Goanny

"I think that the World Cup is nice for the country. Now a lot of people from all around the world are coming here and that is good. I would like to watch a game of Brazil vs. Portugal. I like Cristiano Ronaldo so much... but for me it's impossible to buy a ticket. 140 rands (15 Euros) is too expensive. Maybe it is a good price for many people from this country but I don't have work and without it... it's difficult to get money. If I could earn some I would go and see one game in Soccer City. I will have fun with all my friends making noise with our vuvuzelas".
Name: Goanny
Age: 22
Ethnicity: Xhosa
Occupation: Unemployed
Soweto, Johannesburg. June 20, 2010

© Jonathan González / Babel Images

High hopes (over and over again)

"... builds". An electoral poster of a candidate in the presidential campaign in Poland. Bochnia, 21.06.2010.

© Grzegorz Ostrega / Babel Images

Polish choice

After tragic death of  polish president Lech Kaczynski 10 of April, Poles are choosing the new President.
Poland, Rogoźnik, June 20, 2010
© Adam Kokot / Babel Images

Survivor

"I'm a survivor, I always know how I have to move...for that during the times of Apartheid, me and my family went ot Tanzania to try to be well, without problem. When the Apartheid fell I came back here, to my home, my neighborhood. I was born here, where also Nelson Mandela and archbishop Desmond Tutu. I'm happy to live here and now I help my neighborhood taking your garbage and recycling. I'm my own boss. 
The FIFA World Cup is ok, it's good for our country but it's also too dirty. Look behind me, everybody drink a lot and then I have to take your garbage... but that's my work. 
I would like to see Bafana Bafana playing against Brazil or Spain. Everything is possible right now... maybe in quarter finals... why not?."
Name: M'Zoly Mxalika
Ethnicity: Zulu
Born in: Orlando East (Soweto)
Age: 50
Education: non
Soweto, Johannesburg. June 16, 2010


© Jonathan González / Babel Images

Kick off!

FIFA World Cup 2010, the first Mundial in the history of Africa, kicked off yesterday - Friday, June 11.
In the picture: the "Bafana Bafana" fan with his Vuvuzela trumpet at Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg.

© Jonathan González / Babel Images

Some normalcy, at last

After years of being a symbol of civil war, genocide, poverty and underdevelopment, Phnom Penh has gradually become a regular, cosmopolitan city again, with not much excitement other than intense nightlife, live concerts and visits of famous artists, Nobel Prize winners and world politicians. Recently revitalized, cleaned and paved riverside promenade is a spot which gives encouraging sight of normalcy and sound of people freely enjoying peaceful times.

© Grzegorz Ostrega / Babel Images

Rain, Romance and River

The banks of the river Hoogly is a favorite spot for lovers of Kolkata, India. A couple exchange sweet Nothings on a rainy day while a man passes by.

© Chhandak Pradhan / Babel Images

United for Bafana

FIFA World Cup, the world's most important football tournament, kicks off in South Africa in two days time. In the opening game the host team, called by fans 'Bafana Bafana' will play vs Mexico.
In the picture: Bafana's fans warm the streets of Johannesburg with the vuvuzelas' rhythms.

© Jonathan González / Babel Images

Monsoon

1 US Dollar - 50 Rupees

Average monthly wage of an uneducated worker in Kolkata - 2000 Rupees

1 liter of the local moonshine and the first monsoon shower after the sweltering summer - priceless

© Aleksander Bochenek / Babel Images