Transition, a photo from Berat, South

Photographer's Note

The word Transition has been very much in use in Albania since the fall of the communist state. It has suited the politicians very well as on the one hand saying: "we are in transition!" is the same as saying: "you have got to put up with your miserable condition, that's how it is!" and on the other hand "transition" also implies "moving to a better life and that there is light at the end of the tunnel!"

This is strikingly similar to the communists' slogan "We Are Building The Socialism!" in which the verb "building" never managed to move an inch from the present continuous tense!

That said Free Market gets people to work. Whilst the scene on this photo looks chaotic, there are a couple huge new houses on the left and there are a lot more of the same behind them. The change is visual and one has good reasons to hope.

tyro, windosil ha puntuado esta nota como útil.

Critiques | Translate

tyro (30513) 2012-03-28 16:38

Hello Aleks,

A very interesting note you have written here. You obviously have concerns about the wellbeing of your home country but it sounds as though things have improved and are continuing to improve though perhaps not quite so quickly or as smoothly as you would wish.

A fine snapshot of life too. The two people walking appear quite well dressed and it is clear that there is activity and work going on on the other side of the road with new buildings, lorries and construction work. Good composition, lighting, colours and detail.

I do hope that Albania continues to flourish!

Kind Regards,

John.

holmertz (101980) 2012-03-30 11:57

Hello Aleks,
None of us would say that this is a beautiful view in the general sense, but it's interesting, and it's a well composed photo. It shows that in certain ways Albania is moving forwards, new buildings and new cars everywhere. Politically it's a different story. Presently I keep an eye on Albanian politics (and those of many other countries) for the web-site of a Swedish think-tank, so I get a picture of an almost total political stalemate. We know from everywhere else that it takes a long time to create and deepen a real democratic culture, but it's understandable that people get frustrated when not much happens.
Back to the picture: I rally like how you have placed the young couple in the right spot in the foreground with a perfect sharpness, just before the bend of the road.
Kind regards,
Gert

windosil (1158) 2012-04-01 3:52

Greetings, Aleks.
This is one of the most informative photos I've seen on Trek Earth, and visually stunning as well. Thanks for sharing it.