Future in the dead end

An encounter in the middle of nowhere during a hike in the village of Peștera in the Carpathians: she stands there, in the middle of the countryside, where time is more of a rumour than a concept. An old woman, as joyful as the day itself, wearing buckled shoes and carrying a walking stick she carved herself. Behind her: a fast-charging station, flashing, proud, completely out of place.

As if someone had accidentally dropped part of an airport here. Between barns, sheep and the smell of burnt wood, it hums quietly – the future.

The woman smiles. Not because she understands what is happening – but because someone has finally stopped again. Perhaps she thinks the thing makes coffee. Or blesses tractors.

In the background: mountains. In front of them: progress in energy-saving mode. None of it makes sense. And that is precisely why it is completely logical. | Romania