Another one crossed off the list: after the Bridge at Arnhem, I’ve finally managed to pay a visit to the Edersee Talsperre of Dambusters fame, or Operation Chastise at it is known. This still leaves a few WW2 places I want to visit, such as the Normandy beaches, Bastogne, El Alamein and Guadalcanal to name a few.

Like at Arnhem, I get a little chill as I try to imagine what it was like then – the sound of Lancasters skimming the ridges and dropping their loads. Here’s a little sim of what it looked like out of the cockpit:

With the difference that the bombing actually took place at night. Looking at the steep hills and embankments around the lake, I can’t helü but admire the flying skills of the RAF crews. This is of course omitting the tragedy that struck people living below the dam, who lost their lives or possessions in the aftermath. Also, more than 50 aviators were killed in an operation that actually only achieved a psychological effect rather than economic or strategic, as originally intended.

It’s actually amazing you can see where the dam was repaired following the damage:

The spot is not only discoloured, it is also missing whatever these holes are good for.

Just to imagine what it looked like with a hole in it:

Anyway, beyond all the war stuff, the entire area is pretty much amazingly beautiful, there is a national park attached and loads and loads of tourists, which is much more nice than chucking bombs on top of each other.

In terms of psychological effect and folklore, bless Carling Black Label:

and

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There’s nothing like happy animals! You Love My Meat!

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Also nice to see SAS is still using this old flying junk.

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Whereas one grows a bit older and recognises that the past can’t be relived, it it worthwhile taking a break and thinking about the current situation. We all dream about some sort of path of life. A predefined path does not happen, what matters is to recognise current opportunities and make the most out of them. But there is nothing wrong with looking back and having a serious look at dreams or wishes back then.

Tomorrow I am invited to participate as press in a major excercise involving helicopters and other toys – I suddenly find myself incredibily looking forward to this, simply to be there with a video camera. After all, this is what I learned, and found my purpose in. I am still trying to fully understand how Irakli ’94 would have seen Irakli ’10. Tough one. Honestly I’d problably drop everything to be allowed to do video work. On with it.

Brother where you bound? it was great then. It still is now.

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Then President Richard von Weizsäcker visited Gdansk (Danzig), Latvia initiated talks to secede from the Soviet Union and De Klerk and Mandela were talking about ceasing violence.

Those three issues alone are massive in their own right and put todays problems in a different light.

And what on earth is the speaker guy wearing?

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It is at times like these I long back to an urbanite life, like in London many years ago. And fully knowing that it would be the worst and wrongest thng to do with the kiddies. I am sure I’d miss being able to hop on the bike and be out in the countryside in five minutes.

On the other hand, I guess it is healthy to want something that is unachievable. Oh well. Cant ‘t have it all!

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It’s all about marketing. The kiddies love their porridge in the morning, which is nothing else than oats warmed up in milk, with some cinnamon and brown sugar. Add a splash of maple syrup. Sounds nice? Well in this country they’ve named it Haferschleim, or Oats Slime. No wonder it’s not a raging success. It’d be interesting to look back in history and see who screwed up – perhaps a clever scheme by someone of the likes of Corn Flakes? Suppose we’ll never know. Oats Slime. mmm.

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I wish I had more time to go a bit further into details, but this will have to do. A visit to Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is a once-a-year highlight, the exhibition this year is titled Fremtidens arkitektur er grøn! or “the Future of Architecture ist Green”.

It’s amazing how many parameters define “green” architecture. It’s not just about eco-sustainable building, but there’s also micro and macro. For instance, the climate inside the building should suit us as well as possible: take the sun away, productivity drops up to 50%. Too much heat, same thing. Then, buildings can be “neutral”, for example in terms of emissions. This can be achieved by clever use of using building materials, as well as intelligent cooling and warming systems, but also by incorporating nature. One such example is Vertical Forest:

Then, there’s a macro level: buildings can’t be considered by themselves, but within their environment. Not only can they affect microclimate, but there’s a direct impact on  - let’s call it the sociological level.

I particularly liked the notion of “acupuncture”, where some clever master plan is devised to transform entire cities into something more lively and enjoyable than the urban concrete deserts they can be. This acupuncture includes subtle, but decisive changes, such as rebuilding a square. Over time, this acupuncture affects the whole system.

One more interesting aspect is how human dwellings sprawl futher into nature. Rather than trying to change the landscape, these new cities simply make use of what is available. I think this is how new areas of Rotterdam might be developed:

As said, there’s plenty more food for thought, and this exhibition is warmly recommended. Go see it if you can!

Pictures on Flickr.

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Back in Denmark, where I’ll be spending this month. It is the country with the happiest people, who also happen to be incredibly laid back, and overly optimistic. Good for the mind.

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