Hannahthetraveller - HANNAH PARRY

Struggles Continue in Bosnia: No Name Kitchen Wants to Expand

18/6/2021

The people I met in Bosnia don't want to be beggars, asking for help, but they have no choice. I will never be able to imagine what it feels like to ask for food so I don't starve, or clean underwear because I haven't been able to wash.

Dignity is in short supply when the authorities beat you, steal your possessions and deny you your human rights.

In March 2020, as the world shut down, No Name Kitchen found a way to continue helping. The voucher scheme works remotely and allows some dignity to the people who need support.

Volunteers across the world receive and respond to messages from people-on-the-move and then provide a code for use in a local shop.

Genius!

You just receive a code, walk to the shop and BUY WHAT YOU NEED AND WANT! Rather than waiting for a food pack, you have a bit of dignity restored as you go shopping in a normal way.

Not only this, but the scheme supports small, local businesses and frees up volunteers on the ground to take on other tasks.

WE NEED TO EXPAND

The brilliance of the scheme means that volunteers don't need to be physically there. There's another town, far away from the two NNK bases already in Bosnia, where families are staying. Local businesses are already in agreement, but we need your help.

I went to this other location a few times, some friends of mine ended up there. A family with a 12 year old and a four year old. It's a calm and friendly little town and the local people want to help, but resources are stretched thin. The teams in Bihac and Velika Kladusa are occupied enough without having to travel further.

Please consider donating via this link.

I'm very proud of NNK and the work every does to think of the very best ways of helping. Involving those that need help in the decision-making of the organisation and of the aid the receive is exactly as it should be, but is lacking in many other organisations. Well done team!

What do you think of the voucher scheme? What other ways can we ensure vulnerable people retain dignity and control? Comment below.

The G7 Summit: are we doomed?

11/6/2021

As the leaders of the wealthiest nations meet in Cornwall, UK this weekend, the issues of recovery from the pandemic will be at the top of the agenda.

Yet, as these wealthy nations with successful vaccination programmes, proclaim victory over the virus, poorer countries continue to struggle.

The worst affected countries in the last 7 days are currently Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina. Where is the international reporting about those countries?

Britain wants “[G7] leaders to seize the opportunity to build back better from coronavirus, uniting to make the future fairer, greener and more prosperous.”

A great slogan, nice use of alliteration there, but a huge contradiction.

"build back better"

The UK announced a drastic reduction in foreign aid “from 0.7% to 0.5% of total national income - a reduction of around £4bn.

Greenpeace UK has been keeping track of the government’s broken promises on cutting carbon emissions.

Power and inequality

Greenpeace and other activists call on citizens to take action. But it’s really hard to make sustainable choices when you have little control over your spending habits or accommodation. The shocking graph provided here shows the dramatic increase in the number of vulnerable people in the UK.

If you’re busy worrying about whether your family will eat a healthy meal, you’re not going to be too worried about the fossil fuel targets being missed.

And thus the divide widens. The effects of climate change are being felt.

“Already, flooding in low-lying coastal areas is forcing people to migrate to higher ground, and millions more are vulnerable from flood risk and other climate change effects.”

Migration. Climate change causes migration.

So people fleeing war, famine and persecution will be joined in the inadequate refugee camps at the borders of the EU, USA and elsewhere. Hoping for protection from a problem they had little part in causing, but now at the mercy of those who caused it.

What CAN We Do?

It feels pretty hopeless doesn’t it?

The corrupt governments of wealthy, western nations act against international law with the full knowledge of their citizens and we can’t do anything.

But there are success stories of people-power leading to change.

The fantastic work of The Good Law Project have held politicians to account over PPE procurement, and the damage done by Trump’s selfish policies has been halted by President Biden.

I’m not going to preach at you about going vegan, donating to charities, reusing your plastic bags or signing petitions. But if any of these ideas has got you thinking, then here are some useful links.

How to go vegan

How to find and donate to a food bank near you

The Joyful Environmentalist

Greta Thundberg’s FridaysForFuture

Do something for nothing

Start the conversation. What should we do? Is it too late to make any changes? Is humanity doomed? Why should I care when I live in a nice house on a hill? Comment below.

Do Something For Nothing: Joshua Coombes Book Launch

4/6/2021

One day, hairdresser Joshua Coombes decided not to walk past. He stopped and chatted with people experiencing homelessness, giving time just to listen. Another day, he took the tools of his trade with him and offered cuts to anyone that wanted them. That was the start of #DoSomethingForNothing.

Since 2015 Joshua has encouraged other people to see a problem and do something about it, and his influence has spread. The Instagram account @DoSomethingForNothing has over 59,000 followers. But it’s not just a # movement.

“There’s a kind of global network of people doing stuff at the grassroots level. Jade got involved early on in #DoSomethingForNothing, providing an opportunity to get involved in the same way. Jade messaged me, she’s a vet in north London. A lot of people on the streets have dogs and love them dearly. Jade started Street Vet UK, now with links all over the country.”

The movement has touched the lives of countless people, and changed Joshua’s direction as well. “I suppose for me, being an author was not something I set out to do. I thought, this is an important message and I knew it had to live longer than Instagram. It can be transient. I was not into English and writing at school and I’m really proud of the book.”

He’s travelled the world promoting his message, telling the stories of those he meets. “When I first started, I’d write the captions for the Instagram posts. The words of the posts became important. I’d done this quite a bit, every day at times. I hadn’t written before but I guess I learnt that way. Sometimes I’d use people’s words, sometimes my own objective observations. When someone reached out to me about the book, I didn’t have to think too hard before saying yes.”

Joshua’s book Do Something for Nothing was released this week. It’s the stories of those he’s met “through the simple act of a haircut,” It’s another way that Joshua raises awareness of important issues.

“This week the eviction ban ended. Then you’ve got people that are still furloughed, and haven't got their jobs back. Hundreds of thousands of people could be given their eviction notice to leave their home. We can talk about prevention and talk about solutions. It’s all very well that the government talks about reducing the bill for homeslessness and funding for local councils. None of it means anything without prevention.”

Joshua also highlights the short-comings of mental health support, even when economic and practical support is there. “If you’re in a transient, insecure place, you’re going to be experiencing acute mental stress. Having people there for you, having a support network - is lacking, especially in the UK. If you’re providing housing or job opportunities, but no support system, none of those things mean anything.”

These current and important topics should be the concern of everyone. It can seem difficult to know how to contribute to change yourself, but Joshua has some advice. “Write down those few things that don’t sit well with you. And write down your own skills. Connect things that you like doing and are good at with how to help. Remember your time is really important too. If you go and volunteer at a soup kitchen, or like when I go to Napier Barracks [with Jas and worldwidetribe] to meet people, I know I might cut a couple of people’s hair and some people might bring food. But ultimately just being there to hang out is the most important thing. You are important and your time is important.”

Joshua's message, of making small efforts towards positive change in the world around us, really is doable by everyone. Why not check in with your neighbours or search for local, grassroots organisations?

Plenty of NGOs need remote help with social media or online tasks too. No Name Kitchen recently requested volunteers for 2 hours each week for their innovative voucher scheme in Bosnia.

To buy Joshua’s book go to bookstore.org and search for “Joshua Coombes Do Something for Nothing” from your local book shop. And to join the #DoSomethingForNothing movement check out Joshua on Instagram

A tale of two cities: Bosnia’s Bihac and Banja Luka

26/5/2021

What do you know about Bosnia? Do you know about the stunning scenery and national park? Or the highlights of a tour of the second city? Keep reading for some vegan food-porn too!

Historic city centres and beautiful hiking trails, the Balkan country of Bosnia and Herzegovina holds much to interest and inspire, yet remains far from the top of most people’s must-go holiday destinations. The turbulent history of this former Yugoslavian country makes it a fascinating place to visit - capital Sarajevo is the main draw, hosting western European backpackers in the quaint cafes of the Old Town, but there’s far more to the country than this.

Bihac is the northernmost city in Bosnia and is located in the Federation - predominantly Bosniac muslims inhabit this area. When arriving overland from Croatia, the spires of churches are replaced by the minarets of mosques. Bullet holes are still visible in the buildings from the war which finished in the 1990s, yet Bihac is eager for tourists.

On first arriving in the city, explore the main square. The cafe-lined and traffic-free Bosanka is a favourite hangout of friendly locals. Stop off for a mali espresso and a chat before continuing to the ancient Fethija Mosque. Originally built as a church in 1266 before being converted to a mosque in 1592, it is the oldest gothic building in the country. It’s quiet location makes it a peaceful place to stop and think awhile.

Not far from here is the pristine River Una, the pride of the city. A view of the crystal clear waters can be enjoyed from the city centre park, or from Cafe H2O on the other side of town.

The city is attractive, but the countryside is the main reason to come. Short hiking trails start in the city to the hill-top fort, but to really see the beauty of the scenery, you need to head to the Una Sana National Park. The famous waterfall Martin Brod is an hour’s drive, but the stunning cascades of Strbacki Buk are closer and can be reached by a pleasant hiking route or by car. Just be sure to stick to the obvious trails. Warning signs for landmines are another stark reminder of the recent conflict.

If just seeing the water isn’t enough, why not get closer?! Rafting companies can easily be found in Bihac who will take care of all your needs for an exciting day on the water.

Banja Luka is Bosnia’s second largest city, and the capital of Republica Srpska. This area is claimed by ethnic Serbs - Orthodox Christianty dominates the city. The modern Cathedral stands in a trendy pedestrian zone where glassy shop fronts lead towards the ruined fortress.

Before you set off to hike up to the war memorial in Tresnjik Park, ensure you stock up on cakes and pastries for the journey. Vegans rejoice! The fasting traditions of the Orthodox church mean that there are plenty of baked goods which are free from animal products. If you can’t see the label for Posno, just ask. Mouthwatering cream cakes with praline centres and buttery croissants are all cruelty free.

With regular bus connections to Sarajevo from both cities, and to Croatia from Bihac, BiH isn’t too hard to get to. Better is to hire a car and enjoy the road trip in this intriguing and beautiful country.

How much does this make you want to visit? It's really interesting writing from a tourism perspective like this, without a single mention of the refugee crisis.

Fasting in Ramadan: Friendship and Gratitude

20/5/2021

Calais, France in May 2020

Last year, during Ramadan, I lived in France. I was staying with some people who are Muslim and were fasting during the daytime, before preparing lovely evening meals which I was invited to. So I took the opportunity to join them in fasting for a few days.

In May last year in France, sunset wasn’t until after 9:30pm. That’s a looong time to go without food. I picked a day when I would be quite busy with voluntary work and accepted that it would be a challenge. I didn’t find it too difficult to sit with the other volunteers while they were eating lunch, I was mindful that I had chosen to do this and that avoiding the world isn’t really the spirit of it.

Dinner that evening was wonderful. My housemates had prepared a lovely meal, nicely laid out on the table with dates, juice, bread and a vegetable lentil dish. The final hour had been mentally hard as my stomach growled knowing that I would eat soon, but the tastes of the food and the companionship with my friends was certainly worth it.

Lovely iftar food!

This year I was in Bosnia for most of Ramadan. I was volunteering with No Name Kitchen. My friends who were sleeping rough in the city, refugees from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and elsewhere, were fasting despite the difficult living conditions. I talked with a lot of people about what it was like, and many people told me that they are used to it. They’ve grown up with the fasting tradition. But the words of one of my closer friends struck me the most.

“We’re used to going without food. Sometimes we will have two or three days when we can’t eat anything, fasting during the day is no problem.”

I chose not to fast while I was working in Bihac. We had long, exhausting days, and I didn’t want to affect the work we were doing when people were counting on us to help. But once I had returned to Germany I fasted for a couple of days. I found it refreshing. It helped me realise (not for the first time) how lucky I am to have access to any food I want almost all the time.

The freedoms of a Western European life start at the basics - access to food and water, the most basic of human rights.

My Muslim friends, who are still stuck in Bosnia, were very happy to hear that I had fasted with them for a short time. It was a pleasure to be able to have something in common, despite our lives being so different.

We talked about next year, that we will be able to celebrate together when they have reached safe places.

To show support for people stranded in Bosnia, donate to No Name Kitchen here.

Do you fast for Ramadan? If not, would you try it? Comment below.

Bosnia Update: May 2021

4/5/2021

A year ago I was in Calais. We thought the pandemic might be over in time to have a normal summer and I was making myself useful until I could work or travel again. When hope faded, adventure and purpose beckoned and my eyes were opened to the atrocious situation for people at the edge of the EU.

Two weeks after returning from a second trip to Bosnia, I’m not looking back with the same reflection that I had last time. Because it is still real. My friends message me about their daily lives, including when they have been pushed back from Croatia or Slovenia.

THEY HAVE A LEGAL RIGHT TO ASK FOR ASYLUM.

I was naive to think that people didn’t know about the illegal actions of the Croatian, Greek and Slovenian border forces. Funded by the European Union, these officers are paid by taxpayers to illegally and brutally remove vulnerable people in unforgivably dangerous ways. Every testimony I collected for the Border Violence Monitoring Network included not only illegal removal across an international border, but theft and destruction of personal property.

“I understand that their job is to remove us, but why steal and break our things?”

One of the differences returning to Bihać was that I had some level of acceptance of the situation, and wasn’t as shocked. There were of course good moments. Having lunch with some friends sat in the sun, hospitality generously extended, though they have little.

Sitting with two forthright and intelligent young women and two wise-beyond-their-years young men from different countries, talking together in English about the state of the world, the illogical, the bizarre and the funny. Reflecting that, once they have reached a safe place, they will go so far.

And Bosnia is beautiful. The mountainous landscape around the city has trails to explore and stunning views to discover. On one of the last mornings, Stephanie and I had a breakfast picnic at a small viewpoint just outside Bihać, overlooking the stunning River Una. Grateful for everything we had and everything we had given.

For me now, it’s not a case of having ‘done my bit’ and moving on to something else.
The situation at the borders of the EU has to change. It has to.

What can we do?

Every one of us needs to do something about this. Us in the UK, no longer EU members, what can we do? We seem so detached from these problems which are so far away.

How I see it, there are two things you can do:

1. Make yourself aware of the circumstances and talk about it.

It seems so small, but gradually changing public opinion can only be a good thing. And it makes those of us who are campaigning feel better about the work we are doing. For a start, follow BVMN on Twitter.

2. Challenge what is happening in the UK.

What if the UK were a gold-standard in the way that refugees and asylum seekers were treated? Some of those who arrive to the UK will have come via Bosnia or Serbia. They have faced an extremely hard time in order to arrive at Britain's safe shores, we need to ensure that they are welcomed and given every opportunity to succeed.

Sign up to volunteer locally. Care4Calais are a good place to find out more. Honestly, the rewards of meeting new people and feeling useful are tremendous!
Simply liking and commenting on Facebook, Instagram and Tweets of organisations such as Seawatch, Aegean Boat Report and of course No Name Kitchen shows support and increases the reach of these important posts.

Whatever you are able to do, keep in touch. Send me messages, ask me questions and read my posts. Because I’m not letting this go.

Back to Bihac: Bosnia update February, 2021

25/2/2021

Ljubliana, Slovenia.

I’ve been back in Bosnia for a couple of weeks now. I have to say that the journey here was pretty special. As an aid worker, and with negative tests along the way, I could stop at the beautiful Bavarian lakeside town of Prien am Chiemsee.

Crossing borders isn’t the same as it used to be. My anxiety levels were pretty high as we crossed into Slovenia, and out of the Schengen Zone - an important Brexit stamp in my passport. Ljubljana was like a ghost town. Shops were closed but bits of the castle were open to explore, and it was great to relax.

The Croatian border was the worst. The UK is on the black list (that’s worse than the red list by the way), so we had to wait while they decided what to do with us. Fortunately my entry stamp into the EU meant I had proof that I’d not been there recently. So I was treated like I’d come from Germany. Zagreb seemed pretty normal. It was great to see a friend and eat really good hipster vegan food. The last time for a while.

Stopping in Velika Kladusa - the Bosnian border town - the reality of mosques, indoor smoking, different money, and stares in the street hit home. We were somewhere else now. Bihac is less intense than VK but it was easy to forget how it felt to be here before.

A welcoming rainbow in Bihac, Bosnia.

The city in winter is so different. In the summer, there were three or four thousand people living outside of the camps, now that’s just one thousand - people went south or to Serbia to escape the cold. The hostility is reduced as well. We’ve heard that the police don’t raid and clear the derelict buildings all the time like they used to. And the press attention that the fire at Lipa camp in December has drawn means that there are plenty more donations than there used to be. There will always been a need for clothing, shoes, bags and sleeping bags - but for now we have them.

The weather is warming up now, I’m writing this with the door open to the spring-like air, and whilst that means that surviving outside is easier, it also means that people will come back. Staying in a camp here is no solution, and the only way to find safety is to cross into the EU - over the mountains avoiding the brutal border guards.

Our friends will return to the city and soon we’ll have more to do. Let’s just hope that the international attention that the fire has created won’t dissipate too quickly.

To keep up with regular information, follow me on Instagram and Facebook

The Generosity of Steinfurt: donations for Bosnia

27/1/2021

Steinfurt Schloss, Photo: Hannah Parry

It doesn’t always rain in Steinfurt.

But more often than not, the striking castle and the angular church tower are silhouetted against a grey sky.

It’s definitely not on the usual tourist radar, but the huge Bagno Park and area of woodland that separate the two halves of the town, are delightful. The wooden-framed buildings of the old town centre are firmly north German, and the twice-weekly market continues to be laid out on the cobbled street, despite the current restrictions.

It is here that No Name Kitchen volunteer Stef lives. And it is here that the generosity of her friends, colleagues and local groups has completely astounded us.

The large meeting room in the offices of Use-Lab, Stef’s company, was piled high with clothes, shoes, blankets and sleeping bags donated by local Rotary Clubs, Breitensportverband and Soroptimists International, as well as the Pascal Gymnasium in Münster. We spent an entire day sorting and packing with Use-Lab director Torsten his son Tim, Anfried and Ruth - Stef’s housemate.

Roping in other organisations to help us with the logistics of transporting everything to Bosnia, we will be sending half a truck’s worth of essential equipment, as well as some hygiene supplies, which will (fingers crossed) arrive just as we do. We’ll then be able to share the stuff with people in need.

The situation in Bihac right now is as bad as ever.

The fire at Lipa Camp (read more about that here), which rightly engaged the spotlight of international media, has rather dwarfed the problems that already existed. Thousands of people are unsupported by any camp - inadequate or otherwise - and survive in the crumbling buildings in the city.

My friend sent these photos of where he lives.

Without the support of donations and organisations, I can’t imagine what would happen to him. Surely he would freeze or starve.

The generosity of the people of Steinfurt doesn’t just extend to physical or monetary donations. So often I feel as though I am shouting into the wind. That people in Europe read about and disapprove of the situation in the Balkans, but don’t care enough to act for change. Steinfurt has shown us that people do care. They care about our friends and the injustices that they face, and they’re willing to show that in a material way.

For us, as we begin our journey back to a much-changed Bihac, we are emboldened by the support.

To add to the support shown by the wonderful people of Steinfurt, you can donate to No Name Kitchen here.

And messages of support for us are always welcome.

Pushbacks of migrants from Italy to Slovenia are illegal. Court of Rome Rules.

21/1/2021

The Bosnia/Croatia border from Bihac. Photo: Hannah Parry

A judge in Rome has ruled that the practice of deporting migrants to Slovenia, under an old bilateral agreement, is illegal. “They are violating the Constitution and the European Charter of Fundamental Rights”.

Continue reading on Medium...

Five Podcasts That Are Worth Listening To

19/1/2021

I love a good podcast. I tend to listen to them while I’m driving or on a long run. It’s a great way to keep informed about changing trends, in-depth news features as well as learning new things and simply being entertained. Topics can range from comedy shows, to geeky, specialised content on every imaginable subject.

In this strange corona-time, news outlets seem concerned only with the C-word, so I’ve enjoyed listening to content about the world outside of our own bubble and staying informed about interesting and important issues.

Here are five of my favourites.

Worldwide Tribe Podcast

“The podcast that will take you on a journey across the world…without you having to go anywhere!”

Podcast presenter Jaz O’Hara is an engaging host with first hand experience of the things that she’s talking about. She talks to people affected by the migration crisis, people living in camps and those involved in helping in various ways, from policy-makers to field volunteers.

I’ve particularly enjoyed the episode with Lord Alf Dubs. His fascinating personal story prefixed detail about the Dubs Amendment - an addition to the Brexit Bill which would have ensured that unaccompanied child refugees could be reunited with family members in the UK.

Coffee Break Academy

There are no excuses to have a go at learning a new language these days. I’ve had a go a Spanish, Arabic, Serbo-Croatian-Bosnia, French and German. Duolingo is my go-to app which I use alongside Coffee Break Podcasts. They are easy to listen to, each episode focuses on just a small topic and they progress quite slowly.

They do Espresso Shots of thirty-one languages, as well as the 20-30 minute regular show which discuss grammar as well cultural aspects.

Bist du bereit? Los gehts!

Jane Goodall’s Hopecast

“For a woman who defied the odds to change the world, Jane has lived a life propelled by hope. But it is not enough to expect something to happen, or to desire it. You must have confidence in the future, take action and trust – trust of yourself and in others.”

This is a new podcast series with the wonderful Dr Jane Goodall. Her long life of raising awareness of the human impact on the natural world has led her to meet numerous interesting and inspirational people. We could definitely all use a dose of hope right now.

Overheard at National Geographic

This is a great series about random interesting things. From ‘The tree at the end of a world’ to ‘Scuba diving in a pyramid’ the lighthearted style is fun, but you’ll certainly learn stuff!

I particularly enjoyed ‘The Glass Stratosphere’, about women being allowed to be among the first astronauts to the moon.

Living Adventurously

I feel like Al Humphreys is my friend, we share similar attitudes and restlessness I think. His idea of having 'microadventures' in whatever spare time you had, is now a mainstream term and his publications and mad ideas are inspired!

His podcast series started when he was spending a month cycling around Yorkshire. His point being that, there are multiple definitions of how to ‘live adventurously’. Some of the people he interviews have completed global physical challenges, as Al himself has, but others find their adventure by becoming immersed in their local community.

What are you listening to? And why do you like it? Comment below with any other suggestions for me.