Friday, April 30, 2010

Townships of Cape Town


View of Gugulethu, one of the townships in the suburbs of Cape Town, South Africa. The term township usually refers to the (often underdeveloped) urban living areas that, under Apartheid, were reserved for non-whites (principally black Africans and Coloureds, but also working-class Indians). Townships were usually built on the periphery of towns and cities.

© Jonathan González / Babel Images

Friday, April 23, 2010

Sad reunion


After decades a group of journalists and photojournalists covering the Vietnam War and Cambodian Civil War in 60's and 70's met again in Cambodia at an emotional reunion. First they traveled to Wat Po, the place in Kampong Speu Province, where in 1971 nine journalist from CBS and NBC networks got killed, five of whom were beaten to death by then cooperating North Vietnamese and Khmer Rouge soldiers, to commemorate them at a special ceremony. Next day they gathered in Phnom Penh's hotel Himawari to share their war experiences and answer questions from the audience. Main speakers were: Sylvana Foa (two times Pulitzer Prize nominee), Dan Southerland (foreign correspondent, now the vice president and executive editor of Radio Free Asia), and Jon Swain (the author of "River of Time", portrayed by Julian Sands in "The Killing Fields" movie). Many others were also present, among them the legendary war photographer Tim Page.
On the photograph: Dan Southerland kneeling down before the provisional altar for journalists and photojournalists killed in their service in Vietnam and Cambodia. Hotel Himawari's lounge in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 22.04.2010.

© Grzegorz Ostręga / Babel Images

Monday, April 19, 2010

National tragedy on tv

Milion people in Poland watched news about accident of the government plane. On the board was polish President Lech Kaczynski and his wife as well as several other top-ranking officials.

©  Adam Kokot / Babel Images

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Wet and Happy New Year!



The Burmese community in Phnom Penh, Cambodia is small but well organized. Its members stay close and support each other when needed. On a daily basis they meet at their local and only traditional restaurant - Irrawadi. This is also the place hosting their New Year celebrations, which are similar to and same time as the Khmer New Year, in 2010 starting on April 14th. However, Thingyan - the Burmese New Year Water Festival - distinguishes itself from Cambodian tradition. While Khmers festive use of water is basically limited only to ritual ablutions, Burmese are literally soaking themselves in it for three to five days before the New Year's Day for spiritual cleansing and purification. Water-throwing, pouring and dousing are essential and no one is supposed to refuse or get upset. In modern-day Myanmar Thingyan is the biggest annual festival.
On the photograph: a group of young Burmese immigrants dancing on the street and pouring water on each other, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 14.04.2010.

© Grzegorz Ostręga / Babel Images.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Poland mourns air tragedy victims

Poland has launched a week of national mourning, following the devastating plane crash in Russia that killed Polish President Lech Kaczynski and his wife as well as several other top-ranking officials. Ninety-six people were killed after the aircraft crashed near the airport in the Russian city of Smolensk. The Polish officials were there to mark the 70th anniversary of a massacre of Polish officers in Katyn.

© Mieszko Stanislawski / Babel Images

Polish President Lech Kaczynski died in a plane crash

10 April 2010 - Polish President Lech Kaczynski died in a plane crash in Smolensk, Russia.

© Mieszko Stanislawski / Babel Images

The Liberty of Mandela

Cape Town, 11th of February 2010. This is one of the most important dates in South Africa. This day South Africans celebrate the liberty of Mandela after 27 years in prison. "Madiba" was free in 11th on february of 1990.

© Jonathan González / Babel Images

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Resurrection of Jesus






















Highlanders during procession for the worship of Jesus' resurrection. Poland, 2010

©  Adam Kokot / Babel Images

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Mystery play at the Centre of mentally retarded children
























Mary is crying over the tomb of her son Jesus. It is one of scenes of the lordly mystery play which was prepared at the centre for mentally retarded children. Poland, 2010

©  Adam Kokot / Babel Images