Photogallery

Distribution of relief goods
Journey from 27.12. till 10.01.2015
Photos and Videos:
Alexandra
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Front page flyer Moldova relief action
Front page flyer Moldova relief action
Back page flyer Moldova relief action
Back page flyer Moldova relief action
Map
Map
Review: Overview map for exploratory trip in June 2014. Route from Bamberg to Calarasi.
Review: Overview map for exploratory trip in June 2014. Route from Bamberg...
Encounters on the way.
Encounters on the way.
A family with their vehicle.
A family with their vehicle.
An elderly lady on the roadside.
An elderly lady on the roadside.
Meeting at the Town Hall in Calarasi, June 2014. From left Igor, Frank, Alexandra, and Mayor Nicolae Melnic.
Meeting at the Town Hall in Calarasi, June 2014. From left Igor, Frank,...
Final check of the list of the recipients of the food packages.
Final check of the list of the recipients of the food packages.
We had transferred the names into an Excel sheet. An employee of the town hall in Calarasi is meticulously once again checking that all names and details are correct.
We had transferred the names into an Excel sheet. An employee of the town...
Collection point December 2014 - Färbergasse 28 in Bamberg. Photo source: Google Maps. Many thanks to the city of Bamberg for making available the building free of charge.
Collection point December 2014 - Färbergasse 28 in Bamberg. Photo source:...
Access road map
Access road map
Dec. 11, 2014 - The pallets are delivered by the company Schenker. On Sunday Dec. 14 the trip starts - First delivery and packing action in Färbergasse 28.
Dec. 11, 2014 - The pallets are delivered by the company Schenker. On...
Preparations for the first packing action on Dec. 14, 2014.
Preparations for the first packing action on Dec. 14, 2014.
Boxes with food are brought and packed. In addition, the caps for Moldova and Romania are stored in cardboard boxes.
Boxes with food are brought and packed. In addition, the caps for Moldova...
A cardboard box with lovingly knitted caps which arrived by mail in Bamberg.
A cardboard box with lovingly knitted caps which arrived by mail in...
By and by the room fills with ready packed pallets.
By and by the room fills with ready packed pallets.
A pallet with caps for Romania is wrapped with foil to stabilize it for transport and protect it from moisture.
A pallet with caps for Romania is wrapped with foil to stabilize it for...
Five pallets are picked up on 16.12.2014 and conveyed into the freight warehouse of the company. Schenker. There, the whole consignment is collected and later customs clearance is made. On Dec. 20, 2014, there will be another packing action ...
Five pallets are picked up on 16.12.2014 and conveyed into the freight...
Dec, 19 - today Frank went shopping ;-). A bulk purchase was necessary to prepare the packages to be donated. Now goods for 100 packages are ready for packing ...
Dec, 19 - today Frank went shopping ;-). A bulk purchase was necessary to...
Dec. 19 - the pallets for the 2nd packing action are ready.
Dec. 19 - the pallets for the 2nd packing action are ready.
9 packet of goods in kind are received today. Many thanks to the donors! Helena and Frank are repacking the goods into shipping cartons.
9 packet of goods in kind are received today. Many thanks to the donors!...
All products are checked off on the check list by Anna-Maria and Susanne.
All products are checked off on the check list by Anna-Maria and Susanne.
Gregor, Johannes and Frank.
Gregor, Johannes and Frank.
Carton by carton is loaded.
Carton by carton is loaded.
12 cartons are packed in three layers per pallet. Each box weighs 28 kg.
12 cartons are packed in three layers per pallet. Each box weighs 28 kg.
Everybody "in action" ;-)
Everybody "in action" ;-)
Dec. 20, 2014 - Last delivery of donated packages and large packing action. At the end of the day 105 further packages are ready - almost three tons (!) of food were packed today ...
Dec. 20, 2014 - Last delivery of donated packages and large packing action...
Helena and Susanne grabbing a package and checking off the list.
Helena and Susanne grabbing a package and checking off the list.
Maria "securing" the shampoo bottles with tape. Shampoo and oil are put in a plastic bag, for any eventuality ... Later, Maria brings the team cans of tea and pizza.
Maria "securing" the shampoo bottles with tape. Shampoo and oil...
Michael with "shift foreman" Moritz.
Michael with "shift foreman" Moritz.
Moritz enjoys the pallet maze growing over the day.
Moritz enjoys the pallet maze growing over the day.
Clauda gets replenishment from the warehouse.
Clauda gets replenishment from the warehouse.
With several teams work is progressing rapidly.
With several teams work is progressing rapidly.
In between donated packets are. Here we see Margarethe bringing several packages from different donors.
In between donated packets are. Here we see Margarethe bringing several...
Together with Frank, the goods are stowed into transport cartons.
Together with Frank, the goods are stowed into transport cartons.
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Susanne 'delivering' the next carton with sunflower oil.
Susanne 'delivering' the next carton with sunflower oil.
The moisture-sensitive goods are as well packed in a second bag - better safe than sorry. This way carton after carton is filled and piled on one of the waiting pallets.
The moisture-sensitive goods are as well packed in a second bag - better...
12 cartons per pallet, each one labelled as "auxiliary goods".
12 cartons per pallet, each one labelled as "auxiliary goods".
The finished pallets are labelled and wrapped with a foil. "Working meeting" between Michael and Frank.
The finished pallets are labelled and wrapped with a foil. "Working...
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Moritz is now with grandpa Bruno getting the missing goods to complete the packages ...
Moritz is now with grandpa Bruno getting the missing goods to complete the...
The building is indeed drafty, but the temperatures are bearable. Fortunately, the weather is not too wintry and the work keeps us warm :-)
The building is indeed drafty, but the temperatures are bearable....
Already four pallets are ready.
Already four pallets are ready.
Also Silke has brought a package and then helps us with packing :-)
Also Silke has brought a package and then helps us with packing :-)
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Slowly there is always less space. At the end of the action, everything is covered with finished pallets.
Slowly there is always less space. At the end of the action, everything is...
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The next carton of noodles is "plundered".
The next carton of noodles is "plundered".
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Tanja checking the list - everything packed?
Tanja checking the list - everything packed?
How many packages are missing? Who will bring more kind? Which goods are left and what needs to be bought for the last packing action? Questions, questions.
How many packages are missing? Who will bring more kind? Which goods are...
Each carton is carefully positioned so that all are safely on the pallet.
Each carton is carefully positioned so that all are safely on the pallet.
Sticker on it - that's it.
Sticker on it - that's it.
Work is going on always faster and shortly before 1:00 p.m. we are running out of some goods. Michael and Tanya set off and get the missing stuff, so the last packets can be completed.
Work is going on always faster and shortly before 1:00 p.m. we are running...
Coffee break. Maria already supplied us with tea and pizza - thank you!
Coffee break. Maria already supplied us with tea and pizza - thank you!
While the last packets for today are packed, the big clean-up already starts.
While the last packets for today are packed, the big clean-up already...
Pallets everywhere. On Monday collection and transport to the shipping warehouse will take place. On Tuesday we will pack the rest ...
Pallets everywhere. On Monday collection and transport to the shipping...
Claudia and Frank making "inventory".
Claudia and Frank making "inventory".
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Shortly after 3:00 p.m. - finished for today, time to chat ;-) On Tuesday Dec. 23, 2014, we will continue.
Shortly after 3:00 p.m. - finished for today, time to chat ;-) On Tuesday...
Dec. 23, 2094 - Thanks to all donors and helpers!! From various kindergartens (Gundelsheim and Sylbach) and schools (Montessori School Bamberg) donated packages are received.
Dec. 23, 2094 - Thanks to all donors and helpers!! From various...
Dec. 23, 2014 - Shopping of missing items for the last packages.
Dec. 23, 2014 - Shopping of missing items for the last packages.
Claudia and Frank emptying once more some shelves...
Claudia and Frank emptying once more some shelves...
Off we go!
Off we go!
Today Anny, Nina, Claudia, Caye, Tanja, Bruno, Frank and Michael are doing the final spurt with packing. Alexandra taking again pictures.
Today Anny, Nina, Claudia, Caye, Tanja, Bruno, Frank and Michael are doing...
Nina packing according to "instructions" ;-)
Nina packing according to "instructions" ;-)
Last delivery - there was no more flour!
Last delivery - there was no more flour!
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The last of 150 packages is completed. Time for a cup of tea. Many thanks to Maria, who again provided us well with hot drinks!
The last of 150 packages is completed. Time for a cup of tea. Many thanks...
Time to clean up. Nina and Claudia drive two times more to the recycling center.
Time to clean up. Nina and Claudia drive two times more to the recycling...
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It is done - the finished pallets are picked up by the company Schenker. Costoms inspections will take place In their freight warehouse. On Dec. 29, 2014 the freight will be loaded and leave Bamberg. In January part II of the action will continue here.
It is done - the finished pallets are picked up by the company Schenker....
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Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
Dec. 29, 2014 - customs clearance in Bamberg, loading and departure of the truck: All pallets are ready for loading at the premises of the company Schenker in Bamberg.
Dec. 29, 2014 - customs clearance in Bamberg, loading and departure of the...
Loading starts.
Loading starts.
Pallet after pallet disappears in the truck and is stowed.
Pallet after pallet disappears in the truck and is stowed.
Everything is carefully stowed and secured by the two truck drivers.
Everything is carefully stowed and secured by the two truck drivers.
The consignment note is stamped, and then everything is ready. The journey can start.
The consignment note is stamped, and then everything is ready. The journey...
Departure at 11:00 a.m., first stop is Cluj Napoca in Romania. Three pallets with caps are unloaded there. Then the journey continues to Moldova.
Departure at 11:00 a.m., first stop is Cluj Napoca in Romania. Three...
Have a nice trip!
Have a nice trip!
Dec. 30, 2014 - A full pallet of caps was unloaded in Oradea, Romania. The parents of Liam, Lesley and Tom, have come to pick it up from Schenker, together with Liam and Emma,and store them in their garage.
Dec. 30, 2014 - A full pallet of caps was unloaded in Oradea, Romania. The...
For the drive the caps had to be loosely loaded into the car. Now these are again stored in the cartons.
For the drive the caps had to be loosely loaded into the car. Now these...
Liam' parents have come for a visit over Christmas. They live in England and have privately been supporting people in Romania for more than 10 years.
Liam' parents have come for a visit over Christmas. They live in...
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Jan. 1st, 2015 - Oradea, Romania. The team is complete, Gregor and Frank arrived by car. Together with Emma, Liam, Alexandra and Katrin they will visit places where Emma assumes poor people to live. Distribution of caps and scarves.
Jan. 1st, 2015 - Oradea, Romania. The team is complete, Gregor and Frank...
Out of the trunk of Emma's car the caps are distributed...
Out of the trunk of Emma's car the caps are distributed...
These are pipes in which hot water for district heating flows. Some people live between the pipes. As there is no insulation in this area, the pipes give off heat ...
These are pipes in which hot water for district heating flows. Some people...
An abandoned factory building. We assume people to live here. We roam the building and find a lot of "traces". However, the stocks seems to have be left long - not surprising in view of the actual temperatures.
An abandoned factory building. We assume people to live here. We roam the...
The halls of a former machine factory - by the way, according to the sign at the entrance of the office building these are "for rent".
The halls of a former machine factory - by the way, according to the sign...
An old man at another location of pipes for district heating. He "lives" on a place where the insulation has been removed.
An old man at another location of pipes for district heating. He "...
He gets a scarf, a cap and Gregor's last sandwiches brought along from home, as well as a chocolate.
He gets a scarf, a cap and Gregor's last sandwiches brought along...
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We meet some people on their way home. They collect garbage and sell it. This mother is pleased with the caps and signals us to follow her home.
We meet some people on their way home. They collect garbage and sell it....
Garbage collectors with their self-built vehicles.
Garbage collectors with their self-built vehicles.
The families at home.
The families at home.
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The apartments are extremely modest. In each cottage up to 12 family members live in most cramped conditions. Heating is done by wood stoves.
The apartments are extremely modest. In each cottage up to 12 family...
Jan. 2nd, 2015 - Oradea, Romania. We go shopping. In the Kaufland shop Christmas cookies are reduced by 60%, so we buy all the stocks ;-) Here we see Liam and Emma.
Jan. 2nd, 2015 - Oradea, Romania. We go shopping. In the Kaufland shop...
Gregor at stack exercise with biscuits.
Gregor at stack exercise with biscuits.
Loading the car. A taxi was as well rented for the short distance to the village.
Loading the car. A taxi was as well rented for the short distance to the...
Unloading ;-)
Unloading ;-)
Boxes and boxes of cookies, and the caps as well.
Boxes and boxes of cookies, and the caps as well.
The first children have arrived. Once the distribution has started, the news spreads in the village like wildfire. The children come running up from all sides ...
The first children have arrived. Once the distribution has started, the...
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Each child receives a cap and a pack of biscuits. Emma shows the little ones where they are to go. The adults and the village chief help to have the distribution run smoothly.
Each child receives a cap and a pack of biscuits. Emma shows the little...
Laden with their treasures, the children go home ;-)
Laden with their treasures, the children go home ;-)
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Happy children
Happy children
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The queue of people does not decrease. Katrin and Emma in action.
The queue of people does not decrease. Katrin and Emma in action.
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Thanks!
Thanks!
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The next stop. Near the garbage dump we meet a family. They are just taking their meagre belongings out of the house. We get to know that they have been kicked out by the landlord. The house is dilapidated.
The next stop. Near the garbage dump we meet a family. They are just...
The food supplies. We learn that the daughter of the family has a new-born child ...
The food supplies. We learn that the daughter of the family has a new-born...
We follow the family and are curious about where they will go. Communication is difficult, as they speak Hungarian and Emma cannot translate.
We follow the family and are curious about where they will go....
We help them to carry their belongings and follow together the pipes of the remote heating of the power plant.
We help them to carry their belongings and follow together the pipes of...
Shortly after, we meet two children and turn together around a few bushes.
Shortly after, we meet two children and turn together around a few bushes.
We are shocked. In front of us there are huts made of waste, all of which are inhabited. Up to 10 people live here. The wind whistles around our ears and it is bitterly cold ...
We are shocked. In front of us there are huts made of waste, all of which...
Residents have homemade wood stoves. From tin pails and metal containers they have artfully built furnaces with most primitive means. The walls are covered with carpet pieces and wood residues.
Residents have homemade wood stoves. From tin pails and metal containers...
We inspect every hut and speak with hands and feet with the residents. A man speaks Romanian and Emma asks him and translates for us ...
We inspect every hut and speak with hands and feet with the residents. A...
The residents are shy and we have to try hard to get to know something about their living conditions.
The residents are shy and we have to try hard to get to know something...
We have brought along some caps in a bag.
We have brought along some caps in a bag.
We learn that the families make a living from collecting refuse.
We learn that the families make a living from collecting refuse.
The clothes are dirty and insufficient for the prevailing weather conditions with snow and sub-zero temperatures.
The clothes are dirty and insufficient for the prevailing weather...
We discuss what to do. Food is also in short supply. So we say goodbye and promise to come back in the evening. Once again, we go shopping ;-)
We discuss what to do. Food is also in short supply. So we say goodbye and...
It is pitch dark when we are back. All residents accompany us expectantly to the car parked nearby. The shopping was very extensive, now the distribution begins.
It is pitch dark when we are back. All residents accompany us expectantly...
We bring pots, two axes for chopping firewood and a lot of food: potatoes, pasta, rice, carrots, vegetable, sugar, etc.
We bring pots, two axes for chopping firewood and a lot of food: potatoes...
And in addition plastic bowls, soap, shampoo, matches, oil, candles ...
And in addition plastic bowls, soap, shampoo, matches, oil, candles ...
There are about 20 people, and after some discussion the distribution runs very quietly.
There are about 20 people, and after some discussion the distribution runs...
More than one hour all are engaged in distributing.
More than one hour all are engaged in distributing.
There are families and individuals. Therefore, we are continually asking who needs what kind of things ...
There are families and individuals. Therefore, we are continually asking...
The carrots are allocated ;-)
The carrots are allocated ;-)
The last stop for this day: The house of a 90-year-old woman. When visiting her in the afternoon Gregory had given her a bag of clothes. Now we hang in the dark a bag with food on her garden gate. A New Year's surprise.
The last stop for this day: The house of a 90-year-old woman. When...
Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015 - Drive from Oradea to Cluj Napoca, Romania. It has already snowed in the night. The 150-km will take us over snowy roads.
Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015 - Drive from Oradea to Cluj Napoca, Romania. It has...
In Huedin. shortly before Cluj.
In Huedin. shortly before Cluj.
Some flashy big houses, uninhabited, only partially finished.
Some flashy big houses, uninhabited, only partially finished.
In Cluj we meet Catalina. With Alexandra and Katrin she had visited a nearby garbage dump a few days ago. Also there a lot of families are living - right in the trash !! We go back to again do shopping: shampoo, soap, biscuits. We have sufficient caps;-)
In Cluj we meet Catalina. With Alexandra and Katrin she had visited a...
The atmosphere is perfect.
The atmosphere is perfect.
Four shopping carts are full. We need support and a second car. Catalina makes a phone call - and we get to know Corneliu. He comes with his van.
Four shopping carts are full. We need support and a second car. Catalina...
We load the cars up to the roof. Catalina has deployed more friends, and they are already waiting for us.
We load the cars up to the roof. Catalina has deployed more friends, and...
At the dump two friends with SUVs are awaiting us and we reload the goods. The most glaring experience so far approaches. The journey to the settlement in the garbage starts.
At the dump two friends with SUVs are awaiting us and we reload the goods...
Houses in the garbage. The snow covers the mud and stench. Alexandra and Katrin had told us about their first visit and we are glad that today it is only very cold. Many birds and the sunset create an oppressive atmosphere.
Houses in the garbage. The snow covers the mud and stench. Alexandra and...
Also here, the warm caps come at the right time and spread great joy.
Also here, the warm caps come at the right time and spread great joy.
The road is covered with snow, but this is no problem for the Land-Rover and Suzuki with rough-terrain tires.
The road is covered with snow, but this is no problem for the Land-Rover...
Arrived. Many thanks to Stephan and Razvan.
Arrived. Many thanks to Stephan and Razvan.
The houses directly in and on the rubbish heap.
The houses directly in and on the rubbish heap.
Families with children live here.
Families with children live here.
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Heating with garbage, which produces an acrid stench.
Heating with garbage, which produces an acrid stench.
There is no running water. Residents carry it in vessels to the garbage dump.
There is no running water. Residents carry it in vessels to the garbage...
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It is extremely cold, so we decide to give to each person two caps. They also receive a shampoo, soap and a large bag of cookies. The shampoo and soap can indeed also be used to wash the clothes ...
It is extremely cold, so we decide to give to each person two caps. They...
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An exceptional scenery and unimaginable living conditions for people - in Europe.
An exceptional scenery and unimaginable living conditions for people - in...
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Katrin
Katrin
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Katrin and Catalina.
Katrin and Catalina.
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Razvan and Gregor ensuring supply for the distribution.
Razvan and Gregor ensuring supply for the distribution.
Corneliu with a resident of the settlement.
Corneliu with a resident of the settlement.
Laura.
Laura.
It is dawning, bonfires are lit...
It is dawning, bonfires are lit...
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Alex, Laura and Razvan.
Alex, Laura and Razvan.
View of the settlement from the other side of the valley. Thanks to all helpers !!!
View of the settlement from the other side of the valley. Thanks to all...
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Jan. 5, 2015 - Cluj, Romania. Visit to a settlement.
Jan. 5, 2015 - Cluj, Romania. Visit to a settlement.
Discussion with the village heads on the living situation and what is most urgently needed.
Discussion with the village heads on the living situation and what is most...
In this hut lives a family of eleven...
In this hut lives a family of eleven...
Horse-drawn carts belong here to the normal streetscape. Thus we also see quite unusual street signs - outside the towns you can see signs prohibiting tractors and horse-drawn carts :-)
Horse-drawn carts belong here to the normal streetscape. Thus we also see...
In our discussion with the village heads it turned out that firewood and food are the most urgent problems. There is presently an unusual amount of snow and the nights are as cold as -20 ° C! On a nearby farmers market we buy 2.4 tons of potatoes.
In our discussion with the village heads it turned out that firewood and...
As the van appears, first the residents look surprised and then burst into cheers. Even the children pitch in immediately and carry the bags into the small wooden chapel.
As the van appears, first the residents look surprised and then burst into...
Alexandra sees as a girl licking her lips in anticipation of food ... Here, the bags are stored for distribution. In the foreground we see Stephan, our organizer and translator for the day .
Alexandra sees as a girl licking her lips in anticipation of food ... Here...
Some potatoes that had fallen down are carefully picked from the ground. Meanwhile Stephen makes a phone call to organize two transports with firewood. These arrive a short time later in the settlement.
Some potatoes that had fallen down are carefully picked from the ground....
Meanwhile, Katrin starts distributing caps.
Meanwhile, Katrin starts distributing caps.
By and by, the residents come to the chapel and wait patiently until they get their turn.
By and by, the residents come to the chapel and wait patiently until they...
A short time later, the distribution of potatoes begins. Every resident gets a full bucket and families correspondingly more. Plus shampoo and soap that are left over from the purchase and distribution of the previous day.
A short time later, the distribution of potatoes begins. Every resident...
Many thanks!
Many thanks!
Then there is a very hearty farewell with the residents waving until the car is out of sight.
Then there is a very hearty farewell with the residents waving until the...
Jan. 6, 2015 - Driving from Cluj, Romania, to Calarasi, Moldova. The last days it has been snowing repeatedly...
Jan. 6, 2015 - Driving from Cluj, Romania, to Calarasi, Moldova. The last...
The roads are well cleared. Again and again, however, there are areas where the strong wind has carried the snow back on to the road.
The roads are well cleared. Again and again, however, there are areas...
It is very cold and accordingly there is best powder snow ;-) At many route sections we have to drive slowly and our average speed is therefore low.
It is very cold and accordingly there is best powder snow ;-) At many...
Division of labor in the "cockpit". Gregor and Frank at work. Alexandra provides both drivers and creates a good atmosphere ;-)
Division of labor in the "cockpit". Gregor and Frank at work....
We see many stork nests. Presently these are of course uninhabited.
We see many stork nests. Presently these are of course uninhabited.
The people on the roadside are well wrapped up. We feel the icy wind even in the car interior - the heating must be put at full blast.
The people on the roadside are well wrapped up. We feel the icy wind even...
Again and again we see people running through the snow. Long distances are still done on foot.
Again and again we see people running through the snow. Long distances are...
The streets are still covered with snow, but well prepared, partly not only cleared, but also scattered with sand or grit. The snowy villages and countryside look beautiful.
The streets are still covered with snow, but well prepared, partly not...
Despite the challenging road conditions the drive is easy. Without time pressure, we are progressing slowly and steadily.
Despite the challenging road conditions the drive is easy. Without time...
Arrival in Moldova. 14 hours travel time with breaks for 580 km. Here is a photo of the accommodation in Calarasi.
Arrival in Moldova. 14 hours travel time with breaks for 580 km. Here is a...
Jan. 05, 2015 in Moldova - Flashback. While Katrin, Gregor, Alexandra and Frank are still in Romania, the truck arrives in Calarasi. The customs clearance went off without problems. Many volunteers have come to unload the packages manually.
Jan. 05, 2015 in Moldova - Flashback. While Katrin, Gregor, Alexandra and...
Three days later we are informed that all packets have arrived undamaged. Now the packages are stored in the town hall.
Three days later we are informed that all packets have arrived undamaged....
In thze evening, Cristina, our contact person on site, sends us the photos by e-mail ...
In thze evening, Cristina, our contact person on site, sends us the photos...
The local sports club helps with unloading - an additional training session :-)
The local sports club helps with unloading - an additional training...
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A "carton chain" is made.
A "carton chain" is made.
Jan. 7, 2015 - Meeting at the Town Hall in Calarasi. Cristina and Nicolai, the mayor, welcome us. The storeroom had been closed and sealed ...
Jan. 7, 2015 - Meeting at the Town Hall in Calarasi. Cristina and Nicolai...
In our presence the seal is removed ..
In our presence the seal is removed ..
Nicolai Melnic and Cristina. The packages are carefully stacked and waiting for distribution. The schedule for Jan. 7, 2015: Discuss the list, distribute the packages at the City Hall, visit some families. Let's get started ;-)
Nicolai Melnic and Cristina. The packages are carefully stacked and...
In the storage room the Mayor shows us a few home-made Christmas trees. To prevent the residents from deforesting trees for Christmas, the town had organized a contest with the motto "ecological Christmas" ...
In the storage room the Mayor shows us a few home-made Christmas trees. To...
In the mayor's office. Also Igor has come and is pleased about the reunion. He is a pilot, was our first contact in June in Calarasi and had arranged the appointment with the mayor ..
In the mayor's office. Also Igor has come and is pleased about the...
Line by line the list of recipients of the packages is discussed once more. Also two social workers, Victoria and Alona, have come. Today is Christmas here and they are also very pleased that the packages are now being distributed.
Line by line the list of recipients of the packages is discussed once more...
Only a part of the needy persons can come for distribution to the city hall. The other packages have to be brought to the mostly disabled or elderl people. The two mayors carry the packages to the front door, to be picked up there.
Only a part of the needy persons can come for distribution to the city...
A single mother is overjoyed about the package. She almost cannot believe it and thanks us very emotionally. Also here, we add caps to the packages which cause great pleasure.
A single mother is overjoyed about the package. She almost cannot believe...
Many thanks to all donors at home!
Many thanks to all donors at home!
An old lady who receives a packet with her husband. Also she is moved to tears as she gets the big package.
An old lady who receives a packet with her husband. Also she is moved to...
Gregor carries the packet for them from the storehouse to the entrance of the town hall.
Gregor carries the packet for them from the storehouse to the entrance of...
A warm hug on parting.
A warm hug on parting.
Single parents get the packets, here a mother with a child, as well as elderly persons and families with disabled children. The mother is pleased with the warm cap. Alexandra had randomly drawn from the boxes one that is matching in color :-)
Single parents get the packets, here a mother with a child, as well as...
Another single mother with her child.
Another single mother with her child.
The snow makes transport easier as people have, of course, no cars ...
The snow makes transport easier as people have, of course, no cars ...
Many have come with a slide, some of them are built with simple means.
Many have come with a slide, some of them are built with simple means.
It is the most beautiful winter weather. The sun is shining and the snow "crashes" under our steps.. At night it was -18 ° C cold. Now we will visit some families in their homes.
It is the most beautiful winter weather. The sun is shining and the snow...
We walk the way from the road to the house of an old woman. She lives here with her son, who is sitting in a wheelchair after an accident.
We walk the way from the road to the house of an old woman. She lives here...
The house is in bad condition. However, the snow covers everything ...
The house is in bad condition. However, the snow covers everything ...
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A tiny house with two rooms.
A tiny house with two rooms.
The kitchen and the living room of the old lady. She is 73 years old, we learn. In the second room next door her son lives. At least it's nice and warm - the small wood stove with cooking stove has been stoked up.
The kitchen and the living room of the old lady. She is 73 years old, we...
Thankfully, we are accompanied to the garden gate.
Thankfully, we are accompanied to the garden gate.
Next, we visit a daughter with her bedridden mother. The daughter is also sick, we learn on the way from Victoria (social worker).
Next, we visit a daughter with her bedridden mother. The daughter is also...
Nicolai, the mayor of Calarasi, and Frank carry the packet up the stairwell ...
Nicolai, the mayor of Calarasi, and Frank carry the packet up the...
Not only the mailboxes in this old building are in this state.
Not only the mailboxes in this old building are in this state.
On the way to the next family. Three adults (parents and grandpa) live here with two children, one of them disabled.
On the way to the next family. Three adults (parents and grandpa) live...
The family is very happy about the package. Frank gives the little boy the coloring book and pencils. His brother is sitting on the bed, the small room is bedroom and living room in one.
The family is very happy about the package. Frank gives the little boy the...
In the car Gregory and Frank had brought two boxes of caps. In one of the boxes there are also some stuffed animals. In the morning Alexandra had stowed thesein the same car to distribute them ..
In the car Gregory and Frank had brought two boxes of caps. In one of the...
The centipede has found a very good new home.
The centipede has found a very good new home.
The kitchen, which is attached outside the house. There is a gas stove and a few pots
The kitchen, which is attached outside the house. There is a gas stove and...
The houses on the right and left side of the road...
The houses on the right and left side of the road...
The next one-room apartment in a building. Here lives an old, single woman. At first she is dumbfounded when the big packet is put in front of her. With moist eyes she thanks in Romanian and hugs us firmly in farewell.
The next one-room apartment in a building. Here lives an old, single woman...
A family of five, which Gregor visits together with Cristina and Alona, the second social worker. Although both parents work full-time there isnot enough money to fill all hungry mouthgs. Gregor tells us later that both parents were crying.
A family of five, which Gregor visits together with Cristina and Alona,...
Until dawn packages are delivered. Then all get back to the city hall.
Until dawn packages are delivered. Then all get back to the city hall.
The deserted town square. With the setting sun, it is bitterly cold again.
The deserted town square. With the setting sun, it is bitterly cold again.
Our car has reliably accomplished all tasks;-)
Our car has reliably accomplished all tasks;-)
There are still packages in the storeroom which Cristina, Victoria and Alona will distribute in the next few days. Under our eyes the space is re-sealed. We are very satisfied.
There are still packages in the storeroom which Cristina, Victoria and...
Gregor walks back to our accommodation. On the way he passes by the cemetery of Calarasi.
Gregor walks back to our accommodation. On the way he passes by the...
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In the evening we are invited by Igor and his family. Together with Nicolai Melnic we discuss the experiences. Frank shows the photos of the day on the computer.
In the evening we are invited by Igor and his family. Together with...
The Christmas tree in the living room.
The Christmas tree in the living room.
Final group photo with Igor, Valentina, Yuri, Costin, Nicoletta, Gregor and Frank. In the discussions of the evening we learned a lot about life in Moldova ...
Final group photo with Igor, Valentina, Yuri, Costin, Nicoletta, Gregor...
Jan. 8, 2015 - Departure. Still minus 20 ° C in the morning. The car starts up only at the fourth attempt. The long return journey starts and we enjoy the sun and the beautiful winter landscape. On the photo you can see the many chimneys of a village ...
Jan. 8, 2015 - Departure. Still minus 20 ° C in the morning. The car...
The journey is arduous and slow. To cross the border from Moldova to Romania takes again nearly two hours. Then we are back in the EU. An old, groomed Dacia on the border with "hiding places" for smuggled goods.
The journey is arduous and slow. To cross the border from Moldova to...
Jan. 10, 2015. After almost three days of travel and stops in Bistrita and near Vienna all are back home again. In ten days we drove a total of 3923 km by car.
Jan. 10, 2015. After almost three days of travel and stops in Bistrita and...
By this final photo we want to pass on the big THANKS from Calarasi to all donors and friends.
By this final photo we want to pass on the big THANKS from Calarasi to all...