was about 100km away from my hotel, so I had to commute each day).

Yesterday I walked around Vienna a little bit, snapping pictures here and there, mostly in the fan zones (Germany beat Portugal last night).

Croatian Celebration

Croatia beat Germany 2-1 to take the lead in group B.

Ronaldo. Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal beat the Czech Republic 3-1. Cristiano Ronaldo lived up to expectations.

Fan Day

Another day with no games in my area. I walked around Zurich with a friend, photographing supporters in Fan Zones and bars. We ended up in a place called Coyote Bar, where the game was seasoned with pole dancers (not only professional *5, but also wasted amateurs *6).

Romania vs. France

Our team had their first game yesterday against France. A lame 0-0. The fans where great though.

Kick-Off

I got no credentials for the opening games, so I hung out in the Fan Zones, places with giant screens that were built up for people who couldn't get any tickets. Switzerland lost to The Czech Republic. Turkey lost to Portugal. Same score: 1-0. CAPTION CORRECTION: Portugal won 2-0 (thanks, PJ!).

Football Ads

Two kids pass by an ad in Zurich. Business owners in Zurich have adapted to the football fever, so wherever you turn your head there's some sort of football related ads.