Reporter’s Log: Women’s Day in Aracataca
ere one of the world’s most famous authors was born. Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the Colombian writer, who achieved world fame with his book “One hundred years of Solitude.” On this weekend, the house where he was born is staging a series of events. The women of the Association of Small Farmers are celebrating Women’s Day. At the entrance, each visitor is gifted a carnation and a program with the day’s events. There are talks about the situation of women, information about agricultural development. Donna Carmen, the wife of the plantation owner, speaks about social affairs. 161 small farmers have organized themselves in the “Palmalianza.” 
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Chopper Madness
Juan Zacarias always carries a camera with him. He keeps his eyes open for the next great shot and is continuously taking pictures. I was glad to have him on board for shooting my report at a sewage plant in Nicaragua. Out of the blue we got a chance to take a helicopter flight over the area with the plant and the amazing lakes surrounding it. Juan was thrilled. The weather was great when we took off. The chopper took us over Lake Managua which is bigger than we imagined. Heading south-west, we flew along Rio Tipitatpa, where Lake Managua connects with Lake Nicaragua in what is the largest contiguous reservoir for drinking water in Central America. It could have been a perfect day, but as the flight progressed the wind got stronger. Too strong for some of us. Sick bags became very handy. Finally, with solid ground under our feet again, I thought to myself, that I liked the view very much – but next time I would definitely prefer a windless day.
Comments deactivated Bangkok´s dressed up – at first sight
Thailand´s capital is gleaming. Not just because of the smiling people in the streets, but especially for the week-long birthday celebrations in honor of Bhumibol Adulyadej, the country’s king who turned 85 last Monday. A day before his birthday, the flood in Inner Bangkok was officially pronounced over. The city’s governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra declared that the situation in eleven districts had eased and that locals could return to their homes.
Since Monday the inhabitants are celebrating, the Grand Temple and the ministries are sparkling with fairy lights, and it appears that cleaning brigades are constantly out and about to sweep the streets – at least you can´t find any litter anywhere.
Well, at first sight. Only a few meters away from the celebrations you stumble into another side of Bangkok – its grungy one. The city’s canals, like this one near the Great Palace, are nothing to celebrate about. You literally have to hold your nose when the stinky grime – including dead fish, plastic bottles and sewage – passes you by. But it doesn’t stop there: The smelly mix continues on its way into the Mae Nam Chao Phraya, the river flowing through the city – and pollutes the environment.
Comments deactivated Web Special: Helicopter approach to Monte Rosa Hut
For his shoot on location at Monte Rosa Hut in the Swiss Alps our reporter Sascha Quaiser took a short cut and ascended to the mountain shelter via helicopter. Here are a couple of scenes from his approach to the shelter, showing glaciers and stunning panoramic views of the mountainscape including the Matterhorn – one of the highest peaks in the Alps.
To watch his report and read more about the Monte Rosa sustainable mountain shelter, click here.
Comments deactivated Green Energy in Chile – Reporters’ Impressions
With some 4000 kilometers of breezy coast lines Chile has enormous potential for windpower. But only recently the country has begun to tap into it. Our reporters went to visit one of the new windfarms. Here they share with us their personal impressions. Click here to watch their report.
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