Comment

1. May 2026

A personal note

Being an “objective” reporter and a travel blogger

Anyone who follows me on Facebook, Instagram, or Telegram knows that my red Volkswagen Fox and I have arrived in Portugal. My posts are short but up-to-date. My followers “follow” me in the truest sense of the word. It’s different on this website. Here, my stories are longer; writing them takes time. Time during which you, who follow me here, might loose touch with my journey—and, in the worst case, I lose you as a reader. Enough of that. More here.

14. December 2025

Between whitening-cremes and wax prints

Africa’s elites and their gaze toward whiteness

Soap advertisment in Nigeria ©Rebecca Hillauer

Many African women still bleach their skin to emulate a perceived ideal of beauty and buy Western luxury brands. African postage stamps feature white celebrities. Guest post. More here.

19. October 2025

Comment Politics Travel USA

“No Kings!”

At an anti-Trump rallye in a small town in the U.S.

Under the motto “No Kings”, an estimated seven million people took to the streets against Donald Trump and his government – in all 50 states. I was able to observe a rally in the Pacific North West. More here.

21. September 2025

Comment Politics USA

“Prove me wrong..”

Thoughts and observations on the murder of Charlie Kirk

Charlie Kirk, Tampa 2025 / Gage Skidmore

The murderer of right-wing conservative US “influencer” Charlie Kirk has been officially apprehended. Obituaries and commentaries are spreading hatred, slander, and distorted quotes. As a result, a German TV correspondent may now have to fear for his US visa. More here.

27. August 2025

Comment Politics Portrait Women

A Life for the Cause

German Green Party co-founder Eva Quistorp turns 80.

In 1979, she co-founded the German Green Party. In the 1980s, she organized the large peace marches in the then capital, Bonn. She also fights for women’s rights. Today, Eva Quistorp turns 80. More here.

8. May 2025

Comment Politics USA

80 years after the end of World War II

A critical commentary by Ernst Wolff on the role of the USA

From World War I and the rise of the National Socialists to the Marshall Plan. The content does not automatically reflect the opinion of the blog operator. More here.

©Ernst Wolff

26. April 2025

Comment Guest post USA World

Wolves in sheep’s clothing?

Guest post by Volker Seitz on the dissolution of USAID, part 2

The former ambassador of the African Union to the United States strongly criticizes the defunct development institution USAID. She is not alone in Africa in this. That’s why Germany should also listen carefully, says the guest author. More here.

25. March 2025

Comment Travel

Capital of Germany and of urban decay

Observations during a “home leave” in Berlin

Impressions from Berlin-Neukölln of the neglect of the district — Homeless person in Berlin-Neukölln ©Rebecca Hillauer

BERLIN: I still have an apartment here. And this is where I live when I’m not in the USA. I’ll be flying again soon. But I’m still in Berlin – and I’m amazed. Amazed at what is happening politically and socially in this country. I am appalled. More here.

12. February 2025

Comment Guest post Politics USA World

More money = more development?

Guest post by Volker Seitz on the controversy surrounding USAID

President Donald Trump has ordered a 90-day pause in development aid – with the exception of humanitarian aid – until its efficiency and consistency with US foreign policy have been assessed. Germany should take this as an example, says the guest author. More here.

15. January 2025

Comment Politics

How PSYOP are driving the political center outwards

Guest post by the “Students Are Rising” network in Germany

Our societies continue to branch out into different groups and camps. The outer fringes dictate the discourse and force people to choose sides. The whole thing is no coincidence, but a deliberate escalation. This is Julian’s thesis. More here.