After the season

Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic is a world-famous spa. One of its clients was Johann Wolfgang Goethe.

In the times of totalitarianism, they were particularly popular with wealthy Russians. They not only had treatments here, but also bought, repaired and ran many restaurants and hotels.

The situation changed dramatically after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Russians had to leave because of sanctions and are not allowed to sell their property. The houses are empty, slowly decaying and the town looks like it is dying.

Reflections in empty windows, fog, shadows, faceless people - this is what the once vibrant city looks like now. As a motto for my story of a beautiful but unhappy city, I chose to quote Goethe: "What a spectacle! But oh! Just a spectacle..."