Arbulena - smart and with a view beyond the clouds

It was one of the few dry days in October. We (my wife and me) decided to go to the (small) castle of Westerburg in the neighboring town . Unfortunately everything was closed, including the beautiful restaurant. (Corona is probably responsible for so many restaurant closures)

Nevertheless, the little excursion still had a wonderful twist. We noticed a young lady in front of the castle. Our paths crossed here, friendly eyes looked at us, sympathetic and warm-hearted. We immediately started talking, as the saying goes, and it was immediately clear to me that we absolutely had to get this young person involved in the “The Human Family” project.

I introduced myself and the project. I hadn't met such enthusiasm and positivity in a long time. My photos on my smartphone made it even easier for me. Here this afternoon we met Arbulena, 19 years young.

Arbulena also lives in the same area like us, so we both had a home game. Arbulena graduated from high school in March and works as a waitress in a restaurant and in an ice cream parlor, while also trying to find her career. Arbulena is currently involved in various job interviews and considerations about a stay abroad (work and travel).

Arbulena describes herself as spontaneous, loud and crazy (her german expression was "verpeilt"). One of her greatest strengths is creativity, such as painting (later Arbulena showed me a few photos of her works, I have to say, I am very impressed by the talent and power that comes from the pictures).
In addition, Arbulena also has an electric piano on which she dabbles (pop rather than classical music). Arbulena also reads a lot (keyword: world of thoughts). One of her greatest strengths is her willingness to help. She is the person who helps when you move, for example, she is there at 7 a.m. and never lets anyone down. Affinity for languages is another of Arbulena's strengths. Arbulena can become weak (in a positive sense) with chocolate and (negatively) with unforeseen surprises that have to do with her, even if this goes against her spontaneity.

I asked Arbulena who she would invite home to dinner and spend an entire evening talking. After some consideration, Arbulena decided on her teacher for Latin language. Arbulena misses her very much because her teacher is such a kind-hearted person who Arbulena also looks up to. Arbulena believes that her teacher could give her so much and teach her for her life.

The perfect day for Arbulena would start with getting up relaxed and having breakfast in peace without rushing or stress. She would have all the time in the world to shower and get ready without these nasty little mishaps happening. On her perfect day, Arbulena would be with her boyfriend, not having to work, together they would go out into nature, go for a walk along the River Rhine, have a quiet and cozy evening meal in a nice restaurant, and then end the evening relaxed and full of harmony at home. The perfect day requires peace, relaxation and harmony, not the hustle and bustle.

Her biggest wish: is to travel around the world and get to know other people, places and cultures.

Arbulena is grateful for her family's health and that she has not yet had to endure and deal with any so-called blows of fate.

Quote from Mr. Christian Streich, coach of the SC Freiburg football club:
It's not about where someone comes from; it's about what someone is like. How do you feel about this sentence?

Very very right and true. Of course, the background where someone comes from shapes someone. But it doesn't say anything about the person. Status, money, size, whether short, fat, thin, black, white, yellow, ... it doesn't matter at all. What you say and how you act are important and decisive because your actions speak for themselves.

Another thing I wanted to know from Arbulena was whether she was interested in politics and where she got her information from. Arbulena told me that sometimes when she hears the news she is just stunned by what is happening in the world. Arbulena doesn't get her information from linear television programs, she simply doesn't have the time for that, but she gets information via social media. She subscribes to the reputable channels there and doesn't move in a bubble of conspiracy theorists, hatred and agitation.

Arbulena speaks out clearly against racism. Against war and terror. The attack on Ukraine and Hamas' terrorist attack on Israel are simply barbaric, terrible and unspeakable.

But Arbulena fears that history repeats itself, that people have learned nothing, that women continue to be oppressed in some countries, that people who think differently, look differently and love differently are persecuted and harassed. But it is up to us to ensure that history does not repeat itself. If, for example, we are confronted with anti-Semitism, it is important that we all confront it decisively and say: hey, you have the wrong way of thinking, it has no place here and has no place in our society. Even if it can become uncomfortable for you, you still can't stay silent. You have to call it what it is, so that these people don't think that everything is fine and that they are right.

How does Arbulena think about the future, political developments, pandemics, energy crisis, climate crisis, etc.?
Yes, she is very worried about what could happen to humanity, but here too it is up to us to do something. More is being done and there are also protests. Politics initiates changes. Nevertheless, climate change is already a big frightener for Arbulena. It's our planet and we only have this one.

Now a little more personal.

What is the most important thing for you in life?
Arbulena answers that it's about health, her family and that her loved ones are going well. But then it's also the little things in life. Not the latest Prada heels, but a loving text message from her boyfriend. Or a request from her brother or her mom who worry about her; important is that Arbulena feels that she is loved, there are people who want to know how things are going with her. The interpersonal contact and the relationship level to her loved ones are Arbulena's happiness.

What three “things” could you not live without?
Arbulena: "that's my sister, we have an incomparably close bond and a deep relationship, my mascara (Arbulena has to laugh) and her well-being. Well-being includes my independence, my romantic happiness as it is right now, and my relationship to my mom."

If Arbulena is looking for advice, if she is having a bad day, if Arbulena is doubting herself or is in a hole, then a conversation with her boyfriend always helps to get her out of difficult situations or moods. Her anchor and point of reference is her boyfriend.

Do you have a motto in life, I asked: "Carpe diem", replied Arbulena. "I want to take on the challenges of life with a positive attitude and joy. It is still my life motto. Let's see if it changes at some point."

Arbulena would like to give young people her own age the advice not to do anything that doesn't feel right. Listen to your heart, so it's good for you.

Finally, my feedback question how Arbulena felt about the interview.
"Yes, it was really nice and I had a lot of fun thinking about different topics in more detail." Arbulena thinks the project is great and a really nice thing. That's why Arbulena said "yes" straight away (the life motto also contributed to this, Arbulena noted.)

We also had fun taking photos afterwards. It was a pleasure to talk to Arbulena, but it was an equally great pleasure to photograph Arbulena. We had a lot of fun and the atmosphere was great. Because Arbulena and we had some time, we did a little spontaneous shooting. There were so many beautiful different areas at the castle, so we were able to vary a lot and take many more photos than are usually taken during project photos.

It was a wonderful coincidence and encounter. I would like to thank Arbulena from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to work on the project, answer my questions and do the small photo shoot afterwards.
Thank you, dear Arbulena, for your warmth, your openness, your joy, your fun and your positive charisma. I wish you all the best and love for your journey in life. It was great getting to know you a little.
Thank you so much!

Love, tolerance, diversity, freedom and peace must be the concern of all of us. There is no alternative!

This is my 85th post to my project "The Human Family". (Before that I already had 100 interesting encounters in the course of my photo project and the group "100 Strangers")

You can find more photos of other photographers in the community "The Human Family" here:
www.flickr.com/groups/thehumanfamily/

Taken in: Germany / Rheinland-Pfalz / Westerwaldkreis / Westerburg (show map)

Taken on: October 19, 2023

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Sets appears in: • Arbulena • The Human Family - continuing my 100 Strangers Project

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Camera: Canon EOS R5, f/4.0, 1/60 sec, 94mm, ISO 200 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Canon EOS R5
Lens:	RF70-200mm F4 L IS USM
Aperture:	f/4.0
Exposure Time:	0.017 sec (1/60)
Focal Length:	94mm
ISO:	200
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	No Flash
Exposure Program:	Aperture-priority AE
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Spot
White Balance:	Auto
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic 13.0.1 (Windows)
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