Bøker av Erwin Zwaan

Chernobyl, one of the few places on earth where suddenly time stopped. A place where human life vanished and where nothing, not even nature was supposed to still exist. Now, 30 years after the biggest nuclear disaster that ever happened, nature flourishes. Trees, animals, they recovered and slowly but surely take over what once was Soviet's modern model city of the East. Walking around here is like walking through a Hollywood film set. It's as if you walk through a thick forest with cardboard buildings and other film props hidden away behind the trees. One difference from a film set though. These buildings are real, people once lived here. Entering these buildings makes shivers go down your spine. These are the places where you see that time suddenly stopped. People were forced to leave and hardly got time to bring along their most prized possessions. Books, newspapers, photos and even children's most loved toys and dolls were left behind. It makes you wonder who these people were, who they are today, how did they pick up their new lives and did they survive? Chernobyl is a place that touches you. Sure, we all know more or less what happened in April of 1986, some of you might even remember where you were that day. What I (and many of you) didn't know was what happened there after the disaster. I've been fortunate to see some of what happened with my own eyes and I hope the pictures I took give you a little insight of what happened. This disaster and more importantly, the aftermath is something that should never be forgotten. Even today there are people suffering and children being born with genetic defects and cancers.

Chernobyl, one of the few places on earth where suddenly time stopped. A place where human life vanished and where nothing, not even nature was supposed to still exist. Now, 30 years after the biggest nuclear disaster that ever happened, nature flourishes. Trees, animals, they recovered and slowly but surely take over what once was Soviet's modern model city of the East. Walking around here is like walking through a Hollywood film set. It's as if you walk through a thick forest with cardboard buildings and other film props hidden away behind the trees. One difference from a film set though. These buildings are real, people once lived here. Entering these buildings makes shivers go down your spine. These are the places where you see that time suddenly stopped. People were forced to leave and hardly got time to bring along their most prized possessions. Books, newspapers, photos and even children's most loved toys and dolls were left behind. It makes you wonder who these people were, who they are today, how did they pick up their new lives and did they survive? Chernobyl is a place that touches you. Sure, we all know more or less what happened in April of 1986, some of you might even remember where you were that day. What I (and many of you) didn't know was what happened there after the disaster. I've been fortunate to see some of what happened with my own eyes and I hope the pictures I took give you a little insight of what happened. This disaster and more importantly, the aftermath is something that should never be forgotten. Even today there are people suffering and children being born with genetic defects and cancers.

City life today in Budapest is much like city life in other big European cities. Locals are in the same rush as they are elsewhere, tourists walk around shooting pictures with camera or phone, hustlers selling iPhones to tourists, changing to umbrellas as soon as the rain starts. There is a difference though. Being in Budapest also gives a feeling of being welcome and a feeling of warmth. The terraces ruin pubs, street food. Locals fleeing their homes to relax on Margit island, tourists occupying the Buda Castle, young people taking a break on a terrace. Budapest is alive, there is something for everyone and without really having to search for it, everyone will find a way to enjoy the time there. In this bookI try to give an impression of what the city looks like while being in it and to give a bit of a taste of the warm atmosphere. The city breathes life. ***All content is in English and Hungarian***