16 Comments
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Olli Thomson's avatar

When I lived in Albania the preponderance of M-Bs was put down to vehicle trafficking. Higher end models were the result of insurance fraud with the connivance of German owners. The standing joke was that the Albanian tourist board's advertising slogan for Germany was 'Come to Albania. Your car's already here. '

Ben Rook's avatar

That explanation makes more sense than the other I was given - "We need good cars because we've got bad roads." Btw, love the standing joke! 😀

Stefan Beyer's avatar

When the iron curtain came down, we talked about the "Polish triathlon": It's when you cycle to the swimming pool but have to walk home.🤷‍♂️

Santiago Villaveces Izquierdo's avatar

Loved reading the piece Ben and the photographs are amazing. specially like the reflections on the merc window! Congrats!

Ben Rook's avatar

Much appreciated, Santiago! Really glad you enjoyed it. I'm always interested to know which images resonate. So, thanks for saying that!

Santiago Villaveces Izquierdo's avatar

The second image is pretty interesting sort of post punk post soviet blend ! Intriguing

Ben Rook's avatar

That one is from inside a bunker museum Bunk'Art 2. It's an art installation called "Monster of Dictatorship" designed by Raimonda Zajmi to show the missed freedom and the suffering of communism.

Santiago Villaveces Izquierdo's avatar

Amazing! Powerful piece

Michael Stock's avatar

Great start to the day, thanks Ben and good to see you have found your groove

Ben Rook's avatar

Thanks for taking the time, Michael. Glad you enjoyed it!

Daniel Nicolas's avatar

Great piece again, Ben! I really enjoyed reading it!

Ben Rook's avatar

Thanks for that, Daniel. Makes it all worthwhile. 🙂

Stefan Beyer's avatar

Another great essay! Besides the cultural/political commentary, I really enjoy the top down beach shot of the two guys under the beach umbrella. That's the type of image I really like. Looking forward to the zine!

Ben Rook's avatar

Thanks, mate. Really appreciate the feedback. A late afternoon game of backgammon shot with 35 mm (50 equivalent) on my "new" X-Pro2.

Stefan Beyer's avatar

While the quality of these images are down to the artist, this is interesting to me. I am actually thinking of acquiring an X-Pro2. Seems to be an ideal everyday camera.

Ben Rook's avatar

Yeah. It works for me. It's made me slow down a bit and be more intentional. I borrowed a friend's for a few hours before making the decision.