The children of group 8b from the school Et Buut collected shoes and teddy bears for the refugee children at Lesvos. On the fifth of october I will depart for Lesvos and will bring these goods as well as other donations, the 70 kilo is stocked! To prepare my trip I got some great help with the Arabic and Farsi language from Mereram and Aziza. I med those woman in the worldgarden. Thanks to the kids from Et Buut and to Mereram from Syrie and Aziza from Afghanisthan.

At this moment more than 1000 refugees a day reach the Greek Island Lesvos, Kos, Chios, Samos... Those people need help. The Greek residents are very hospitable and help as much as they can.
Donations are welcome and needed.
Every euro that comes in goes directly to the refugees.
The focus of Boat refugee Foundation is primarily on the most vulnerable refugees; children under five, pregnant women , lactating women , the sick , the disabled and the elderly wherever possible . In addition, the also provide emergency relief for the most vulnerable group ; tents, sleeping bags, medical supplies.

By the name forest you might aspect some woods. This might be disappointing because it is more like a dry piece of land with some trunks. But if you take some time to walk around and have a good look you will be overwhelmed by the beauty of these trunks, the structure and colors of the trunks are amazing. The petrified forest of Lesbos was formed from the fossilized remains of plants, which can be found in many localities on the western part of Lesvos Island. The area enclosed by the villages of Eressos, Antissa and Sigri is very dense in fossilized tree trunks and forms the Petrified Forest of Lesvos.

The healing Springs of Lesvos:
Polychnitou, Lisvori, Eftalou, , Skala Thermi and Thermi on Yera
The hot springs of Lesvos have been are very healing. The hot springs of Lesvos reach some of the highest temperatures in Europe (48-91°C) and studies in the 1930s indicated that they are highly radioactive. The radioactivity, combined with mineral concentrations of salt and chlorine nitrates, gives this water its curative properties; steeping in the hot springs of Lesvos has been known to treat everything from skin diseases and urinary tract infections to problems with blood circulation and breathing. The hot water of mineral springs is also an oft-prescribed treatment for muscle tension.
They are ideally situated in areas that allow one to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, amazing scenery and the great relaxing and soothing experience. They also offer changing and shower facilities.

The refugees
In May, I visited the World Press exhibition in the new church in Amsterdam. Many days I thought about the shocking pictures I had seen. The photo that made ​​the most impression on me was from a boat with refugees made ​​by "Massimo Sestini".
Who are those people? Why do they flee? Where do they go? What if I was on that boat?

My sister Marjan visited Lesvos in july. She was on holliday along with her ​​family and sended photo messages to me from her phone. She enjoyed very much on my favorite island. One day they went on a bike along the coast from Eftalou to Skala Sykaminas , the photos of that day were shocking. There was a boat with refugees at sea. When they reached land they cheered. (Jaco Klamer/photographer  made a story at that moment)
What awaits them?
The world-press photo as well as my sisters images made me decide to book a flight and help. From October 5th till 26th 2015 I 'm on Lesvos, to photograph but also to help where ever I can.

More news, information, donation:
Boat refugee Foundation
Stichting vluchteling
Help for Refugees Molivos

 photos made by Marjan and Martin

In 1989 I visited Levos for the first time. It was a holiday and I remember the ride from the airport to the apartment. I was impressed by all the olive trees and the changing of the landscapes. Molivos, a beautiful village, I stayed right under the castle on top of the hill. Greece was having drachmas in those days everything was cheap and very authentic. Lesvos is still very authentic the residents are very friendly and nature is untouched. I fell in love with this island and  visited it many times. For holiday of course but also to work. I made stories for magazines about the Flora of Lesvos, Easter on Lesvos, the Woman’s festival and also gave a photo workshop in 2008.