Russia invades ukraine

Feb 23, 2022 | Map | Ukraine | Europe

An invasion is defined as 'an instance of invading a country or region with an armed force.' Ukraine has been an indendent country since the signing of the Belovezh Accords in 1991, that dissolved the Soviet Union. The news about the that the Russian president has recognised the independence of two Russian-controlled territories in east Ukraine, that call themselves the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, and the subsequent incurssion of his military forces on this region of Ukraine, fits the definition of an invasion.

Diplomacy is always the preferred option to avoid a military conflict, but I feel bad for my Ukranian friends, because it seems that the conflict is already there :/, and the world should act accordingly.

Colombia Decriminalizes Abortion

Feb 22, 2022 | Map | South america | Colombia

With five votes in favor and four against, Colombia's constitutional court issued a ruling yesterday decriminalizing abortion in this South American republic. Given that like many of its neighbors, Colombia is a Catholic country, where the church and right-wing parties exert a strong influence in the judicial decisions, this is undoubtedly a landmark ruling that continues a trend that has already set its pace in Mexico and Argentina.

I am aware that the issue of abortion is quite contentious and generates many conflicting opinions, but that a woman who wishes to have an abortion (and who is going to do it in any case), can do it in a safe way, is a huge achievement, Well done!

European countries starting to relax covid rules

Feb 20, 2022 | Chart | Europe | Covid-19

Last Friday I learned that the day before the federal council of Switzerland had reached an agreement to relax the covid measures, so that the use of masks is limited to public transport and health institutions only. This morning I was reading that also in other European countries, these measures are being adopted also in other countries like the UK, Norway, France, Germany and Austria.

It is true that vaccination rates have reached important levels in most of these countries, that covid cases have decreased significantly and that fortunately omicron-related cases have been milder than previous variants; but in any case it feels a bit surreal to enter stores and restaurants without having to wear that mask that has been part of the essential accessories during these long months of pandemic.

Fingers crossed that the situation continues to evolve so positively!.

Morning walk in Morges

Feb 9, 2022 | Picture | Vaud | Switzerland

This morning, before starting work, I noticed that the day was quite beautiful with a bright sun, so I went for a short walk to the lake here in Morges, and when I was passing by the harbor I captured this image with an interesting composition.

Beautiful sunset in Ouchy

Feb 8, 2022 | Picture | Vaud | Swtizerland | Europe

Sometimes you are lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time to capture an interesting photo. This is what happened last weekend in Ouchy, Lausanne: We were relaxing by the fountain in the main square and as the sun was setting, illuminating the bridge and the water, people were passing by, including this cyclist who was captured in the image.

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