While Everyone Goes to Berlin to Party, Nobody Comes Here to Relax.
For my photography-studies I traveled across the Uckermark for two weeks, attempting to create an appropriate photographic portrait of my homeland, which before - honestly - never had concerned me much. But upon closer examinination, I found it to be much more beautiful and interesting than I was aware of.
8 Towns, 72 Nature Reserves
About 80km north-east of Berlin begins the Uckermark Region. It's Germanys least populated and it was also it's largest until recently. While it struggles with the typical problems every province has, like unemployment and poor infrastructure, it certainly has the advantages aswell. I was surprised to find lakes which look completely untouched. Wide areas of pristine nature where you won't meet anyone. Upon reading, I learned that there are 72 nature reserves here - but only 8 towns that are large enough to not count as a village.
Little Job Opportunities and Culture
I met Felix, who is working at an organic farm near a small town called Templin. He is one of the very few young people who chose to come here long-term. The majority of the younger people I know, didn't want to stay because the region doesn't offer much in terms of job opportunities and culture. At least as long as you're not into agri-culture.
Pristine Lakes and Lots of Water
Travelling across the region, I realized how many streams, lakes, rivers - how much water here actually is. Some really seem as if they're completely untouched. At a more popular lake, which was in the morning-time not frequented at all, other than for her and her friends, I met a girl who was enjoying the tranquility of the scenery and going for a swim. I also met a very friendly local who was trying his luck fishing at 6 am.
Medieval Buildings and GDR Nostalgia
Exploring some of the towns, I found a GDR-Enthusiastic pensioner (more than one actually), medieval Gothic styled buildings, small shops that, at first glance, didn't look as if business is going too well, but turned out to be well-frequented by locals. Also I met some younger people who didn't make it out of here, nor being able to deal with the limited possibilities locally, thus seeking refuge in computer games and drugs.
Wild Wolves settling here
I met a ranger training his dog in an area which is partially restricted due to remains of ammunition and bombs from the time the russians occupied this area after World War II. He told me that he rarely meets anyone here, but when he does, it's strange people. The other day I was visiting one of the wildlife reserves of the Uckermark, learning that wild wolves have been spotted incresingly over the last few years, and it's been speculated that they're not only crossing but settling here, which really surpsrised me.
Waving Goodbye to Weekend Tourists
Near the motorway which leads to Berlin, I found a lot of different Tourists parking their cars on the side of the road to take photos of a blooming poppy field, which was indeed an attraction. Not many come here, but those who come usually like it. After two weeks traveling across the Uckermark, I liked a bit better, made a lot new friends, learned interesting facts and also spent too much on film - as usual.
Thanks for watching, hope you enjoyed it.
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About me: Tino Zimmermann, 27 years old, Steemian since November '17.
Currently studying Photojournalism in Hanover, Germany. (Where the Lumix Festival happens)
Please don't hesitate to ask questions about Photography, share your thoughts and critizism. I'll try my best to respond to any comment.