“It’s like the exhilaration of the first summer days spent in amazing places. The energy of the hot sun gives me a boost and drives me forward.” May 24, 2026
2026-07-12
Trend 2026
2026-07-11
How Migration Is Changing European Demography
Perhaps some “environmentalists” may see a positive side when a population, civilization declines somewhere: less space is needed for people and fewer resources are consumed.
I sometimes smile at the fact that in the Benelux countries, France, or Germany, populations are growing, while elsewhere stagnation is taking place.
If immigrants and war refugees were also to leave, as many politicians suggest by appealing to widespread public sentiments, the population would decline by another roughly 10%. In an ironic sense, I have also thought that both mentally and because of a reduced population, this could become a political tool and might even help some countries in the event of a potential invasion.
This is about Czechia, where the population is declining, and Western Europe, where populations are growing and civilization in progress. I recently wrote about Rotterdam, where construction continues on a large scale, and about Luxembourg as well. In Czechia, less is being built partly because there are fewer people to build for, including as a consequence of migration policy.
Czechia is among the countries that have experienced a long-term population decline. The number of births is lower than the number of deaths, and demographic projections indicate that without sufficient migration, the Czech population will decrease over the long term.
On the other hand, Western Europe has growing populations. Countries such as Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, and, in recent decades, Germany have managed to offset population decline caused by low birth rates through immigration.
According to Eurostat, since 2012, the European Union’s population growth has been almost entirely dependent on positive net migration, which compensates for the natural decrease in population. Migration policy has therefore become one of the main factors shaping demographic development, alongside strong economic growth, as seen for example in Luxembourg.
In Germany, people with a migration background already account for approximately one-third of the population; in the Netherlands, nearly one-third; in Belgium, up to 40 percent; and in Luxembourg, the majority of the population consists of people born abroad or their descendants.
2026-07-01
Baden
I would say that I like Karlsruhe in Germany. Karlsruhe is located in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg, in southwestern Germany, not far from the French border.
I was also in Karlsruhe during one of the nights over Christmas in 2025. As usual, I walked to Karlsruhe Palace (Schloss Karlsruhe). Even from the park, you can see how long the palace is—it almost doesn’t fit into a standard iPhone photo.
On warmer days or nights, when approaching Karlsruhe Palace along the main road, you can often smell the nearby zoo. It is located just behind the fence next to the sidewalk, so its presence is usually quite noticeable. During the freezing Christmas nights, however, I noticed it mainly because of the interesting sounds of the animals. There are residential buildings on the opposite side of the street.
I also like that the walk to Karlsruhe Palace takes you past Platz der Grundrechte (Square of Fundamental Rights), which is located in the lower part of the Schlossbezirk, in front of the Federal Constitutional Court.
The square features 24 double-sided street signs displaying quotations from judges, lawyers, scholars, and ordinary citizens about law, justice, and democracy. Each sign places two different perspectives on the same subject face to face, creating a public dialogue about the meaning of law, justice, and democratic society. The entire installation forms a unique public reflection on law and democracy.
2026-06-29
Amerika 03.
Many times, when I’m walking through the streets, I stop and think about taking a photo, but sometimes it feels a bit strange.
The Netherlands is probably the place where you can see the most classic American cars from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s compared to any of the surrounding countries.The Netherlands has one of the most visible communities of American classic car enthusiasts in Europe, and there are several reasons why it stands out much more than its neighboring countries.
The country has a long tradition of American car clubs and car meets.
Historically, it was also easier to import American vehicles through the Port of Rotterdam, and many Dutch people used these cars as their everyday vehicles.
Dutch cities, especially in South Holland and North Holland, have a fairly open alternative and performative culture, so it’s not unusual to come across themed cruises or groups of people dressed in costumes. American culture—rock ‘n’ roll, hot rods, muscle cars, and the spirit of the 1980s—is deeply rooted there, and people are not afraid to drive eye-catching American cars even outside of organized events.
Also, cities in South Holland, with their modern architecture and major port atmosphere, often feel like places where classic American cars naturally fit into the urban environment.
2026-06-27
52 hours in a hot Netherlands
- Day 01.
11:00 a.m. – Arrival for a stop in Eindhoven.
Travel from Eindhoven to South Holland.
Check in to accommodation.
Grocery shopping.
Visit to Hoek van Holland, traveling by tram and metro to the beach near Rotterdam.
Return to the hotel for personal needs.
Dinner.
A visit of Katendrecht and some time relaxing in the park, then continuing the night.
A private party until late at night.
- Day 02.
Before noon departure and travel to The Hague.
Visit to Scheveningen, including the beach and the sea.
Return to the hotel for personal needs.
Evening visit to Rotterdam city center.
Visit to Nieuwe Werk, Het Park, and other sights.
A private party until late at night.
- Day 03.






